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  • KAIST lines up gas atoms to pull gas mixtures apart
    KAIST lines up gas atoms to pull gas mixtures apart SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - A South Korean research team has shown that gas atoms trapped inside a porous solid can be made to line up in a regular pattern, the way atoms line up in a crystal, instead of scattering wherever they land. The finding, so far demonstrated only in computer simulations, points to a different way of designing the materials that separate one gas from another. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Tuesday that a team led by Kim Ji-han in its Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering had identified the effect, which the researchers call a gas lattice, and then used artificial intelligence to design new materials that produce it on demand. Porous materials have been studied for decades on one question above all, which is how much gas they can hold. The atoms and molecules that go inside were assumed to stick anywhere there was room. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said the team found that under the right conditions the host material behaves like a mold, steering the gas into fixed positions. The materials in question are metal-organic frameworks, built by linking metal clusters with organic molecules into a rigid scaffold shot through with pores far too small to see. Chemists often describe a metal-organic framework (MOF) as a molecular sponge, because it soaks up gas the way a kitchen sponge soaks up water. Why the arrangement matters comes down to cost. Pulling one gas out of a mixture is among the most energy-hungry jobs in industry, and the team tested its idea on one of the hardest cases. Xenon, a noble gas used in medical imaging, anesthesia and satellite thrusters, makes up about 0.087 parts per million of the atmosphere, roughly one atom in every 11 million. It is recovered as a byproduct when air is chilled until it liquefies and then distilled. The same process yields krypton, about 13 times more common in air, and separating the two afterward takes a second round of distillation at cryogenic temperatures. Screening a large database of known frameworks, the researchers found one in which simulated xenon stopped behaving like a gas. Inside a cobalt-based structure called Co-CAU-36, the atoms settled into what physicists call a body-centered cubic arrangement, meaning one atom at each corner of an imaginary cube and one more at its center, repeated through the pore. The team's own comparison is a box of balls. Poured in, they land anywhere. Set down one at a time, they form a pattern. The reason is geometry. The pore walls carry a repeating series of spots where a xenon atom sits most comfortably, and once enough atoms are inside, those spots dictate the arrangement. Crystallizing a gas normally demands extreme cold or crushing pressure. Here the ordering came from the shape of the container. A stranger result came when the team put xenon and krypton in together. Instead of mixing, the two gases divided by position. Xenon formed an ordered shell against the pore walls, and krypton collected in the space at the center. That is a different mechanism from the one the field normally relies on. Conventional separation materials work by gripping one gas more tightly than the other. In the simulations, the split came from where each gas ended up rather than how firmly it stuck. The team then turned the question around. Rather than picking a material and watching what the gas inside it does, the researchers specified the arrangement they wanted and let software hunt for a structure that would deliver it. They paired machine learning with a genetic algorithm, a method that breeds and mutates candidate designs over many generations and keeps whichever ones score best. The approach produced framework designs that order xenon into the body-centered pattern and into a face-centered one, where the extra atoms sit at the center of each cube face instead of in the middle. "This study is the first case of lining gas up like a crystal inside a porous material," Kim said. "We have moved past thinking only about how much gas a material can hold, and opened the possibility of designing the arrangement itself." Several steps stand between the paper and any industrial plant. Everything reported was done on a computer. Nobody has yet loaded xenon into Co-CAU-36 in a laboratory and measured the lattice, and the frameworks the software designed have not been built. Co-CAU-36 itself is real and was first reported in 2018, but the new structures