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TSMC Faces Patent Infringement Investigation That Could Impact U.S. Imports Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry, is under investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) for patent infringement. If the allegations are upheld, imports of certain semiconductors into the U.S. could be restricted. On June 10, U.S. media outlet Axios reported that Irish companies Longitude Licensing and Malin Semiconductor have filed a complaint with the ITC, claiming that semiconductors produced using TSMC's advanced processes infringe on their patents. The ITC initiated a Section 337 investigation based on this complaint in March of last year. The Section 337 investigation is a procedure to determine whether imported products violate intellectual property rights. If infringement is found, the ITC can issue orders to ban imports or halt sales of the affected products. Companies including Apple, Broadcom, Qualcomm, Lenovo, Motorola, and OnePlus are also included in the investigation. Axios noted that since the disputed semiconductors are produced using TSMC's advanced processes, TSMC is at the center of the case. Longitude Licensing and Malin Semiconductor are subsidiaries of IPValue Management, owned by the U.S. private equity firm Vector Capital. Malin Semiconductor reportedly acquired some patents from TSMC's competitor, Taiwan's UMC, in 2021. An ITC administrative law judge is expected to issue a preliminary ruling later this month, with a final decision anticipated in October. In U.S. political circles, opinions are divided. Four Republican lawmakers sent a letter to ITC Chair Amy Kapfer on May 22, urging that imports of foreign semiconductors that infringe on patents should be blocked. They argued that TSMC should not receive special treatment due to its strategic importance in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. In contrast, Democratic lawmakers from Arizona, where TSMC is building a factory, warned that actions affecting TSMC could burden U.S. semiconductor production, artificial intelligence development, defense systems, and the local economy. TSMC has announced plans to invest a total of $165 billion in expanding its semiconductor production facilities in Arizona. The company maintains that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations in its operating regions. The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs stated, "As the proceedings are ongoing, we respect the relevant processes and will monitor the situation, providing support if necessary."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:30:00 -
Coupang Fined Record Amount for Data Breach The penalties for personal information breaches are increasing significantly. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has imposed a fine of 624.7 billion won on Coupang, marking the largest penalty since the enforcement of the Personal Information Protection Act. This amount is approximately 3.7 times the total fines of 167.7 billion won imposed on companies last year, surpassing the total penalties for all companies with just one fine. The record for penalties has been broken annually. In 2022, the PIPC fined Google and Meta a combined total of 100 billion won for collecting online activity records without user consent, setting a previous record. Following that, SK Telecom faced a fine of 134.8 billion won for a data breach involving SIM card information, which set a new high. The fine against Coupang is about 4.6 times that of SK Telecom and six times the combined fines of Google and Meta. Penalties for major personal information breaches in South Korea have also been steadily increasing. KakaoPay was fined 5.968 billion won for providing user information to Alipay, while Woori Card received a fine of 13.451 billion won for inadequate management of customer data. Fines that once ranged in the tens of millions have now escalated into the hundreds of billions. The increase in fines is partly due to amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act. The current law allows fines of up to 3% of the revenue related to the violation. A 2023 amendment expanded the basis for calculating fines from revenue related to the violation to total revenue, meaning that larger platform companies with more users will face higher penalties. However, companies can exclude revenue unrelated to the violation if they can prove it. Stricter penalties are expected to take effect in September. The PIPC is currently proposing amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act. The proposed changes include imposing punitive fines on companies that repeat the same violations within three years, cause data breaches affecting over 10 million individuals, or leak personal information again after failing to comply with corrective orders. If these conditions are met, the maximum fine could increase from the current cap of 3% of total revenue to 10%. However, the Coupang case will not fall under this punitive fine provision as it occurred before the amendments take effect. The security industry anticipates that the level of penalties will rise further as major platforms experience increasingly large-scale personal information breaches. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), the number of reported personal information breaches reached 447 last year, a 45.6% increase from the previous year. IBM's '2025 Data Breach Cost Report' also indicates that as AI technology advances, companies with inadequate security controls and internal management are at greater risk of breaches.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:30:00 -
