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OpenAI Launches Cybersecurity Model 'GPT-5.6 Cyber' OpenAI announced the launch of its cybersecurity model, 'GPT-5.6 Cyber,' which is specialized for security testing. The 'Daybreak' program, which provides cybersecurity models to approved individuals and organizations, operates in two tiers: Blue and Red.Daybreak Blue utilizes the 'GPT-5.6 Sol' with safety measures in place to support approved defensive operations. OpenAI recommends that organizations performing general security tasks prioritize the use of Daybreak Blue.Daybreak Red offers GPT-5.6 Cyber to organizations engaged in advanced vulnerability research, exploit development, and red team activities.Both programs are available only to pre-approved individuals and organizations. Controls are in place during usage, including identity verification, account security, usage monitoring, restrictions on non-approved purposes, and compliance with relevant regulations.According to OpenAI, GPT-5.6 Cyber achieved the highest success rate in 'ExploitGym,' a platform that evaluates the ability to implement known vulnerabilities into actual attack code. In assessments of advanced cybersecurity tasks, it completed 95% of all requests.The model has also been used to identify vulnerabilities in actual software. While analyzing Chrome's JavaScript engine, 'V8,' OpenAI discovered two undisclosed vulnerabilities that could be exploited in conjunction.After verifying the vulnerabilities, OpenAI communicated the findings to Google following a coordinated vulnerability disclosure process, and Google has since addressed the issues. The research process for actual vulnerabilities requires the ability to hypothesize and validate while analyzing large and unfamiliar codebases, as well as tracking interactions among various components to reproduce unexpected behaviors.OpenAI is also expanding its Daybreak Cyber Partner Program in collaboration with major security and service companies, including Accenture, Cisco, Cloudflare, CrowdStrike, IBM, and Palo Alto Networks' 'Unit 42.' Daybreak Blue and Red will also be available to customers who have completed the registration process for Amazon Bedrock. Customers can utilize the model within their existing Amazon Web Services (AWS) security and governance environments.Meanwhile, according to WiseApp and Retail, the most used AI chatbot app in South Korea last month was ChatGPT, which recorded 26.37 million monthly active users (MAU).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:52:00 -
CJ CheilJedang Shares Plunge 7% Despite Revenue Growth CJ CheilJedang's stock has dropped significantly following a report that its operating profit fell sharply despite revenue growth in the second quarter. As of 9:45 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, shares of CJ CheilJedang were trading at 190,800 won, down 14,700 won (7.15%) from the previous trading day. The company announced its second-quarter results today. Excluding CJ Logistics, revenue reached 4.195 trillion won, a 10.2% increase compared to the same period last year. However, operating profit fell to 161.9 billion won, an 18.4% decrease. While revenue saw double-digit growth, profitability has worsened. Notably, the profitability of the core food business has declined significantly. The food division reported sales of 2.844 trillion won, up 5.8%, but operating profit dropped to 70.9 billion won, a 21.3% decrease. This marks a stark contrast to the first quarter, where food business operating profit was 143 billion won, an 11.2% increase year-on-year. The overseas food business continued to grow, with sales reaching 1.507 trillion won, a 10.1% increase, driven by higher sales of key products such as dumplings, Hetbahn, chicken, and noodles in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. However, rising raw material prices, high oil costs, and currency fluctuations have pressured profitability. Market sentiment is currently focused on the declining profitability and cost pressures in the domestic food business rather than the growth of the overseas segment. CJ CheilJedang plans to improve profitability in the second half of the year by expanding sales of global strategic products, increasing bio business sales, and reducing manufacturing costs and fixed expenses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:52:00
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Voting Begins in Honam for Democratic Party Leadership Race The voting by party members in Honam, which will influence the outcome of the Democratic Party's leadership election on August 17, began on August 11. Candidate Kim Min-seok is narrowly leading candidate Jung Cheong-rae by just 1.48 percentage points, excluding strategic regional weighting, indicating a highly competitive race.According to the Democratic Party, the voting for Honam party members will take place from August 11 to 14, with results to be announced on August 15. Honam is a stronghold for the party, with over 30% of the total party members located in the region. Given the significant number of party members from Honam residing in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas, the results from this voting are expected to serve as a barometer for the overall election dynamics.In response, candidates Kim, Jung, and Song Young-gil have been intensively visiting Honam during the campaign to garner