exist as designs. The team has also not tested the concept on carbon dioxide or hydrogen, the two gases with the largest commercial stakes, and both are molecules rather than single atoms, which behave differently in a tight space. "Applied to carbon dioxide and other molecules, this could be used to design separation and storage materials suited to a specific purpose," Kim said. Kim Young-hun and Kim Do-hoon, both doctoral candidates at KAIST, were joint first authors, and Kim Seung-woo, a master's student, and Lim Yun-sung, who holds a doctorate, were second authors. The paper, "Framework-templated gas lattices in metal-organic frameworks," was published online in Nature Communications on June 23. 2026-08-11 10:32:30
  • NHN Reports Strong Q2 Growth Driven by AI GPU Business
    NHN Reports Strong Q2 Growth Driven by AI GPU Business NHN is accelerating its entry into the AI infrastructure market, leveraging its stable graphics processing unit (GPU) operations and rapid business expansion in the cloud sector.On August 11, NHN announced that its consolidated revenue for the second quarter reached 757.9 billion won, with an operating profit of 57.9 billion won, marking increases of 25.3% and 164.1%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. By business segment, game revenue was 139.6 billion won, payment revenue was 394 billion won, and technology revenue was 159.8 billion won, reflecting year-on-year increases of 21.5%, 27.3%, and 52.9%, respectively.During a conference call on August 11, Kim Dong-hoon, CEO of NHN Cloud, stated, "The AI GPU business has made the most significant contribution to this quarter's performance," adding, "Unlike large hyperscale operators, we are minimizing risks while rapidly expanding our business on a smaller scale."The growth in the technology sector was driven by NHN Cloud, which saw its revenue increase by 85.3% year-on-year. Depreciation expenses also rose by 13.3% from the previous quarter due to new accounting treatment in the Yangpyeong region.Kim emphasized NHN Cloud's competitive edge, saying, "We have built GPU operational experience through our AI full-stack brand, and our ability to expand quickly without taking on significant risks sets us apart from large hyperscalers."He also outlined plans for international expansion, noting, "The GPU business is being prepared with a focus on overseas markets, and we are seeing increased demand from foreign companies, with contracts expected to be finalized soon with some clients." NHN is also preparing to expand services for global customers by securing a data center in Japan.Domestically, NHN plans to secure an additional 30-megawatt data center, with 20 megawatts to be leased and 10 megawatts to be built in-house, aiming for completion in the second half of next year. Upon completion, it will combine the capacities of the existing locations in Yangpyeong, Pangyo, and Gwangju.Meanwhile, NHN Cloud's potential separate listing was met with cautious remarks. Ahn Hyun-sik, NHN's Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We are continuing discussions with our financial investor, IMM Investment, but it is a matter that requires shareholder approval, so it is difficult to make a definitive statement. We will be able to provide a concrete answer once the GPU business is fully operational and generates sufficient operating profit."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:32:10
  • Koreas Small Business Agency Offers Free Group Accident Insurance to 30,000 Workers
    Korea's Small Business Agency Offers Free Group Accident Insurance to 30,000 Workers The Korea Small Business Agency announced on August 11 that it will support free enrollment in a '2026 Group Accident Insurance' for workers participating in the performance compensation mutual aid program.The performance compensation mutual aid program is a policy initiative where small and medium-sized business owners and key personnel jointly accumulate funds to provide performance bonuses to long-serving employees. Key products include the Tomorrow Savings Mutual Aid and the Small Business Employee Preferential Savings Mutual Aid.The group accident insurance covers: △Accidental death (10 million won) and accidental disability (up to 10 million won) △Surgery for seven types of injuries (up to 500,000 won) △Fracture diagnosis (100,000 won) △Burn diagnosis (100,000 won) △Mental health support (1 million won), among others.The program is available to a maximum of 30,000 participants. The Korea Small Business Agency will cover the entire insurance premium, meaning there will be no out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.The