President Yoon Requests EU to Avoid Disadvantages for Korean Steel Industry President Yoon Suk Yeol has urged the European Union (EU) to ensure that Korean companies do not face disadvantages under the new steel quota system. Kim Yong-beom, the Chief of Policy at the Blue House, stated during a briefing in Rome on June 11 that President Yoon made this request during a meeting with António Costa, the President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, in Brussels the previous day.The EU has announced plans to transition its current steel quota system, based on World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines, to a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system starting July 1, in response to global oversupply in the steel market.Under the new system, the EU's duty-free steel import quota will decrease, and tariffs on quantities exceeding the quota will rise from the current 25% to 50%.Specifically, the introduction of the TRQ system will reduce the duty-free steel import volume from the current 33.82 million tons to approximately 18.35 million tons, a reduction of about 46%.Last year, the EU was Korea's second-largest steel export market, importing 3.24 million tons and allocating a duty-free quota of about 2.58 million tons.President Yoon also explained that the EU's measures could have broad implications not only for the steel industry but also for industrial cooperation, supply chain stability, investment, and employment between the two countries.He emphasized the need for outcomes that reflect the mutually beneficial economic cooperation established through the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the strategic partnership between the two nations.He requested that the EU adjust interests not only in steel but also in other areas to ensure that the mutual benefits of the Korea-EU FTA are not undermined.In response, the EU stated, "Korea is a country that shares common values and is a strategically important partner, so we will consider the request as much as possible."Kim noted that, following the guidance of the two leaders, intensive negotiations on quota volumes have made significant progress, and he expects favorable results compared to other countries.He added, "This will serve as a good example of productive cooperation among partners with similar positions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:27:00 -
Prime Minister Kim Minsuk Remembers Former Japanese Speaker Kono Yohei Prime Minister Kim Minsuk expressed his condolences on June 11 following the passing of former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Kono Yohei, wishing for the healthy development of Korea-Japan relations. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Kim stated, "Former Speaker Kono Yohei has passed away." He described Kono as a rare Japanese politician who acknowledged the coercion involved in the mobilization of comfort women and offered an apology, presenting the principle of "acknowledging history and moving toward the future." He also noted Kono's close relationship with his political mentor, former President Kim Dae-jung. Kim added, "His son, former Foreign Minister Kono Taro, is a long-time friend of mine," recalling their two-decade friendship characterized by open discussions despite political differences, saying, "We have talked about our true feelings regarding the difficult issues between Korea and Japan." The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Korea-Japan relations, stating, "President Lee Jae-myung has broadened the horizons of Korea-Japan diplomacy, and business leaders like Choi Tae-won stress the necessity of economic cooperation between our two countries. The Korea-Japan relationship is more important than we think and must develop beyond the current state." Kang Chang-il, the former South Korean ambassador to Japan and current Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peace and Unification Advisory Council, reflected on Kono's legacy in a message to the press, stating, "He valued the peace of Northeast Asia and maintained a cautious stance on the revision of Japan's pacifist constitution, which explicitly renounces war, while promoting friendship between Korea and Japan throughout his life." Kang praised Kono's courageous decision in 1993 when he served as Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, acknowledging the forced mobilization of comfort women and the military's involvement in the Kono Statement, calling it a significant step toward improving bilateral relations and establishing a forward-looking Korea-Japan relationship.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:21:00 -
U.S. Strikes Oil Tanker for Violating Iran Blockade, Killing Three Indians The United States struck a Palau-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it violated a blockade against Iran, resulting in the deaths of three Indian crew members. On June 10, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had neutralized the tanker M/T Setebello at 11:14 p.m. while it was navigating through the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM stated that the vessel was attempting to transport Iranian oil and had repeatedly failed to comply with U.S. directives. U.S. aircraft targeted the engine room of the Setebello with precision munitions. CENTCOM also reported that it had attacked another Palau-flagged tanker, M/T Marivex, heading for Iran on June 8. Since the initiation of the blockade against Iran on April 13, the U.S. military has neutralized eight vessels that did not comply with orders and turned back 134 others. Humanitarian aid vessels, numbering 42, were allowed passage. According to the Indian government, there were 24 Indian crew members aboard the Setebello. Of those, 21 were rescued, while the three missing crew members were found deceased. In response, India summoned the U.S. chargé d'affaires to its foreign ministry to express its protest. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing serious concern over the ongoing attacks on vessels in the region and called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), condemned the strike on the Setebello, stating, "Any act that threatens the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping is strongly condemned." The IMO reported that it had confirmed 43 attacks on international vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters since February 28.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:15:00 -
