AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Samsung brings AI brains as chip rivalry with SK hynix heats up
    Samsung brings AI brains as chip rivalry with SK hynix heats up SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has recruited two artificial intelligence specialists to accelerate the use of AI in semiconductor research and manufacturing, as its intensifying rivalry with SK hynix expands beyond advanced memory chips into how those chips are designed and produced. Samsung has hired Seoul National University professor Bohyung Han, a specialist in deep learning and computer vision, as a Fellow to lead the development of AI models tailored to semiconductor research and development, according to information provided by the company. Tairin Hahn, formerly a senior engineering manager at Meta, has joined as vice president and will oversee the development of "AI-ready data," or datasets structured for direct use by AI systems. The appointments come as Samsung seeks to apply AI more extensively across chip design, process engineering and manufacturing, areas where increasingly complex semiconductor development is generating vast amounts of data and placing greater demands on engineering productivity. Samsung has already laid out plans to turn its manufacturing operations into AI-driven factories by 2030, using AI agents and digital twins across production, quality control and logistics. In its semiconductor operations, the company has also recreated its Pyeongtaek fab as a digital twin using Nvidia's Omniverse platform. Rival SK hynix is pursuing a similar transformation. The HBM market leader is targeting autonomous semiconductor manufacturing by 2030 and has expanded its partnership with Nvidia to use AI and digital twins in chip design and production. The parallel push suggests that competition between South Korea's two memory giants is increasingly extending beyond HBM performance and production capacity into the use of AI to shorten development cycles, improve yields and extract more output from increasingly expensive fabs. AJP Takeaways: Samsung is adding specialized AI talent to semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, hiring Bohyung Han to develop chip-focused AI models and Tairin Hahn to build data infrastructure that those models can readily use. The hires fit into Samsung's broader push to turn its manufacturing operations into AI-driven factories by 2030, applying AI across chip design, process engineering and production. The move opens another front in Samsung's rivalry with SK hynix, as the two Korean memory giants increasingly compete not only in HBM technology and capacity but also in using AI and digital twins to shorten development cycles and improve manufacturing efficiency. 2026-08-14 14:09:42
  • Government and Telecom Companies Strengthen Measures Against Illegal Spam Ahead of Chuseok
    Government and Telecom Companies Strengthen Measures Against Illegal Spam Ahead of Chuseok The government has reviewed the implementation of measures to prevent illegal spam in collaboration with the three major telecom companies and bulk messaging service providers, discussing enhanced spam blocking strategies in preparation for the Chuseok holiday.On August 14, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission held the sixth plenary meeting of the Public-Private Council on Illegal Spam in Seoul, where they assessed the progress of specific tasks and gathered feedback on efforts to combat illegal spam from private sector participants.The meeting was co-hosted by the Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Science and ICT, with participation from relevant agencies such as the Personal Information Protection Commission, the National Police Agency, and representatives from SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus, and Samsung Electronics.During the meeting, the commission reviewed five key strategies and twelve specific action items outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for Preventing Illegal Spam.The commission encouraged active participation from service providers in areas such as the implementation of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, the disclosure of spam reporting statistics, and the sharing of illegal spam sender numbers. They also emphasized the need for enhanced AI filtering and related measures.The Ministry of Science and ICT urged the application of a blocking system for illegal spam sent from invalid numbers, improvements in blocking overseas spam through cooperation with foreign messaging service providers, and thorough management and supervision of bulk messaging clients by domestic and international message relay services.In particular, service providers committed to strengthening their efforts to prevent user harm by raising awareness and blocking potential illegal spam ahead of the Chuseok holiday in September.Shin Young-kyu, Director of the Broadcasting and Communications User Policy Bureau at the Korea Communications Commission, stated, “We aim to swiftly finalize improvements to related systems so that citizens can enjoy digital media services without worrying about illegal spam.” He also urged the three major mobile carriers and device manufacturers to enhance their efforts in detecting and blocking illegal spam using AI technology.Nam Seok, Director of Communication Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, remarked, “We will work harder to eradicate illegal spam through the discussed blocking system for invalid numbers and improvements in blocking overseas spam.”According to the government, the total number of spam reports and detections in the second half of last year was 23.67 million, a 39.0% decrease compared to the first half (38.83 million). Among these, text message spam accounted for 12.88 million, a 59.7% reduction, while voice spam increased to 8.73 million, a 49.0% rise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:08:00