support. All three candidates are scheduled to continue their activities in the region today. During a TV debate held the previous day on KBC Gwangju Broadcasting, the candidates emphasized their connections to Honam.Kim described himself as a 'direct political descendant of former President Kim Dae-jung,' stating, 'I am an honorary citizen of Gwangju who spent three years in prison demanding the truth about the Gwangju Democratization Movement, and I am the grandson of a resident of Jindo, Jeonnam.' Jung introduced himself as 'the son-in-law of Honam,' pledging to strengthen the Democratic Party in accordance with the spirit of Kim Dae-jung and the spirit of unity to regain power.Song, who hails from Goheung, Jeonnam, remarked, 'The progress and outcomes of the 800 trillion won semiconductor investment project will depend on who becomes the party leader. Since this is my hometown, I will take charge of it.'Notably, the upcoming party convention has brought issues such as the establishment of a semiconductor cluster in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and investments by Hyundai Motor Group in Saemangeum, Jeonbuk, to the forefront. Some have raised concerns about perceived neglect of Jeonbuk compared to the investment scale in Gwangju, leading to speculation that the election results may be unpredictable. The candidates are actively seeking support by addressing the successful promotion of mega projects in Gwangju and responding to the neglect claims regarding Jeonbuk.The third week of the primary, which includes the Honam and Seoul-Gyeonggi primaries and the party convention, is referred to as 'Super Week.' The winner in Honam, being the first to be determined, could establish a so-called 'dominant narrative,' making the choice of Honam crucial for the overall outcome of the party convention.Meanwhile, the party leadership election will reflect 70% of votes from delegates and party members and 30% from public opinion polls. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a preferential voting system will be used to determine the winner.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:48:10
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Cosmecca Korea Shares Surge Over 13% Following Strong Q2 Earnings Report Cosmecca Korea's shares surged more than 13% in early trading after the company reported second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations.As of 9:19 a.m. on the Korea Exchange, Cosmecca Korea's stock was trading at 107,900 won, up 12,900 won (13.58%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 103,000 won and reached a high of 109,600 won during the session.The rise in stock price is attributed to the strong earnings report released after the market closed the previous day. Cosmecca Korea announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter was 32.1 billion won, a 39.3% increase compared to the same period last year.In response to the strong performance, analysts have been raising their target prices for the stock. Hyundai Motor Securities noted in a report that "Cosmecca Korea's domestic corporate client orders remain robust, and the client base is continuously diversifying," raising its target price to 130,000 won.Similarly, Samsung Securities stated, "As an original design manufacturer (ODM) with access to various brands, the company is expected to see solid growth in the second half of the year, supported by diversification in domestic beauty distribution channels, inbound growth, and expansion into overseas markets from the U.S. to Europe," increasing its target price from 110,000 won to 130,000 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:48:10
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China Deploys 'Drone Killer' Laser Weapon on Landing Ship China's high-powered laser weapon, LY-1 (Liaoyuan), has been confirmed to be operationally deployed. According to a video released by state broadcaster CCTV on August 11, the weapon was spotted during a joint exercise by the People's Liberation Army Navy and Air Force near Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) on August 1. Military experts identified a large rectangular device behind the 76mm gun on the Type 071 amphibious transport dock, the Qilian Shan.The LY-1 was first unveiled during the Victory Day parade in September 2025, and its recent appearance on a naval vessel confirms its deployment in real-world operations.The LY-1 focuses laser energy on a target to heat it, damaging sensors, electronic equipment, and structural components. It is particularly effective against small drones and suicide drones. A key advantage of the LY-1 is that it does not fire ammunition; as long as power and cooling capabilities are maintained, it can repeatedly engage targets. This reduces the waste of intercepting inexpensive drones with costly surface-to-air missiles.China has not disclosed the exact performance specifications of the LY-1. However, military industry sources and external analyses estimate its laser output to be around 180 to 250 kW, with an effective range of approximately 20 kilometers. It is vulnerable to atmospheric conditions such as fog, rain, and humidity.The Qilian Shan, equipped with the LY-1, is a Type 071 amphibious transport dock capable of deploying large numbers of troops, landing equipment, and helicopters. In amphibious operations, the risk of exposure to enemy drones and loitering munitions is high, making the practical value of laser weapons significant. If improvements are made in output, range, and adverse weather response, the LY-1 is expected to play a crucial role in the Chinese Navy's drone defense systems. With Taiwan enhancing its drone capabilities, there is speculation that the LY-1 could be widely deployed in response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:48:00