50,000 Fans Expected in Busan for BTS Concert; Special Immigration Measures Activated As global artist BTS prepares for their concert in Busan, the South Korean government anticipates a significant influx of international fans. To facilitate smooth entry, special transportation and immigration measures will be implemented. On June 11, the Ministry of Justice, led by Minister Jeong Seong-ho, announced that approximately 50,000 foreign fans are expected to arrive in South Korea for the BTS concert taking place from June 12 to 14. To ensure the convenience and speed of entry and exit for these fans, a 'special immigration inspection plan' will be in effect until June 14. This special plan will be executed simultaneously at four major immigration offices: Incheon International Airport, Busan Immigration Office, Gimhae Airport Immigration Office, and Gimpo Airport Immigration Office. The measures also account for passengers arriving via ferry at Busan Port. To minimize congestion, the Ministry of Justice will bolster staffing significantly. Incheon International Airport will receive the largest contingent, with an additional 140 inspection personnel deployed. Gimhae Airport will add 8 staff members, Gimpo Airport will have 7, and 3 personnel will be extended to support operations at Busan Port. Real-time monitoring will be enhanced at each airport and port to respond promptly to any congestion issues. Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "We will concentrate personnel and equipment to ensure that K-pop fans from around the world experience Korea's efficiency and convenience from the moment they arrive. We will carefully monitor to prevent any inconveniences for international visitors, contributing to local economic revitalization and enhancing the national image."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:15:00 -
Im Sung-geun Sentenced to 18 Months for Perjury in Lobbying Scandal Im Sung-geun, a key figure in the lobbying scandal related to the death of Corporal Cha, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for perjury in the National Assembly. On June 11, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo, found Im guilty of violating the National Assembly Act regarding testimony and evidence. The special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Lee Myung-hyun had previously sought a three-year prison term for Im. The lobbying scandal centers on allegations that Im, using his connections with Lee Jong-ho, a close associate of First Lady Kim Geon-hee, attempted to be excluded from the list of suspects in the case. Throughout the proceedings, Im maintained that he did not know Lee. Consequently, the trial's main issue was whether Im had met with Kim and Lee. Ultimately, the court accepted the testimony of actor Park Sung-woong, who stated he had dined and socialized with Im and Lee at a bar in Gangnam, Seoul, in 2022, as evidence leading to the guilty verdict. The court noted, "Park had no motive to provide false testimony, and his account of the seating arrangement matched perfectly with statements from other witnesses. Therefore, it can be concluded that Im maintained contact with Lee after that social gathering." The court also concluded that Im's claim of forgetting his phone password during investigations by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) and the National Assembly's audit was a false statement intended to obstruct justice. During a National Assembly audit in October of last year, when asked about his phone password, Im replied, "I don't remember." However, just three days later, amid speculation about a possible arrest warrant, he suddenly claimed, "By a miracle from God, I remembered the password," and submitted his phone. The court criticized this, stating, "The password included the English spelling for 'Marine Corps' and part of his spouse's resident registration number, which would be very familiar to the defendant. It is implausible that he suddenly remembered the password just three days after the judicial pressure of an arrest warrant was imminent." Additionally, the court recognized Im's statement during a July 2024 National Assembly hearing regarding the invitation list for the Marine Corps training event as perjury. The court found that despite having invited Song, another figure implicated in the lobbying scandal, Im misrepresented the facts as if the invitation had come from the Marine Corps Command. The court emphasized, "The defendant had a legal and moral obligation to answer truthfully during the National Assembly's investigations and hearings to alleviate public suspicion. Nevertheless, he continued to propagate his false claims even after the trial concluded, significantly undermining public trust." The court also referenced Im's attempts to contact Park after discovering his phone number during the trial, sending multiple messages asking, 'Are you sure you saw me?' This behavior was deemed inappropriate pressure on the judicial process and witnesses, contributing to the severity of his sentence. Following the verdict, Im expressed his inability to accept the ruling and announced plans to appeal. Im's attorney, Lee Jong-geun, criticized the court for dismissing all arguments from the defense without providing a clear and reasonable explanation for the rejection, claiming that the judgment lacked sufficient examination and consideration of the facts. Earlier, Im was also indicted on charges of professional negligence leading to death in connection with the Corporal Cha case and received a three-year prison sentence in the first trial, which is currently under appeal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:12:00 -