  • Kakao Bank Executives Purchase 21,100 Shares, Signaling Commitment to Responsible Management
    Kakao Bank Executives Purchase 21,100 Shares, Signaling Commitment to Responsible Management Kakao Bank executives have taken steps toward responsible management by purchasing company shares.According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, 12 executives of Kakao Bank bought a total of 21,100 shares between June and August 12. The total purchase amount was 464.83 million won.This stock buyback is interpreted as a demonstration of the executives' confidence in Kakao Bank's long-term growth potential and their commitment to responsible management.Kakao Bank is also working to strengthen its growth foundation by expanding its business portfolio. In June, it signed a stock purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Mastern Capital, aiming to enter the non-bank lending sector. The bank is also expanding its overseas operations through collaborations with Indonesia's Super Bank, Thailand's virtual bank, and Mongolia's MCS Group.Additionally, Kakao Bank is diversifying its business areas, including lending, fees, platforms, and asset management, to promote balanced growth in interest and non-interest income. The bank aims to achieve 100 trillion won in assets by 2027 and a return on equity (ROE) of 15% by 2030.This stock buyback comes as Kakao Bank establishes a long-term growth foundation through business diversification and global expansion.A Kakao Bank official stated, "This stock buyback reflects the executives' confidence in the company's future growth potential and corporate value. We will strive to enhance corporate and shareholder value through continuous innovation and stable growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:08:00
  • National Pension Service Seeks 30 Asset Management Experts for Fund Operations
    National Pension Service Seeks 30 Asset Management Experts for Fund Operations The National Pension Service (NPS) is publicly recruiting 30 asset management experts to oversee the National Pension Fund.On August 14, the NPS announced that it will conduct the '2026 Second Recruitment of Asset Management Experts' from today until 6 p.m. on August 28, a period of 15 days.The recruitment areas include management strategy, equities, bonds, alternative investments, risk management, fund management, and fund information. A total of 30 positions will be filled, including three senior managers and 27 full-time managers.Applicants will undergo a document screening, experience verification, and an interview process, with successful candidates expected to be appointed in November. The entire recruitment process will be conducted using a blind method, omitting names, educational background, age, gender, and family details.Applications can only be submitted through the NPS website, and submissions via mail, in-person, or email will not be accepted. Applicants cannot apply for multiple positions within the same recruitment area.However, the NPS stated that it may choose not to select candidates if no suitable applicants are deemed qualified for the positions.Detailed information regarding qualifications for each area and position can be found in the 'Recruitment Announcement' section on the NPS website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:00:20
  • Trump Signs Memo Allowing Overseas Construction of U.S. Navy Ships, Boosting Hanwha Ocean Shares
    Trump Signs Memo Allowing Overseas Construction of U.S. Navy Ships, Boosting Hanwha Ocean Shares Hanwha Ocean shares rose over 5% during trading on news that President Donald Trump signed a memorandum allowing the overseas construction of U.S. Navy vessels. This development has heightened expectations for Hanwha Ocean, which owns shipyards in the United States.As of 1:52 PM on August 14, Hanwha Ocean's stock was trading at 95,300 won, up 4,600 won (5.07%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.On August 13, Trump signed a memorandum permitting foreign shipbuilders to construct U.S. Navy vessels abroad, lifting previous restrictions on overseas construction of Navy ships.The types of vessels eligible for overseas construction include surface combatants, integrated cargo supply tankers, and roll-on/roll-off ships. Each category will allow for the construction of two vessels at foreign shipyards.Market analysts are focusing on the potential expansion of Hanwha Ocean's U.S. Navy shipbuilding business as a result of this policy change. In 2024, Hanwha Ocean, in partnership with Hanwha Systems, invested approximately $100 million to acquire the Philadelphia shipyard. Last year, the company also announced plans to invest an additional $5 billion in the Philadelphia facility.Hanwha Ocean has been steadily expanding its U.S. Navy-related projects. In March, the company participated in the U.S. Navy's next-generation logistics support ship program, and last month, it was selected for the missile measurement vessel construction project by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.As the U.S. seeks to strengthen its naval capabilities through increased collaboration with allied shipbuilders, the recent allowance for overseas construction is expected to further enhance Hanwha Ocean's prospects in the U.S. defense and shipbuilding markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 14:00:00
  • U.S. Warns of Indefinite Naval Blockade Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions
    U.S. Warns of Indefinite Naval Blockade Against Iran Amid Rising Tensions The standoff between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of becoming protracted. The U.S. has warned that it could maintain its naval blockade against Iran indefinitely and has hinted at further economic sanctions. Iran, in turn, is asserting its control over the Strait.On August 13, during a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters, "The U.S. Navy can maintain this blockade indefinitely because we can continue to rotate our ships." The U.S. is currently blocking Iranian vessels and ports.In preparation for a long-term operation, the U.S. military is also rotating aircraft carriers. According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, the USS George Washington is en route to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been stationed in the region for an extended period.Economic pressure is also set to increase. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated in an interview with conservative outlet Newsmax that he would announce additional measures next week, warning of unprecedented levels of economic isolation.Iran is pushing back against these actions. According to Reuters, Hossein Taeb, commander of Iran's Basij militia, claimed, "The Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian management and control." The Iranian military's unified command also stated, "No vessel can pass through the Strait without our approval," in response to President Donald Trump's assertion the previous day that the U.S. fully controls the Strait.Amid this escalating tension, actual attacks have occurred. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) reported that two of its vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, although there were no casualties. The UAE's Foreign Ministry has identified the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as the perpetrator.Pro-Iran Houthi rebels in Yemen also claimed to have attacked Saudi Aramco's Jizan refinery with two drones. Reuters cited Houthi-operated Saba News in its report. The Saudi government has not yet issued a response.As disruptions to oil transport in the Middle East continue, the burden on oil supply is increasing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projected in its August oil market report released on August 12 that global oil supply would decrease by an average of 4.3 million barrels per day this year, a reduction of 600,000 barrels more than previously forecasted.Global oil inventories also fell by an average of 2.2 million barrels in July, totaling a decrease of 69 million barrels. Overall inventories have dropped below 7.9 billion barrels, marking the lowest level since April 2025. Cumulatively, the reduction since the onset of the conflict has reached 410 million barrels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 13:44:00
  • U.S. 30-Year Treasury Yield Hits 5.22%, Highest in 25 Years
    U.S. 30-Year Treasury Yield Hits 5.22%, Highest in 25 Years The yield on U.S. 30-year Treasury bonds has surged to its highest level since 2001. Concerns over rapidly increasing government debt and persistent inflation are driving long-term rates higher.On August 13, the yield for a $25 billion auction of 30-year bonds was set at 5.22%, the highest since 2001. This marks an increase of 0.16 percentage points from last month’s 5.06% and a rise of 0.31 percentage points compared to the 4.91% yield just before Donald Trump took office in January of last year.The bid-to-cover ratio was 2.39, exceeding recent averages. While demand for Treasury bonds remains steady, investors are demanding higher yields for longer-term loans.The yield on 10-year bonds also rose. In a $42 billion auction held the day before, the yield reached 4.69%, the highest since 2007.The increase in long-term rates is largely attributed to the rapid growth of government debt, which is nearing $40 trillion. The federal government’s debt held by the public has risen to 100.2% of GDP as of the end of the first quarter, marking the first time since the immediate post-World War II era, excluding a brief period during the COVID-19 pandemic when it exceeded 100%.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that this ratio will rise to 108% by 2030, surpassing the previous record of 106% set after World War II.High inflation is also a concern. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July rose 3.4% compared to the same month last year, significantly above the Federal Reserve's inflation target of 2%. Energy price volatility due to the Iran conflict could further exacerbate inflationary pressures.Gennadiy Goldberg, head of U.S. interest rate strategy at TD Securities, commented, “The results of this auction show that while there is still demand for Treasuries, investors are seeking higher yields.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 13:32:00
  • Prosecutors Charge Lawmakers for Obstructing Arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol
    Prosecutors Charge Lawmakers for Obstructing Arrest of Yoon Suk Yeol Lawmakers from the People Power Party have been indicted for allegedly obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant against Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president of South Korea.The Special Prosecutor's Office announced on the afternoon of August 14 that Na Kyung-won, Kim Ki-hyun, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Kwon Young-jin have been charged with obstructing official duties without detention.The lawmakers are accused of forming a human wall with supporters of former President Yoon in front of the presidential residence on January 15, 2025, thereby hindering the lawful execution of duties by prosecutors and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO).The special prosecutor explained that the indictment was based on testimonies from various officials involved in the execution of the arrest warrant, video evidence from the incident, and transcripts of abusive language confirmed in the footage.A spokesperson for the special prosecutor stated, "The defendants did not merely express opposition to the arrest; they formed a human wall with a large group of people to prevent entry into the residence, confirming that they realistically obstructed the execution of the warrant."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 13:24:00