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Everland and Caribbean Bay Target Late Summer Vacationers with 'Two Park' Offer As the Liberation Day holiday approaches, demand for late summer vacations is rising, with Everland and Caribbean Bay, operated by Samsung C&T Resort Division, attracting visitors with diverse offerings.According to Samsung C&T Resort Division, over 40% of Caribbean Bay visitors this summer have utilized the 'Two Park Event,' which allows free access to Everland on the same day as their Caribbean Bay visit. This event runs until the 30th.From August 15 to 17, a 'Water Music Pool Party' in collaboration with Samsung Card will take place at Caribbean Bay's wave pool stage. Popular K-pop artists, including Eight Turn on the 15th, IVE on the 16th, and Fromis 9 on the 17th, will perform, culminating in a grand finale. The event will also feature performances by popular DJs and a 'Hello Summer Party' in collaboration with Sanrio characters, offering entertainment for all ages.For those heading to Everland in the afternoon, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Attractions include the 'Water Pang Pang Adventure' water play zone, the 'Bam Bam Man Kids Water Party,' and the large-scale water show 'Shooting Water Fun Season 2.' From now until the 16th, a special water DJ party, 'Bam Bam Summer Night,' will be held every night at Carnival Square. Additionally, Everland will extend its nighttime hours until 11 PM from the 14th to the 16th in celebration of the Liberation Day holiday.Unique ecological exploration programs are also available during summer nights. The 'Midsummer Night Firefly Festival,' which allows visitors to observe clean environment indicator insects, is open for free this year, attracting many attendees. The 'Summer Night Safari,' which offers a close-up view of nocturnal activities of wild animals, has also started earlier than usual to meet the increased demand for evening outings. Furthermore, a special event offering discounts on all-day passes for customers wearing Hawaiian shirts is ongoing until the 31st.In the Everland Zoo's Ppupatawn, a male baby lion named 'Raon,' born on June 5, has been open to the public since August 5, generating buzz. Raon, born in Safari World, has been raised by zookeepers through artificial rearing, and he has grown healthily, surpassing 5.5 kg in weight at about two months old. This marks the first time a baby lion has been born at Everland in eight years.The name 'Raon' was given by Yang Chang-seob, a pitcher for the Samsung Lions, during a visit to Everland during the All-Star break. Yang expressed his hope that Raon would grow strong and one day become the true king of the safari at Everland, sharing a name with the youngest character from the Samsung Lions mascot 'Bleo Family.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:44:00
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Dongyang Life Completes Transition to Fully Owned Subsidiary of Woori Financial Dongyang Life has completed its comprehensive stock exchange process with Woori Financial Group, officially becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the group. On August 11, Dongyang Life announced that it had finalized the stock exchange with Woori Financial Group. This followed the signing of a stock exchange agreement in April, which was completed after receiving approval from relevant authorities and a vote at a shareholders' meeting. As a result, Dongyang Life will relinquish its status as a publicly traded company after approximately 17 years since its listing on the securities market in 2009. The company is set to undergo delisting at the end of this month, transitioning to a non-listed wholly owned subsidiary of Woori Financial. Through this restructuring, Dongyang Life expects to simplify its decision-making process and accelerate the implementation of its management strategies. The company also anticipates cost savings from eliminating duplicate listings and establishing a sustainable management system. Dongyang Life plans to enhance synergies with Woori Financial's affiliates. By collaborating with banks, card services, and securities firms, the company aims to expand its customer base and improve the competitiveness of its products and services, while also exploring future business opportunities utilizing the group's human and material resources. Sung Dae-kyu, CEO of Dongyang Life, stated, “We will secure new growth engines by combining Woori Financial Group's comprehensive financial competitiveness with Dongyang Life's insurance expertise. We aim to establish ourselves as a core affiliate of Woori Financial Group that provides greater value to our customers.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-11 09:44:00