agency has established a system that allows new mutual aid enrollees to simultaneously sign up for group accident insurance during the initial application phase. Existing enrollees can apply through the Tomorrow Savings Mutual Aid website until the budget is exhausted.Jo Han-kyu, Director of Human Resource Growth at the Korea Small Business Agency, stated, "We hope that the support for group accident insurance will serve as a strong foundation for small business workers to work with peace of mind. We will continue to contribute to reducing welfare gaps and enhancing long-term employment through various performance compensation mutual aid initiatives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:28:20
  • Hayoungs Family History Linked to Pro-Japanese Group
    Hayoung's Family History Linked to Pro-Japanese Group 배우 하영 측이 증조부 친일 의혹에 관한 입장을 밝혔다. 하영 소속사 비스터스엔터테인먼트는 11일 "증조부 안상호 선생이 1916년 대정친목회의 평의원 명단에 이름이 올라있는 기록이 실제로 존재함을 확인했다"며 "충분한 검증 없이 '사실무근'이라 성급히 답변하여 혼란을 드린 점 진심으로 사과드린다"고 전했다. 이어 "배우 하영은 최근 방송 프로그램 출연 중 질문에 응하는 과정에서 집안의 4대 의료가업 이력을 언급한 바 있습니다. 이로 인해 의도치 않게 논란이 빚어진데 대해 배우 본인은 마음이 매우 무거운 상황"이라고 설명했다. 소속사 측은 "역사적 사실과 한 인물의 이력을 대중에 전하는 일에 얼마나 신중한 검증이 필요한지 이번 일을 통해 깊이 깨달았다"며 "배우 하영 역시 이번 일로 심려를 끼쳐드린 점을 깊이 새기고 앞으로 더욱 신중하고 겸허한 자세로 임하겠다"고 덧붙였다. 한편 하영은 지난 7일 방송된 KBS2 '옥탑방의 문제아들'에서 증조부 안상호를 언급했다. 그는 "증조할아버지는 양의학을 일본에 가서 배워오셨다. 한양에 개원을 하신 첫 의사"라며 "고종의 진료를 본 것으로 알고 있다"고 말했다. 안상호는 1902년 일본 동경자혜의학전문학교를 졸업하고 한국인으로는 처음 일본 의사 자격증을 취득한 인물로 알려졌다. 1904년 귀국 후 서울 종로3가에 개인 진료소를 열어 의료 활동을 했고 1919년 일본인 의사와 함께 고종을 진료한 경력도 있다. 그러나 방송 이후 온라인을 중심으로 안상호를 둘러싼 친일 의혹이 제기됐고 하영 측은 전날 이를 "사실무근"이라고 부인했다. 이후 1916년 서울에서 조직된 친일 단체 대정친목회 평의원 명단에서 안상호의 이름이 확인되자 하루 만에 입장을 번복했다. 대정친목회는 일제 식민 통치에 협조하고 조선인과 일본인의 융화를 내세운 단체로 알려져 있으며, 이완용도 해당 단체에 속해 있었다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:28:00
  • Koreas Small Business Agency Offers Free Group Accident Insurance to 30,000 Workers
    Korea's Small Business Agency Offers Free Group Accident Insurance to 30,000 Workers The Korea Small Business Agency announced on August 11 that it will provide free enrollment in a "2026 Group Accident Insurance" program for workers participating in the performance compensation mutual aid scheme.The performance compensation mutual aid program allows small and medium-sized business owners and key personnel to jointly accumulate funds to provide performance bonuses to long-term employees. Key products include the Tomorrow Savings Mutual Aid and the Small Business Employee Preferential Savings Mutual Aid.The group accident insurance covers: △Accidental death (10 million won) and accidental disability (up to 10 million won) △Surgery for seven types of injuries (up to 500,000 won) △Fracture diagnosis (100,000 won) △Burn diagnosis (100,000 won) △Mental health support (1 million won), among others.The program is available to a maximum of 30,000 participants. The Korea Small Business Agency will cover the entire insurance premium, meaning there will be no out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.The agency has established a system that allows new mutual aid enrollees to simultaneously sign up for group accident insurance during the initial application phase. Existing enrollees can apply through the Tomorrow Savings Mutual Aid website until the budget is exhausted.Jo Han-kyu, Director of Human Resource Growth at the Korea Small Business Agency, stated, "We hope that the support for group accident insurance will serve as a strong foundation for small business workers to work with peace of mind. We will continue to contribute to reducing welfare gaps and enhancing long-term employment through various performance compensation mutual aid initiatives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:28:00
  • NHN Q2 operating profit surges 164% on payment, tech growth
    NHN Q2 operating profit surges 164% on payment, tech growth SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - South Korean internet firm NHN announced that its second-quarter operating profit jumped 164 percent from a year earlier, powered by robust demand across its payment, cloud and gaming businesses. According to regulatory filings released Tuesday, operating profit reached 57.9 billion won ($40.9 million) on a consolidated basis, while revenue climbed 25.3 percent to 757.9 billion won. Net profit rose 159 percent to 29.1 billion won. Payments, NHN's largest segment through its Payco and KCP units, generated 394 billion won, up 27.3 percent on the year, as KCP handled about 17 trillion won in transactions and captured a 30 percent share of the domestic payment-gateway market. Technology revenue, including AI cloud services, surged 