Foreign Investors Withdraw from South Korean and Taiwanese AI Semiconductor Stocks Foreign investment is rapidly exiting the leading semiconductor stocks in South Korea and Taiwan. With significant sell-offs in major tech firms like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC, nearly 30 trillion won (approximately $23 billion) has flowed out this month alone. According to the Korea Exchange and the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), from June 1 to June 10, foreign investors sold a net 11.82 trillion won (about $9 billion) worth of Samsung Electronics and 6.99 trillion won (around $5.4 billion) of SK Hynix. In Taiwan, foreign investors sold approximately 8.7 trillion won (about $6.7 billion) of TSMC and around 2.4 trillion won (about $1.8 billion) of Quanta, an AI server manufacturer. Additionally, Hon Hai Precision, known as Foxconn, saw a net sell-off of 160 billion won (about $123 million). South Korea and Taiwan are central to the global AI semiconductor industry. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are key players in the AI semiconductor and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) markets, while TSMC is the world's largest foundry. Quanta and Hon Hai Precision are major companies responsible for producing NVIDIA AI servers. This year, both countries' stock markets have gained prominence in the global arena, bolstered by increased AI investments. According to Bloomberg, as of June 10, Taiwan has become the fifth-largest stock market in the world, thanks to TSMC's soaring market capitalization, while South Korea ranks eighth, driven by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Market analysts are noting the simultaneous foreign sell-offs in key AI stocks from both countries this month. Reuters reports that foreign capital has exited the South Korean market by $12.63 billion and the Taiwanese market by $8 billion this month. The combined outflow from South Korea and Taiwan exceeds $20.6 billion (approximately 31.6 trillion won). Analysts suggest that this shift in foreign investment is more likely a profit-taking strategy rather than a reaction to deteriorating market conditions. Yang Seung-soo, a researcher at Meritz Securities, stated, "Taiwan's IT companies continued to see sales growth in May, driven by increased AI demand. The structural strength of AI infrastructure demand and ongoing memory supply shortages persist." He added, "Recent foreign selling is more indicative of profit realization and portfolio rebalancing than a response to worsening market conditions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:12:00 -
First Extradition of Illegal Manga Sharing Site Operator from Japan The Ministry of Justice announced on June 11 that it has extradited a 37-year-old man, referred to as A, from Japan through criminal extradition procedures. A is accused of operating an illegal manga sharing site from 2015 to 2022, where he allegedly posted over 1,400 copyrighted manga works and advertised gambling sites. Originally a South Korean national, A left for Japan in 2017 and acquired Japanese citizenship in 2022. Following a request for cooperation from prosecutors and police in January 2024, the Ministry began reviewing the case and legal issues. Subsequently, it engaged in discussions with Japanese authorities regarding the extradition. The process was completed in March, culminating in A's return to South Korea after receiving final approval from Japanese officials. The Ministry maintained close cooperation with Japanese authorities throughout the extradition process. A Ministry official emphasized, "This case marks the first instance of South Korea receiving an extradited criminal with Japanese nationality since the signing of the Extradition Treaty between South Korea and Japan in 2002." Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to hold accountable those who infringe on copyrights and harm the cultural content industry, including webtoons. The Ministry stated, "We will investigate the illegal manga sharing site associated with A, working through international cooperation to uncover the full extent of the criminal methods and operational structure, and ensure thorough tracking and recovery of criminal proceeds. We will collaborate closely with the prosecution, police, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 17:12:00 -
BTS turns Busan into Asia's hottest destination SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and biggest port, has turned into a mini-Asia as it hosts a two-day homecoming concert for BTS, timed with the group's 13th anniversary. The summer vacation season arrived early for the coastal city, with fans crowding department stores, luxury outlets, convenience stores and Olive Young shops, while roaming beaches and BTS-themed streets ahead of the June 12-13 concerts. By late May, major hotels including Paradise Hotel Busan, The Westin Josun Busan, Grand Josun Busan, Ananti Cove and Sono Moon Haeundae had either sold out or reported occupancy rates above 90 percent for the concert period. "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN BUSAN" will take place at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the same venue that hosted "Yet To Come in BUSAN" in October 2022, the group's last major full-member performance before the members began their mandatory military service. The second day of the concert also falls on the anniversary of BTS's debut, adding emotional weight to the Busan shows. It marks a homecoming after the group launched its world tour in Goyang, west of Seoul, drawing about 132,000 fans over three performances. Since then, BTS has swept through Japan, the United States and Mexico, with Busan serving as the latest stop on a global itinerary spanning 34 cities and up to 85 performances through March 2027. The group also picked up Artist of the Year and two other trophies at