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Rent for Studio Apartments Near Seoul Universities Rises by 44,000 Won in a Year Rent and management fees for studio apartments near major universities in Seoul have both increased over the past year, adding to the financial burden for students. On August 11, Dabang released an analysis of average rent and management fees for studio apartments registered in July near ten major universities in Seoul, ahead of the start of the second semester. Based on a survey of studio apartments with a deposit of 10 million won and a floor area of less than 33 square meters, the average rent rose to 625,000 won, an increase of 44,000 won (7.7%) from 581,000 won in the same month last year. Average management fees also increased from 75,000 won to 84,000 won, a rise of 9,000 won (10.9%). The increase in single-person households in Seoul is believed to have driven up demand for studio apartments near universities. According to the national census data, the number of single-person households in Seoul rose from 1,390,701 in 2020 to 1,699,910 in 2025, a 22.2% increase over five years. During the same period, single-person households aged 20 to 34, which include students and young professionals, also grew by 21.3%. By university, the area near Seoul National University saw the largest rent increase, with average rent rising from 423,000 won last year to 533,000 won this year, a 26.0% increase. The area near Hankuk University of Foreign Studies saw an increase from 582,000 won to 670,000 won, a rise of 15.1%, while the area near Yonsei University increased from 614,000 won to 678,000 won, a 10.4% rise. Areas near Chung-Ang University and Hanyang University also saw increases of 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively. In contrast, the average rent near Sungkyunkwan University decreased from 576,000 won to 550,000 won, a decline of 4.5%. This was the only area among the ten major universities in Seoul where rent fell compared to the previous year. The largest increase in management fees was observed near Chung-Ang University, which jumped from 76,000 won last year to 102,000 won this year, a 34.2% increase. The area near Seoul National University saw management fees rise from 78,000 won to 91,000 won, a 16.7% increase, while the area near Hanyang University increased from 70,000 won to 81,000 won, a rise of 15.7%. Areas near Yonsei University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies also saw increases of 14.3% and 10.4%, respectively. Only the area near Sogang University experienced a decrease, with management fees falling from 64,000 won to 62,000 won, a drop of 3.1%. The most expensive area for rent and management fees was near Ewha Womans University, where the average rent in July was 767,000 won, and average management fees were 103,000 won, both over 20% higher than the average near major universities in Seoul. Compared to January, just before the start of the first semester, housing costs have seen a slight increase. In January, the average rent for studio apartments near major universities in Seoul was 622,000 won, and average management fees were 82,000 won. By July, rent had increased by 3,000 won (0.5%) and management fees by 2,000 won (2.4%). A Dabang representative stated, "The overall increase in rent and management fees for studio apartments near universities is linked to the growing demand for small housing due to the rise in single-person households. It is important for prospective renters to start looking for listings early, especially before the peak demand period at the start of the semester, and to thoroughly check the details of listings and landlords before signing contracts." Meanwhile, according to Dabang's 'Dabang Map' released on July 28, the average rent for studio apartments under 33 square meters in Gangnam District was 1,020,000 won, up 5.1% from 970,000 won the previous month. 2026-08-11 09:44:00
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Webtoon Entertainment takes majority stake in RI Games SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Webtoon Entertainment is buying its way into the business of turning its own comics into games and films, ending years in which the company handed its biggest hits to outside studios and collected a fee while somebody else kept the franchise. The Nasdaq-listed operator of Naver Webtoon disclosed two deals on Monday alongside second quarter results. It agreed to buy a 60 percent stake in RI Games Holdings for about $100 million in cash, paid across two closings, and signed a limited partnership agreement with Naver Corporation in July to establish a $100 million fund that will invest in adaptations of its titles. The company has not said how much of the fund it is putting up itself. Both moves target the same weakness. Webtoon publishes the comics that have fed South Korea's streaming boom, including Sweet Home, All of Us Are Dead, Hellbound and Bloodhounds, and it has almost always sold the screen rights rather than produced the adaptation itself. That distinction decides who gets rich. Under a licensing deal, a streamer pays an agreed amount for the right to make the series, and the payment is set before anyone knows whether it will work. If the show becomes a global hit and runs three seasons, the fee does not grow. Company president Kim Yong-soo said the pattern is now a problem the company intends to fix. "Historically, our adaptation business has been based on a licensing model, which means that the success of those adaptations has not always translated directly into meaningful economics for ," he said on the earnings call. RI