52.9 percent to 159.8 billion won, lifted by an 85 percent jump at NHN Cloud after supply of Nvidia DGX B200 graphics processors from its Seoul-area data center began contributing to sales. Gaming revenue grew 21.5 percent to 139.6 billion won, buoyed by eased regulations on web-board games and offline tournaments, though total operating costs rose 20.1 percent to 700 billion won on higher fees and performance-based bonuses. "This was the first quarter in which those gains showed up as profit," Chief Executive Chung U-jin said, adding NHN would carry the momentum into the second half as it aggressively expands AI infrastructure and pursues a new stablecoin payments venture. Shares of NHN traded at 47,450 won per stock on 10:20 a.m., 13.65 percent higher than the day before. AJP Takeaways • NHN's second-quarter operating profit surged 164 percent year-on-year to 57.9 billion won, with revenue up 25.3 percent to 757.9 billion won, as its payment, cloud and gaming units all posted double-digit growth. • Payments remained the core engine, with the Payco and KCP units bringing in 394 billion won and KCP securing a 30 percent share of the domestic payment-gateway market on about 17 trillion won in transactions. • Technology revenue jumped 52.9 percent, led by an 85 percent surge at NHN Cloud tied to Nvidia DGX B200 GPU supply, signaling the company's growing bet on AI infrastructure alongside a planned stablecoin payments venture. 2026-08-11 10:25:37
  • Zelensky Claims Russia Prepares to Deploy More North Korean Troops, Urges Military Aid from South Korea
    Zelensky Claims Russia Prepares to Deploy More North Korean Troops, Urges Military Aid from South Korea Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on August 10 that "Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean troops on its territory," raising concerns about increased risks for regional countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. He reiterated the need for military cooperation with South Korea.North Korea May Deploy Up to 50,000 Troops, Zelensky WarnsAccording to the Ukrainian presidential office, Zelensky stated in a public address that "Russia, unable to secure a safe rear, can no longer conduct the war without reinforcements from North Korea," adding that North Korea has provided additional ballistic missiles to Russia. He noted that North Korean weapons, including ballistic missiles, are being improved through cooperation with Russia.On the previous day, Zelensky had projected that as many as 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russian territory, significantly exceeding earlier estimates of 30,000. He mentioned that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024 that includes provisions for automatic military intervention in case of emergencies.Zelensky expressed concern that as North Korea's missiles and troops are increasingly utilized, and as North Korea compensates for its lack of combat experience, the risks faced by other regional countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, will also grow.He urged allied nations to provide military cooperation and support, including air defense systems, stating, "This is to deter North Korea's desire and interest in learning from the war in Ukraine."South Korea Remains Cautious Amid Concerns Over Relations with RussiaZelensky has repeatedly requested military cooperation with South Korea, including the provision of air defense weapons, in response to North Korea-Russia military collaboration. On August 8, he posted on social media urging South Korea to work closely with Ukraine. He acknowledged South Korea's legal constraints but expressed hope for support in the area of air defense systems.However, the South Korean government maintains a cautious stance, asserting that providing weapons to Ukraine is difficult. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government has focused on humanitarian and non-military support while adhering to the principle of not supplying lethal weapons.Analysts suggest that if South Korea were to accept Zelensky's request, it could worsen relations with Russia and place additional burdens on South Korea's own air defense capabilities.On August 11, the South China Morning Post reported that experts believe while South Korea has consistently supported Ukraine against Russia and North Korea, the request for air defense system support may be challenging due to legal and policy constraints on arms transfers to conflict zones, as well as the need to consider its own defense requirements.Ongoing Attacks Between Ukraine and Russia Result in CasualtiesMeanwhile, Russia and Ukraine continue