  • Putin Visits Kuril Islands for First Time in 26 Years Amid Japan Tensions
    Putin Visits Kuril Islands for First Time in 26 Years Amid Japan Tensions Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup Island in the southern Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, on August 13. This marks his first visit since taking office in 2000. It is only the second time a Russian head of state has visited the Kuril Islands, the last being Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Kunashir Island in 2010.Japanese media analyzed on August 14 why President Putin chose to visit the Kuril Islands now, reflecting on why he had not done so in the past 26 years.The Asahi Shimbun reported that Putin, as the de facto highest authority, had previously avoided visiting the islands to foster expectations in Japan regarding the resolution of territorial disputes and to encourage economic cooperation. Medvedev, while serving as president and prime minister, visited the islands four times. In contrast, Putin held 27 summit meetings with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe while refraining from visiting during ongoing negotiations over a peace treaty that included territorial issues.The situation changed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Japan, alongside the U.S. and Europe, imposed sanctions on Russia, prompting Moscow to designate Japan as an 'unfriendly country' and suspend peace treaty negotiations concerning the Northern Territories.Shigeki Hakamada, an honorary professor at Aoyama Gakuin University, told the Yomiuri Shimbun that Putin's previous avoidance of the islands was likely due to the economic benefits he believed could be gained from Japan, which had been purchasing resources like natural gas. However, he suggested that Russia no longer views Japan's economic power as significant enough to warrant such cooperation, indicating that this visit was meant to signal Japan that it would not prioritize the territorial issue moving forward.Nevertheless, Russia has not entirely abandoned its economic relations with Japan. Daisuke Abiru, a senior researcher at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, interpreted the visit as a move to slow political relationship improvements while maintaining economic ties.In fact, the visit coincided with Japan's efforts to resume contact with Russia. According to the Nikkei, Japan, which relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its oil imports, has been seeking to diversify its energy sources since the U.S. attack on Iran in February. Since then, Japan has been exploring ways to improve relations with Russia. In May, officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Russia to discuss improving the business environment. In July, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time in five years during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in the Philippines.However, Russia did not view Japan's actions as sufficient for improving relations. Abiru explained that Russia's demands included the lifting of economic sanctions and the resumption of direct flights. After Japan did not respond to Russia's proposal for a vice-ministerial meeting and expanded support for Ukraine through NATO, Russia concluded that Japan was not showing a willingness to improve relations. Abiru interpreted the visit as a message from Russia to Japan to reset their bilateral relationship.Koizumi Yu, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology, noted that Russia tends to increase pressure when it perceives that the other side is willing to make concessions. He analyzed that the visit was meant to demonstrate that Japan's recent actions were insufficient for improving relations and that Russia was demanding a policy shift, including the easing of sanctions. The Nikkei interpreted Putin's criticism of Japan's sanctions against Russia just a day before the visit, along with his statement that he was ready to cooperate with all neighboring countries, as a demand for Japan to take further action if it wanted to improve relations.Putin's increased pressure on Japan is not solely aimed at prompting a policy shift. The Nikkei suggested that his assertive stance is also a reflection of the difficulties Russia is facing. The invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth and a half year, remains in a stalemate despite the deployment of prisoners and North Korean troops. Additionally, drone attacks on Russian territory by Ukraine have intensified, and rising gasoline prices are beginning to affect Moscow's citizens.The burdens of prolonged warfare are evident in economic indicators. Russia's real GDP grew by 1.3% in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, but high interest rates and weak investment continue to stagnate the economy. Military spending has surged, leading to the largest budget deficit since the invasion of Ukraine in the first half of the year. Prolonged Western sanctions have also exposed distortions in the wartime economy, including labor shortages.Efforts to improve relations with the U.S. for the purpose of easing sanctions have not progressed as hoped. Russia sought to improve relations with the U.S. following the inauguration of Donald Trump's second administration, culminating in a summit in Alaska last August, but no follow-up meetings have occurred. The Nikkei reported that Russia's expectations for sanctions relief through improved U.S. relations are also diminishing.As domestic public opinion wavers due to the prolonged war, Russia is approaching its parliamentary elections in September. According to the Yomiuri, 60% of Russians desire peace negotiations, while Putin's approval rating has dropped from the 70% range to 65%. The ruling United Russia party's approval rating remains around 30%.Shinji Hyoudo, a researcher at Japan's