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  • Chinas Wang Yi: North Korea-U.S. Dialogue Must Be Resolved by Parties Involved
    China's Wang Yi: North Korea-U.S. Dialogue Must Be Resolved by Parties Involved Wang Yi, head of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister, stated that the decision to engage in dialogue regarding a North Korea-U.S. summit lies with both North Korea and the United States, emphasizing that a change in U.S. policy toward North Korea is necessary. After a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on August 19, Wang told reporters that the possibility of mediating a North Korea-U.S. summit is a matter for North Korea and the U.S. to decide, adding, "In particular, the U.S. must change its long-standing hostile policy toward North Korea." This reiterates China's longstanding position that the success of North Korea-U.S. dialogue depends on the judgment of the parties involved, while also calling for a shift in the U.S. approach to North Korea. The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics, including the state of China-South Korea relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, marking the first in-person meeting between the foreign ministers since their last meeting in Beijing in September 2022. In his opening remarks, Minister Park emphasized that the recent recovery in China-South Korea relations should contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. He referenced President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during his Liberation Day speech, stating, "The South Korean government will continue to work toward denuclearization and the realization of peace on the Korean Peninsula." Park also expressed hope for cooperation with China, citing that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are in the mutual interest of both countries. Wang responded by affirming that China, as a major neighboring country of the Korean Peninsula, will continue to play a constructive role for peace and stability. He expressed hope that both North and South Korea would move toward peaceful coexistence and achieve sustained stability and development on the Peninsula. Regarding China-South Korea relations, Wang offered a positive assessment, noting that relations have entered a phase of improvement and development since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which aligns with the interests and expectations of both nations. He also emphasized that maintaining friendly cooperation with China is beneficial for South Korea's national interests. The meeting likely addressed follow-up actions from previous China-South Korea summits, the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November, and potential future diplomatic engagements. Additionally, with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea approaching next year, discussions may have included ways to translate the momentum of restored relations into concrete cooperative outcomes. Meanwhile, Wang, who is visiting South Korea for the first time in nearly five years since September 2021, is scheduled to meet with President Lee Jae-myung on August 20 and hold discussions and a luncheon with National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 20:36:00
  • Yong-taks TAK SHOW Enters Fifth Season as a Brand
    Yong-tak's 'TAK SHOW' Enters Fifth Season as a Brand Yong-tak's solo concert series, 'TAK SHOW,' has reached its fifth season.The singer will hold the '2026 Yong-tak Solo Concert TAK SHOW5' at Korea University Gymnasium from October 3 to 5. General ticket sales began on Melon Ticket on August 14 at 8 p.m. Currently, only the Seoul performance has been announced, with additional national tour dates and locations to be revealed later.'TAK SHOW' first launched in 2022, marking Yong-tak's debut solo concert under his own name. The inaugural event took place at KSPO DOME in Seoul from July 29 to 31. Following this, the tour expanded to eight cities across the country, including Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Changwon, Busan, Jeonju, and Andong.Encore performances followed from the first season, with Yong-tak returning to KSPO DOME for three days of encore shows from November 18 to 20. The first 'TAK SHOW' attracted approximately 90,000 attendees, although the final performance in Andong on October 30 was canceled due to a national mourning period following the Itaewon tragedy.The following year, the brand continued with 'TAK SHOW2: TAK'S WORLD.' The Seoul performances were again held at KSPO DOME from August 25 to 27, and the tour included seven cities: Daegu, Busan, Jeonju, Incheon, Andong, and Daejeon. This second national tour confirmed that the initial concert was not a one-time event.'TAK SHOW2' also concluded with an encore in Seoul, where Yong-tak performed at KSPO DOME on February 17 and 18, 2024, wrapping up the second season.The third season, 'TAK SHOW3,' kicked off at KSPO DOME from October 25 to 27, 2024, and included performances in Gwangju, Gangneung, Daegu, Andong, Daejeon, Busan, and Incheon, totaling eight cities. Gwangju and Gangneung were new additions to the tour.After completing the national tour, Yong-tak held encore performances at KSPO DOME on February 22 and 23, 2025, marking the end of the third season.In 2025, 'TAK SHOW4' saw a change in the Seoul venue, with Yong-tak performing at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium from August 8 to 10. The tour then visited Daejeon, Jeonju, Daegu, Incheon, Andong, and Cheongju, covering a total of seven cities.The fourth season also concluded in Seoul, with encore concerts held at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium from January 9 to 11, 2026, completing a five-month national tour. While the first three seasons were based at KSPO DOME, both the main performances and encores for the fourth season took place at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium.This year, the fifth 'TAK SHOW' will be held at Korea University Gymnasium in Seoul.'TAK SHOW5' will feature three performances from October 3 to 5, each starting at 3 p.m., with a runtime of 120 minutes. The agency will provide details on the national tour schedule and locations at a later date.In terms of numbers, the national tour locations for 'TAK SHOW' have included eight cities in the first season, seven in the second, eight in the third, and seven in the fourth. The Seoul venues have shifted from KSPO DOME to Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium and now to Korea University Gymnasium. As 'TAK SHOW5' approaches, attention is on which cities will be included in the tour following Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 20:32:00
  • Special Prosecutors Charge Four Former National Intelligence Service Officials with Insurrection
    Special Prosecutors Charge Four Former National Intelligence Service Officials with Insurrection On August 19, four former officials of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), including former Director Cho Tae-yong and former First Deputy Director Hong Jang-won, have been charged with insurrection-related offenses.According to Yonhap News, the second special prosecutor's team announced that Cho, Hong, former Second Deputy Director Hwang Won-jin, and former Planning and Coordination Director Kim Nam-woo have been indicted without detention on charges of important duties related to insurrection and abuse of authority under the National Intelligence Service Act.Cho is accused of giving comprehensive instructions to NIS employees regarding emergency response during the martial law and of conveying explanations to U.S. intelligence agencies that supported the martial law.The special prosecutors believe that the National Security Office sent a document to the NIS the day after the martial law was declared, instructing them to explain the background of the martial law to allied countries. They have determined that, under Cho's direction, the overseas department explained the situation to the head of the CIA in South Korea. The prosecutors also assert that Hong was informed of and approved this process.Hong is also facing allegations of holding a departmental meeting on the day of the martial law to establish a communication network with the Military Counterintelligence Command and the National Police Agency. The special prosecutors have applied charges for directing NIS personnel to be sent to the police situation room.Hong's side contends that the meeting was merely to organize departmental tasks and the martial law response manual, denying any involvement in insurrection.Former Deputy Director Hwang is accused of considering sending personnel to the joint investigation headquarters of the martial law and directing the selection of investigation targets in preparation for the restoration of the NIS's counterintelligence authority. Former Director Kim has been indicted for directing the selection of personnel to be dispatched to the martial law situation room at the request of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Earlier, the special prosecutors conducted a search and seizure of the NIS server in April, investigating 71 current and former employees as witnesses and 11 as suspects.Former Deputy Director Yoon O-jun, who was also implicated, was cleared of charges. Six former department heads and officials received deferred prosecution for cooperating with the investigation.The special prosecutors previously charged former Capital Defense Command First Guard Commander Cho Sung-hyun with insurrection-related duties for restricting the entry of troops moving to the National Assembly during the martial law.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 20:16:00
  • Wang Yi Emphasizes Constructive Role for Peace and Stability on Korean Peninsula
    Wang Yi Emphasizes Constructive Role for Peace and Stability on Korean Peninsula Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister, stated that he will continue to play a constructive role for peace and development on the Korean Peninsula. Wang made these remarks during a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Choi Hyun at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno, Seoul, on August 19. His emphasis on a constructive role for peace on the Korean Peninsula is significant, especially amid reports that a North America summit will be pursued during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. The two ministers met for the first time in 11 months since their last meeting in Beijing in September of the previous year, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and other regional and international issues of mutual interest. In his opening remarks, Minister Choi expressed hope that the restoration of China-South Korea relations would contribute to peace and stability in the region, including the Korean Peninsula. He noted that President Lee Jae-myung recently presented a vision for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during his Liberation Day speech, affirming that the South Korean government will work towards denuclearization and peace. Choi added, "I look forward to cooperating with China based on our shared interest in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and I hope for an open and in-depth dialogue with Minister Wang today." He also expressed condolences