to engage in daily attacks against each other.AP reported that in recent weeks, Russian missile strikes targeting Ukrainian cities have become almost routine, with Russia exploiting Ukraine's critical shortage of Patriot missile systems for intercepting ballistic missiles. The demand for Patriot systems has surged since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February, exacerbating Ukraine's air defense deficiencies.Zelensky has been requesting support from the United States and other Western nations for several months to secure Patriot missile systems.Despite its air defense challenges, Ukraine continues to carry out drone attacks targeting key facilities within Russia. In particular, ahead of the Russian State Duma elections in September, Ukraine is intensifying its offensive in areas far from the front lines to pressure Putin's regime.According to Russian authorities, on August 10, the Tatarstan Republic's Nizhnekamsk, located over 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in 13 deaths and 75 injuries. Nizhnekamsk is known as an energy hub with two oil refineries and a petrochemical plant, situated approximately 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. 2026-08-11 10:24:10
  • Shinhan Bank Launches Love for Country Card Pop-Up at Yongsan Station Featuring ITZYs Yuna
    Shinhan Bank Launches 'Love for Country Card' Pop-Up at Yongsan Station Featuring ITZY's Yuna Shinhan Bank is set to unveil a pop-up store for the 'Love for Country Card' aimed at military personnel and reservists. The bank announced that the 'Shinhan Love for Country Card Pop-Up Store' will operate from August 14 to 20 in the KTX Yongsan Station waiting area. This pop-up store is designed to allow military personnel to experience the Love for Country Card firsthand at Yongsan Station, a location frequented by service members. It will feature a goods zone, an event zone, a pre-reservation area for the new Love for Country Card, and a customization zone, all inspired by military supply stores. Visitors will receive commemorative gifts upon entry, along with limited-edition merchandise themed around military ranks. Each area will also host experiential programs in which service members can participate. An 'Our Unit Support Event' will allow soldiers to apply for their unit or a unit they wish to support, with gift packages awarded through a lottery. Additionally, the pop-up store will offer pre-reservations for a special design card featuring ITZY's Yuna, the model for the Shinhan Love for Country Card. Customers who pre-reserve will have priority issuance of the Yuna-themed Love for Country Card from September 1 to 3, ahead of its official launch. Among those who complete their pre-reservation, a limited number will have the opportunity to create commemorative items using military cap keychains and patches. A Shinhan Bank official stated, "We organized this event to express our gratitude and support for military personnel, allowing them to participate and enjoy. We aim to provide a unique experience through the Love for Country Card and various participation programs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:24:00
  • Colombia Earthquake Revives Memories of 1999 Disaster as Death Toll Exceeds 100
    Colombia Earthquake Revives Memories of 1999 Disaster as Death Toll Exceeds 100 A magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has resulted in over 100 fatalities, reviving memories of a devastating earthquake from 27 years ago that killed nearly 1,200 people.According to reports from Reuters and other sources, the earthquake occurred on August 10 at 7:34 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. As of now, at least 111 people have died and 87 have been injured. The Colombian Geological Survey has classified this earthquake as the strongest recorded in Colombia in the 21st century.The most significant casualties have been reported in Risaralda, a key coffee-producing region. In the capital city of Pereira, a four-story building collapsed, while in nearby Manizales, part of the neo-Gothic cathedral, a city landmark, also fell. Airports in Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia temporarily halted operations for safety inspections.Risaralda, Quindio, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca are prominent coffee-growing areas in Colombia. The UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia' spans these four provinces, including Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales.This region had previously suffered extensive damage from a major earthquake 27 years ago.According to historical records from the