Ministry of Defense, analyzed that the primary purpose of Putin's visit was to send a message to the Russian domestic audience. He suggested that Putin aimed to project an image of a strong leader who does not compromise on territorial issues with foreign nations ahead of the parliamentary elections, while also demonstrating a commitment to addressing local grievances to boost patriotism. During his visit to the Kuril Islands, Putin emphasized, "We have the genes of winners," and visited a local school to view an exhibition about soldiers from the Far East who participated in the invasion of Ukraine.In response to Putin's visit, Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi criticized on August 13 that it further worsened anti-Russian sentiment in Japan and made long-term recovery of relations more difficult. However, the Nikkei assessed that while Japan seeks to rebuild relations with Russia to diversify its energy sources, it has failed to establish a consistent diplomatic strategy toward Russia. It warned that without a comprehensive strategy considering international relations, Japan could find itself exposed to pressure from both China and Russia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 13:20:00
  • Lee Chan-jin Marks One Year as Head of Financial Supervisory Service Amid Organizational Changes
    Lee Chan-jin Marks One Year as Head of Financial Supervisory Service Amid Organizational Changes Lee Chan-jin, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), marked his first anniversary in office on August 14. The past year has seen the FSS navigate a crisis of organizational separation while expanding its supervisory and investigative functions, focusing on consumer protection and responses to unfair trading practices.When Lee took office, the FSS was embroiled in internal strife over the establishment of a separate Financial Consumer Protection Agency and its designation as a public institution. After retracting the organizational restructuring plan, the FSS began to strengthen its consumer protection functions internally. In January, it established a consumer protection division directly under the commissioner, linking supervisory and inspection functions with dispute resolution. In March, the FSS launched a Financial Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, which has held three meetings to discuss 32 agenda items.The focus of consumer protection is shifting from post-incident remedies to proactive prevention. The FSS now requires prior notification to consumers when changing insurance claim review standards and has expanded the application of the proxy claim system for insurance contracts. The agency continues to address large-scale consumer damages, processing 11,696 complaints related to the TMON and WEMAKEPRICE incidents, with refund procedures amounting to 13.22 billion won. In the first half of this year, the number of insurance dispute complaints handled also rose by 24.8% to 14,069 compared to the second half of last year.In the capital markets, the most significant change occurred in April when the special investigators gained the authority to conduct independent investigations. Previously, they primarily investigated cases referred by the Financial Services Commission and the Securities and Futures Commission. Now, they can initiate investigations into suspected unfair trading practices directly. The FSS has converted two major cases under administrative investigation into compulsory investigations, conducting searches last month. Over the past year, 20 cases of unfair trading in virtual assets have been investigated, with 18 referred to law enforcement agencies. An artificial intelligence monitoring system has also been established to detect illegal financial advertising and new phishing schemes.As Lee enters his second year, he faces the challenge of translating expanded authority into tangible results. The announcement of governance reform plans for financial holding companies has been delayed multiple times, and given the high interest from the financial sector, the content and implementation of these plans will serve as a litmus test for future supervisory performance.The FSS is also broadening its inspection and investigation scope. Starting this month, it will examine the sales practices of major banks regarding ETF trusts. From January to May of last year, six major banks sold ETFs worth 64 trillion won, generating 586.4 billion won in commission revenue. Based on the inspection results, the FSS plans to discuss improvements to the commission structure, bank performance evaluations, and sales procedures. It has also indicated plans for a thorough inspection of corporate insurance agencies that repeatedly engage in illegal operations.Further expansion of investigative authority is also in the works. The FSS is preparing to introduce consumer special investigators aimed at directly investigating illegal private lending and debt collection, with a target implementation date of January next year. If the scope of direct investigations expands to include consumer finance, the FSS's authority and responsibilities will significantly increase.However, uncertainty surrounding the organization remains a variable. With a second public institution relocation plan expected to be announced as early as this month, the possibility of the FSS relocating to Sejong has been raised. Lee expressed opposition in March, stating, “It is hard to imagine a supervisory body leaving the field.” The FSS, having overcome the initial controversy over the separation of the Financial Consumer Protection Agency, may again face organizational restructuring issues.If the past year was a time for the FSS to enhance its functions and authority, the coming year is expected to be one where it must demonstrate supervisory results commensurate with its expanded powers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-14 12:56:00