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  • SK Shieldus EQST Ranks 5th Globally in DEF CON 34 AI CTF Competition
    SK Shieldus EQST Ranks 5th Globally in DEF CON 34 AI CTF Competition SK Shieldus' white-hat hacker group EQST achieved a global fifth place in the artificial intelligence (AI) hacking competition at the world’s largest hacking and security conference, DEF CON 34. The team was the only domestic participant to make the top five, demonstrating its security capabilities.On August 10, SK Shieldus announced that EQST secured fifth place among over 200 teams in the Capture the Flag (CTF) event held at the AI Village during DEF CON 34 in Las Vegas, USA.DEF CON is the largest hacking and security conference in the world, where hackers and security researchers gather to share the latest hacking techniques and security threats. Held annually in Las Vegas, the event features lectures from security experts, technology demonstrations, and various village hacking competitions. This year, 38 villages focused on topics such as AI, automotive security, and cryptocurrency, showcasing the latest technologies and research in cybersecurity.This year, discussions at DEF CON centered on the impact of large language models (LLMs) and AI agents, as well as self-acting AI technologies on the cybersecurity landscape. The AI Village highlighted new attack methods and security vulnerabilities utilizing AI technology, along with corresponding technologies and research cases.The AI CTF that EQST participated in involved constructing AI agents based on a given AI model to perform penetration tests and solve security issues. Unlike traditional CTFs where humans directly execute attacks, this competition required AI agents to analyze problems and select attack methods to capture flags.Teams competed by designing the structure and prompts of their agents based on the AI model, as well as strategizing their problem-solving processes and attack strategies. EQST optimized its AI model for different problem types, adjusted the agent's behavior, and analyzed scoring and difficulty levels to determine the order of attack, applying various strategies.In particular, the process of designing AI agents to autonomously explore vulnerabilities and execute attacks required a comprehensive understanding of the AI model, penetration testing experience, and security problem analysis skills. As a result, EQST ranked fifth among over 200 teams worldwide, confirming its capabilities in utilizing AI technology for attack and security problem resolution.Kim Tae-hyung, head of SK Shieldus EQST, stated, “Achieving a top-five ranking among domestic teams in the AI CTF with over 200 global participants showcases EQST's accumulated AI security technology and practical problem-solving capabilities. We will continue to expand our research on AI vulnerabilities and red teaming to proactively respond to new attacks and security threats using AI technology, while continuously enhancing our global AI security competitiveness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:48:00
  • Debate Erupts Over Wearing Swimwear in Public Spaces in Haeundae
    Debate Erupts Over Wearing Swimwear in Public Spaces in Haeundae As summer vacation season approaches, an increase in visitors to Haeundae, Busan, has sparked a debate online about the appropriateness of wearing swimwear in public spaces such as supermarkets and cafes, away from the beach. Reports of individuals traveling in bikinis and swimsuits to large supermarkets and residential areas have led to divided opinions, with some arguing that it is a natural sight in a resort area, while others insist on the need for appropriate attire.On July 29, a post on social media asked, 'Is it unacceptable to enter a cafe in front of Haeundae wearing a bikini?' The author, identified as A, recounted, 'I went into the cafe to place a takeout order, but the staff pointed out my attire and offered to bring my drink outside.' A added, 'I was wearing a large beach towel over my shoulders and had not yet entered the water, so I was neither wet nor sandy.'According to Yonhap News, the post included a map showing a walking route from Haeundae Beach to a nearby large supermarket, which takes about 22 minutes. Eyewitness accounts of seeing beachgoers in bikinis at the supermarket further fueled the debate. The supermarket stated to Yonhap, 'During the vacation season, we see about two to three customers a day in swimwear, and we do not currently restrict entry based on attire.'Reactions from netizens have been mixed. Some expressed that traveling in swimwear to a supermarket, which is not directly on the beach, is excessive. They argue that the nature of the space differs between enjoying water activities at the beach and shopping in a supermarket frequented by families and seniors. One commenter noted, 'While wearing a bikini at the beach is normal, a supermarket is a communal space for everyone.'Others suggested that wearing a shirt or shorts over swimwear is not too difficult and that at least some consideration for the location's dress code is necessary. Concerns were also raised about the potential discomfort for other customers if wet swimwear is used on supermarket seating or facilities. One opinion stated, 'The issue is not just exposure, but bringing wet clothes or sand indoors.'Conversely, there are arguments against overly scrutinizing swimwear. Given Haeundae's status as a prominent summer resort, some believe that a certain level of relaxed dress culture should be accepted in commercial areas near the beach. Some netizens pointed out, 'In famous overseas resorts, it is common to see people in swimwear walking into shops or on the streets,' and 'If Haeundae aims to be a global tourist destination, we shouldn't view this too negatively.' They also argued, 'Not covering the body completely does not directly harm others,' and 'Standards for exposure vary by individual, so we should be cautious about restricting entry based solely on discomfort.'Ultimately, opinions among netizens are divided on where the boundary lies for what constitutes the beach area. Many agree that wearing swimwear is acceptable at convenience stores or restaurants directly on the beach, but applying the same standard to supermarkets and residential areas located 20 to 30 minutes away on foot is more contentious.In some famous overseas resorts, there are restrictions on wearing swimwear outside the beach. According to Yonhap, Sorrento in Italy prohibits going shirtless or in a bikini outside designated