Colombian Geological Survey, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the coffee region on January 25, 1999, at 1:19 p.m., with a depth of 21.6 kilometers. The quake devastated the city of Armenia in Quindio.The Geological Survey reported that 921 people died and 5,377 were injured in Armenia alone, with over 21,000 homes damaged or destroyed.The overall impact was even greater. Data from the World Bank in 1999 indicated that 1,185 people died, 8,000 were injured, and approximately 150,000 were left homeless. Subsequent World Bank reports varied in injury counts, estimating around 9,000, but consistently recorded 1,185 fatalities. The U.S. Geological Survey also confirmed at least 1,185 deaths from that earthquake.The recent earthquake differs from the 1999 quake in both epicenter and depth. The 1999 earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 21.6 kilometers within the coffee region, while the recent quake's epicenter is near San José del Palmar in Chocó. Therefore, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the two earthquakes are related or occurred along the same fault line. However, cities in the coffee region, including Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, which experienced significant damage in 1999, have again faced strong tremors and structural damage.As of now, the specific impact of the earthquake on Colombia's coffee farms, production, and exports remains unclear. As rescue and damage assessments continue, further evaluations of the earthquake's effects on the coffee industry are necessary.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:24:00
  • Gwangju Banks S.O.S Project Achieves Tangible Results for Small Businesses
    Gwangju Bank's S.O.S Project Achieves Tangible Results for Small Businesses Gwangju Bank announced on August 11 that its S.O.S (Save Our Small_business) Project, launched in collaboration with the Jeonnam Credit Guarantee Foundation, is yielding positive results for struggling small businesses.Local small businesses are reportedly recovering from management difficulties and experiencing actual sales growth.The S.O.S Project aims to identify small businesses in Jeonnam facing management crises due to high interest rates and economic downturns, providing them with tailored recovery support services, including financial assistance, management consulting, and debt restructuring.In March, Gwangju Bank signed an agreement with the Jeonnam Credit Guarantee Foundation to establish a two-track support system. This includes 'Management Improvement Support' for businesses showing signs of distress and 'Recovery Support Guarantees' for small businesses that have fallen behind on payments but demonstrate a willingness to recover and potential for revival.Through this initiative, the bank has committed to supplying 5 billion won in funding.As of the end of July, the S.O.S Project has provided guarantees for 69 cases, totaling 1.55 billion won. Of these, 41 cases were for Management Improvement Support, amounting to 1.096 billion won, while 28 cases were for Recovery Support Guarantees, totaling 455 million won.Notably, Gwangju Bank's Inclusive Finance Center conducts specialized financial consultations for businesses that struggle to access traditional financial institutions due to declining credit ratings, overdue payments, or multiple debts. They assess the businesses' willingness to recover and their potential for revival to connect them with necessary funding.For businesses eligible for debt reduction, the center guides them through the relevant procedures and collaborates with local governments to lower the average interest rate on support funds to around 2%, thereby alleviating financial burdens.The effectiveness of the management improvement efforts has also been confirmed. A review of 10 businesses that received guarantees more than two months ago found that all were still operating. Among them, eight businesses reported increased sales compared to before the guarantee was executed.The average sales increase for businesses under Management Improvement Support was 18.9%, while those under Recovery Support Guarantees saw an average increase of 17.3%.Jung Il-seon, President of Gwangju Bank, stated, “The S.O.S Project is a practical example of effective inclusive finance that goes beyond mere declarative cooperation to provide actual financial support and opportunities for small businesses to recover. We will continue to work closely with the Jeonnam Credit Guarantee Foundation to actively support the recovery and resurgence of local small businesses.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 10:24:00