the American Music Awards during its stop in Las Vegas. The tourist boom is already translating into stronger consumer spending across Busan. Foreign sales at Shinsegae Centum City surged 267 percent during the first five months of the year from a year earlier, while overseas visitor sales at Lotte Department Store's Busan Main Store and Dongbusan branch rose 125 percent and 150 percent, respectively. Convenience stores and beauty retailers have also benefited. Foreign-currency transactions at GS25 stores near major tourist destinations such as Haeundae and Gwangalli jumped nearly 192 percent, while foreign sales at Olive Young stores in key tourism districts rose 64 percent. Spending by visitors from Greater China increased by about 80 percent. The figures suggest Busan is increasingly attracting tourists from Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and other parts of Asia not only as a sightseeing destination but also as a shopping and lifestyle hub. Industry officials say foreign tourists who once concentrated their spending in Seoul's Myeong-dong and Gangnam are increasingly extending their trips to Busan. The city has also prepared sideline showcases and events such as the Busan Port Festival and the Busan One Asia Festival to ride the BTS boom. "When you walk into Shinsegae Department Store these days, it's hard to tell whether you're in Busan or Fukuoka," said Park Sun-young, a 50-year-old resident of Busan's Centum City district. "You see Japanese and Chinese shoppers lining up outside luxury boutiques such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton. It's the same in Haeundae. I've never heard so many different Asian languages spoken in one place before," she added. Foreign arrivals reached 7.01 million in the first four months of this year, up 20.9 percent from a year earlier. Taiwan recorded the fastest growth at 34.1 percent, followed by China at 23.5 percent, Japan at 19.5 percent, Vietnam at 12.6 percent and the United States at 11.6 percent. Busan has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of that trend. The city welcomed a record 3.64 million foreign visitors in 2025, while more than 1.02 million overseas travelers visited during the first quarter of this year, up 45 percent from a year earlier and marking the fastest time the city has surpassed the one-million-visitor mark since related statistics began in 2014. Authorities are preparing for a sharp increase in overseas visitors. The Incheon Airport Immigration Office said it will implement special operating measures from Wednesday to Saturday in anticipation of a surge in foreign arrivals traveling to Busan for the concerts. During a previous BTS concert period in April, daily foreign arrivals at Incheon Airport rose to between 47,000 and 49,000, roughly 26 percent higher than the monthly average. Chinese visitors accounted for the largest share, while travelers from Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries also increased significantly. Unlike BTS's first comeback performance at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square in March, where nearly three-quarters of foreign attendees were long-term residents already living in Korea, the Busan concerts are expected to draw a larger share of visitors traveling specifically for the event, particularly from China, Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia. The trend has been aided by frequent regional air routes, even as long-haul travel remains costly amid the Gulf crisis. The city's growing popularity has even spawned the term "Busan craze," referring to travelers who find themselves wanting to return after experiencing the city's beaches, food culture and laid-back coastal atmosphere. But not everyone has been happy with the city. According to data from the Korea Tourism Data Lab, operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, Busan alone accounted for more than half of all tourism-related complaints filed nationwide in May, with 185 of 368 cases reported in the city. That total was equivalent to about 77 percent of all tourism complaints reported in Busan during the entirety of 2025. Complaint numbers jumped sharply from 48 in April to 185 in May, with accommodation-related grievances making up the overwhelming majority. Many complaints involved unilateral reservation cancellations, excessive cancellation fees and allegations of price gouging. Foreign visitors accounted for 83.8 percent of all complaints, significantly outnumbering domestic travelers. The increase came after reports emerged that some accommodation providers had canceled existing reservations and relisted rooms at higher prices following the announcement of BTS's Busan concerts. BTS members personally appealed to hospitality operators not to damage the image of the country or the group through profiteering. Local and central government authorities have since stepped up inspections of lodging businesses and transportation operators to prevent unfair pricing practices and minimize inconvenience for visitors. After Busan, BTS will continue its world tour through Europe, North America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia. The scale of the concerts and the consistency of production quality at each venue have drawn awe and praise, generating a wave of online confessions from new fans who say they have converted to ARMY. In a social media post on Monday, a member of the tour's technical team said the show will feature a 360-degree stage designed to bring fans closer to the performance, supported by around 100 trucks, 10 cargo aircraft and 400 crew members. The concerts will also be streamed online and shown through live-viewing screenings, allowing fans outside Busan to take part in the anniversary event. For Busan, the shows are more than another stop on the group's world tour. They may test whether a burst of global attention can become something more lasting. 2026-06-11 17:10:07