over the passing of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji. In response, Wang stated, "As the most important neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China will continue to play a constructive role for peace and development, as well as stability on the Peninsula. We will make the necessary efforts." He further expressed hope that both South and North Korea would gradually pursue opportunities for peace and coexistence, wishing for sustained stability and development on the Korean Peninsula. The meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m., but Wang arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 6:16 p.m. He has previously faced criticism for being late to major diplomatic events, including China-South Korea foreign minister meetings. After the meeting, both ministers moved to continue their discussions over dinner. Wang is set to visit President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on August 20 and hold a meeting and lunch with National Security Advisor Wi Seong-lak.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:48:00
  • Gimhae Hosts Successful AI Video Production Training for Farmers
    Gimhae Hosts Successful AI Video Production Training for Farmers Gimhae City has seen overwhelming interest in its AI video production training for local farmers, with applications exceeding the available slots by more than double.The city is conducting a four-day digital skills enhancement program for farmers, titled 'Smartphone and AI-Based Promotional Video Production Course,' from August 18 to 21 at the Gimhae Agricultural Technology Center.This training aims to equip farmers with the skills to conduct their own online marketing using smartphones and generative AI, addressing the challenges they face due to high outsourcing costs and a lack of expertise in self-promotion. The city noted that the demand reflects the needs of local farms.Originally, the program was set to accommodate 40 participants, but the number of applicants confirmed the strong demand for digital marketing skills among farmers.The 28-hour course is designed to be hands-on, allowing immediate application of skills learned. Key topics include analyzing successful YouTube case studies to identify trends, smartphone photography and videography techniques, content planning using generative AI, and video editing practice.Choi Yoon-jeong, head of the Gimhae Agricultural Technology Support Division, stated, "In today's market, differentiated promotion and marketing are essential for selling agricultural products. We will support farmers in mastering smartphone and AI technologies to revitalize their operations and expand their online sales channels."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:48:00
  • Samsung Electronics Raises Foundry Prices by Up to 15% Amid Demand Recovery
    Samsung Electronics Raises Foundry Prices by Up to 15% Amid Demand Recovery Samsung Electronics has reportedly increased the prices of new orders for some advanced foundry processes by up to 15% in response to rising demand.According to a report by Yonhap News Agency citing Reuters, Samsung raised the prices for 4nm process semiconductors last month. The increase is said to be 10-15% for clients in China and the U.S., while Taiwanese clients face a rise of 5-10%.Prices for 5nm process wafers have also gone up by 10-15%, and wafers for the previous 8nm process have seen an approximate 10% increase.Analysts suggest that the significant price hikes are due to increased reliance on overseas foundries by Chinese companies, following U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment.Samsung is reportedly unable to fulfill all incoming orders as it must allocate production capacity for U.S. clients and its own semiconductor manufacturing. Google is also said to be in negotiations with Samsung for chip production using the 4nm process.Meanwhile, the 4nm production line in Pyeongtaek has been operating at maximum capacity since late last year. This line produces logic semiconductors for external clients like Qualcomm, as well as base dies for Samsung's high-bandwidth memory (HBM).Earlier, Samsung announced during its second-quarter earnings report that it plans to begin mass production of the second generation of its 2nm process in the second half of the year, aiming to improve foundry profitability through enhanced utilization and yield, along with the price increases.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:44:00
  • South Korea and China Discuss Peace on Korean Peninsula
    South Korea and China Discuss Peace on Korean Peninsula South Korea and China’s foreign ministers met in Seoul to discuss peace on the Korean Peninsula, denuclearization, and the development of bilateral relations. As the South Korean government pushes for multilateral talks to end the Korean War, China expressed its intention to play a constructive role in ensuring peace and stability in the region.According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Wang Yi, head of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Foreign Affairs Office and Foreign Minister, on August 19 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This marks Wang's first visit to South Korea since September 2021.The two ministers convened for the first time in 11 months, following their meeting in Beijing last September. They exchanged views on South Korea-China relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and international issues.Minister Park referenced President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula during his Liberation Day speech, requesting China's cooperation in achieving denuclearization