Games Holdings was founded by Kevin Han, who built Redice Studio, the production house behind the Solo Leveling comic, serialized in South Korea on the rival KakaoPage platform. It operates two game studios, GrayGames and Offbeat, and the companies plan to release multiple games over the next four years drawn from webcomic titles including Doom Breaker and Omniscient Reader, both of which run on Naver Webtoon, and Overgeared, another KakaoPage title. Webtoon intends to time game launches to coincide with animated versions of the same stories. Chief financial officer David Lee said the arrangement lets Webtoon skip the part most publishers get wrong. "We are not seeking to build ground-up capability in gaming," he said. "We have 120,000 stories arriving every day from 27 million creators, and we know from data what can be a hit, not just on our platform, but off it." Lee said certain terms of the agreement were redacted in the company's filing, and that the structure includes put options on both sides, obliging each party to buy the other out under conditions Webtoon has not disclosed. The strategy shift landed on a quarter that looked worse in dollars than it was in practice. Revenue came in at $338.5 million, about 508 billion won at the quarter's average rate of 1,500.7 won to the dollar, down 2.8 percent from a year earlier. Almost all of that decline is a currency effect. Webtoon earns most of its money in won and yen but reports in dollars, and both weakened over the quarter, so identical sales in Seoul and Tokyo converted into fewer dollars. Strip the exchange rate out and revenue grew 5.2 percent. The net loss widened to $14.6 million from $3.9 million a year earlier, which the company attributed to a tax bill and to advertising spending. Measured before those items, the quarter beat expectations, with adjusted earnings of four cents a share and gross margin up almost a full percentage point to 26 percent. The two core markets moved in opposite directions. South Korean revenue grew 20 percent in constant currency, with paying readers up 10.4 percent to 3.8 million. Japan fell 6.7 percent, with paying readers down 9.5 percent to 2.1 million. Guidance for the current quarter implies constant currency growth of 0.7 to 3.3 percent, well below the pace just reported. Management maintained a commitment to double-digit growth by the end of the year, then clarified under questioning that the figure refers to the rate the company expects to be running at as the fourth quarter closes, not to the quarter as a whole. Shares closed the regular session at $9.45 before the results, then fell 6.2 percent in after-hours trading to $8.86, against a 52-week range that runs from $8.30 to $22.47. The RI Games purchase alone accounts for about a sixth of the $583 million in cash Webtoon Entertainment held at the end of the quarter. 2026-08-11 09:41:44 -
Seoulites get respite from tropical nights as heatwave eases with arrival of autumn SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - The scorching heat that has gripped South Korea in recent weeks is showing signs of easing, although daytime temperatures are expected to remain high. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning lows fell below 20 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country on Tuesday as the sweltering heatwave has abated a little since last Friday, a day known as Ipchu or the beginning of autumn in the lunar calendar. Temperatures in Seoul, which soared up to 40.2 degrees in the middle of last week, plunged to 31.4 degrees over the weekend. Seoulites also woke up to their first respite from the unbearable tropical nights, which lasted for 17 consecutive days, with nighttime lows remaining at or above 25 degrees from July 22 through Aug. 7. But daytime highs are still forecast to reach 33 degrees in Seoul and Incheon, 31 degrees in Chuncheon, 28 degrees in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, 32 degrees in Daejeon, 31 degrees in Daegu and Busan, 34 degrees in Jeonju and Gwangju, and 30 degrees in Jeju. Heat wave advisories also remain in effect across the country, with nighttime heat lingering in some areas, while many parts of the country are expected to escape more than two weeks of tropical nights. Relatively mild temperatures are expected to continue through the rest of the week. AJP Takeaways: - South Korea's scorching heat is easing: The heat wave that gripped South Korea in recent weeks has weakened since Saturday, Aug. 8, although daytime temperatures remain high. - Seoul temperatures have dropped sharply: Seoul's temperature fell from a peak of 40.2 degrees Celsius in the middle of the week of Aug. 3 to 31.4 degrees over the weekend. - Seoul's 17-day tropical-night streak has ended: Tropical nights in Seoul lasted for 17 consecutive days from July 22 through Aug. 7, with nighttime lows remaining at or above 25 degrees Celsius. - Daytime highs will remain in the low to mid-30s: On Tuesday, Aug. 11, highs are forecast to reach 33 degrees in Seoul and Incheon, 34 degrees in Jeonju and Gwangju, and 31 degrees in Daegu and Busan, among other areas. - Milder weather is expected through the rest of the week: The Korea Meteorological Administration expects relatively mild temperatures to continue through the remainder of the week, although heat wave advisories remain in effect and nighttime heat will linger in some areas. 2026-08-11 09:36:21