and peace. He emphasized that the restoration of South Korea-China relations should lead to peace and stability in the region, including the Korean Peninsula.Wang stated that as a key neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China aims to play a constructive role in fostering peace and stability. He also expressed hope for both North and South Korea to pursue a path of peaceful coexistence.The discussions likely included President Lee's proposal for multilateral discussions on ending the war and ways to resume dialogue with North Korea. Attention is focused on the role China, a major ally of North Korea and a signatory to the armistice agreement, will play in future discussions.The two sides also reportedly discussed follow-up measures from the recent South Korea-China summit and diplomatic strategies for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November. They are expected to address ways to enhance exchanges and cooperation ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China next year.Wang is scheduled to meet with President Lee Jae-myung on August 20 and will also hold talks with National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:36:00
  • Koreas Korea Southern Power Wins Five Awards at U.S. Invention Festival
    Korea's Korea Southern Power Wins Five Awards at U.S. Invention Festival Korea Southern Power has won five awards at the International Invention Festival held in Silicon Valley, USA.The company announced on August 19 that it received the Semi Grand Prix, two gold medals, and two special awards from foreign invention associations for two research and development (R&D) innovations showcased at the '2026 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026)' held from August 14 to 16 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The exhibition featured over 400 inventions from 31 countries worldwide.The 'Automatic Cleaning System for Condensate Pipes,' which won the Semi Grand Prix, gold medals, and a special award from the Taiwan Invention Association, is a technology co-developed by Korea Southern Power and Electric Co. This system automatically cleans the internal piping of condensate, a key component in power plants, eliminating the need for workers to manually soak sponges in water.Korea Southern Power has automated the entire process from water absorption to input and recovery using a vacuum degassing method. The judging panel praised the technology's potential for broader application and suggested filing for international patents.The 'AI Safety Web Platform Utilizing Public Data,' which received a gold medal and a special award from the China Invention Association, is an open safety management system built by safety management practitioners without additional budget input.This system assists workers in assessing safety and conducting risk evaluations in environments where power plant operations and construction occur simultaneously. It utilizes public data, including the Legislative Office's Open API, and is designed to complement ChatGPT and NotebookLM, which received positive feedback. Korea Southern Power is offering this system free of charge.Korea Southern Power plans to share the awarded technologies and R&D achievements through a technology exchange meeting with five power generation companies and aims to expand their application in line with the establishment of a unified power generation corporation.Cho Young-hyuk, acting president of Korea Southern Power, stated, "We have received international recognition for our R&D capabilities and field-oriented technological innovations in Silicon Valley, the center of global innovation. Despite structural changes such as the integration of the five power generation companies, we will steadfastly pursue practical R&D and cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises, fulfilling our role as the R&D control tower of the unified power generation corporation."Solar, Green Hydrogen, and Hydrogen Power Complex in SaemangeumKorea Southern Power is also working on establishing a clean hydrogen complex in Saemangeum, integrating solar power generation, green hydrogen production through electrolysis, and hydrogen combustion power.On August 14, Korea Southern Power signed a comprehensive business agreement for the establishment of the 'Saemangeum Green Energy Complex' with Moon Seong-yo, head of the Saemangeum Development Agency, and other officials at the Saemangeum Development Agency in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do.The project site covers approximately 3.05 million pyeong in the Saemangeum project area in Buan, Jeollabuk-do. The plan includes the construction of 1,000 MW of land-based solar power, 320 MW of electrolysis green hydrogen production facilities, and 100 MW of hydrogen combustion power.The core of the project is a circular structure that transitions from 'electricity → hydrogen → electricity (P2G2P).' The electricity generated from solar power will be converted into green hydrogen through electrolysis, stored, and then converted back into electricity using hydrogen turbines. Korea Southern Power aims to supply the electricity produced to the power grid through long-term contracts with buyers in the clean hydrogen power market.Korea Southern Power explained that while renewable energy generation, electrolysis, and hydrogen power have been individually demonstrated, this is the first time all three stages will be linked on a single site to verify system stability and economic viability.The project will involve simultaneous demonstrations of large-capacity tandem solar cells, large-scale electrolysis, and hydrogen combustion turbines.The project schedule will align with government policies and market openings. The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment confirmed on August 7 that the clean hydrogen power market volume for this year will be set at 500 GWh and is preparing to announce bidding.Korea Southern Power is currently negotiating with multiple companies to establish a special purpose company (SPC) and secure key equipment supply chains.According to the agreement, the Saemangeum Development Agency will provide administrative support, including site provision, expedited processing of permits, and securing community acceptance, while Korea Southern Power will be responsible for building the business model and implementing regional coexistence plans. Both organizations have agreed to form a working-level council to advance the project.Cho Young-hyuk, acting president of Korea Southern Power, stated, "We will realize a world-class green energy complex based on Saemangeum's excellent location and renewable energy potential, creating an energy transition model that grows alongside the local community."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:32:00
  • Health Ministry and National Pension Service Deny Discussions on Housing Investment
    Health Ministry and National Pension Service Deny Discussions on Housing Investment The government and the National Pension Service (NPS) have stated that they have never discussed using part of the national pension fund to finance public rental housing. According to Yonhap News on August 19, Jeong Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare, said during a report to the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee that the idea of investing about 1% of the national pension fund in public rental housing was merely a suggestion from the chair of the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee, adding, "There has been no prior discussion on this matter." She emphasized, "The national pension fund will be managed according to the principles of profitability and stability." Kim Sung-joo, Chairman of the National Pension Service, also stated, "The NPS has not discussed housing investment plans with the government or the National Assembly." Minister Jeong explained that the decision to postpone adjustments to the domestic stock allocation earlier this year was made in consideration of market volatility. Although the national pension's domestic stock allocation exceeded its target, the NPS delayed selling stocks in January and resumed sales in July. This led to allegations from opposition parties that the NPS had postponed stock sales to support the stock market ahead of local elections. Jeong clarified, "The domestic stock allocation increased rapidly, and market volatility made it difficult to make decisions. The rebalancing rules were established in 2019 when the fund size was half of what it is now, and applying them mechanically could jeopardize profitability and stability." Chairman Kim also noted that it is challenging to determine whether the recent stock market rise is due to structural changes or a temporary phenomenon related to the semiconductor boom, leading to a decision to monitor the situation for six months. He dismissed claims that the timing of stock sales was influenced by the upcoming local elections. Meanwhile, Minister Jeong mentioned that the government is reviewing various scenarios regarding the basic pension reform plan and expects to announce it by the end of this month or early next month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:24:00
  • Samsung Electronics Faces Profit Decline Amid Rising Memory Prices
    Samsung Electronics Faces Profit Decline Amid Rising Memory Prices Samsung Electronics' Device Experience (DX) division is responding to declining profitability due to rising memory semiconductor prices by expanding smartphone sales and improving its business structure.According to Yonhap News on the 19th, Samsung held a management briefing for employees at its Suwon facility, led by CEO and DX division head Lee Tae-moon.In the first half of this year, the DX division's revenue increased by about 2% compared to the same period last year. However, operating profit fell to 2.1 trillion won, just a quarter of the 8 trillion won reported in the first half of last year. This decline is attributed to a more than fourfold increase in memory prices compared to last year, which has raised the cost burden for finished products like smartphones.For the second half of the year, Samsung proposed key tasks for the DX division, including expanding market share, improving its structure, and preparing innovative products for next year. The strategy aims to capitalize on competitors' price increases and adjustments in production volumes by boosting sales of the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.Additionally, regarding the compensation gap raised by DX employees in comparison to the semiconductor division, Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to a performance-based compensation principle. Since 2009, the company has operated its finished product and component businesses independently in terms of personnel, finance, and accounting functions to protect customer information. It clarified that there has been no precedent for sharing performance bonus resources between different divisions.Meanwhile, the largest union in the DX division, the Samsung Electronics Labor Union, plans to hold a rally near the Seocho headquarters on the 21st, with about 3,000 participants expected. The union is reportedly demanding a separate compensation plan for DX employees.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-19 19:20:00