areas, with fines of up to 500 euros for violations. Some regions in France also have signs requiring appropriate attire outside the beach.However, in South Korea, there is a consensus that simply wearing swimwear does not immediately warrant legal penalties. It is difficult to classify typical swimwear as excessive exposure or a minor offense. Therefore, establishing dress etiquette at tourist sites or guidelines for individual stores is seen as a more practical solution than legal restrictions.Experts also suggest that rather than imposing uniform penalties, there should be guidelines tailored to the characteristics of tourist areas. In places like Haeundae, where beaches, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods are closely situated, establishing criteria for what constitutes beach living space could help reduce unnecessary conflicts.Ultimately, this debate extends beyond the question of 'Is it acceptable to wear a bikini?' It raises issues about the balance between tourist freedom, the rights of local residents, and the dress etiquette expected in public spaces. As the summer vacation season begins, the discussion surrounding the 'boundaries of swimwear' in Haeundae is likely to continue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:48:00
  • Korean gaming industrys love-hate affair with AI
    Korean gaming industry's love-hate affair with AI SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - South Korean gamers are famously hard to please, putting almost anything new through a punishing stress test. Few newcomers have received a colder welcome than artificial intelligence — loathed when players can see it, yet increasingly indispensable to the people making the games. Korean game developer Shift Up posted a music video for one of its own titles on July 31. Within days, fans had a word for it: slop. The clip for "Wanna Be in Love," from the soundtrack of Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, leaned on AI-generated footage of protagonist Evie and even included a fabricated behind-the-scenes sequence. YouTube labeled it altered or synthetic content. Shift Up said it had reconstructed existing game assets with AI used as a supporting tool and hoped the video would help fans reconnect with the character. The comment section was not persuaded. The episode exposed a divide now running through South Korea's game industry. Artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in how games are made — and deeply unwelcome the moment players notice it. Generative AI was used by 70 percent of Korean game companies in the fourth quarter of last year, the highest rate of any content sector and more than double the overall average of 32.1 percent, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. That was up from 41.7 percent in the first half of 2025. With industry surveys inevitably trailing adoption, actual usage is likely higher by now. "Programming, planning, art, running the company — using AI across all of it is where the industry is," said Yeom Seong-ho, a professor of game graphic design at Tongmyong University. "When it cuts a development cycle from a week to a day, there is no way not to use it." The technology appears to work best where nobody is watching. Krafton has operated an AI-powered anti-cheat system for more than a year across a service with more than 20 million users, the head of its AI for Game research unit said at a Seoul policy seminar on July 14. Its "co-playable character" Ella, built on an on-device model using Nvidia's ACE toolkit, entered beta testing on PUBG's Sanhok map on June 17, speaking Korean, Chinese and English. Streamers spent the next fortnight bombarding her with absurd questions. That was arguably part of the point: every exchange provided more interaction data. Yet the people building games are considerably less relaxed about where all this leads. A survey of 1,078 unionized workers at Nexon, NC and Netmarble found 77.3 percent anxious about the effect of AI on their jobs, even as 80.3 percent said the technology made them more productive. "A user's day is still 24 hours," Nexon Korea co-chief executive Kang Dae-hyun told developers in June, arguing that attention rather than technology remains the industry's ultimate constraint. The trouble begins when the seams show. Pearl Abyss apologized on March 22 after players on Reddit and Bluesky spotted melted faces and anatomically impossible horses in decorative paintings inside Crimson Desert, two days after its launch. The studio said experimental generative-AI tools had been used on some two-dimensional props early in development and that the assets were supposed to have been replaced. It acknowledged that this did not excuse the failure to disclose their use. That is the line the industry keeps tripping over. "AI output still reaches only about 90 percent of human quality," Jung Nae-hun, a professor at the Tech University of Korea, said earlier this year, noting that the remaining gap tends to appear exactly where players are looking. "Design is still the problem," Yeom said. "In genres where character visuals carry the game, like Genshin Impact, demand is constant, but players simply do not like knowing AI was involved." "A lot of them still want a human artist. Using AI on anything that shows on the surface is a stretch." Shift Up chief executive Kim Hyung-tae has argued that Chinese studios can deploy 1,000 to 2,000 people on a single title and that "AI capabilities will determine industry competitiveness." His fans offered a different verdict: competitiveness is not the same thing as watchability. Developers counter that AI is often judged by its most conspicuous failures rather than the less visible work it already performs well. A Varco business team leader at NC AI told the July seminar that internal resistance had faded as the tools spread and that time saved through AI "is spent making things better, not making more." Player irritation, however, is becoming harder to dismiss as mere noise. About 31 percent of nearly 4,000 core Steam users surveyed between June 25 and July 2 viewed AI use negatively, while 8 percent said they would refuse to buy a game if its use of AI were disclosed. That stigma now sits on top of a legal requirement. South Korea's Framework Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence, in force since January, requires disclosure of AI-generated content, while Valve has revised Steam's rules to exempt behind-the-scenes development tools and focus disclosure requirements on material players can see, hear or interact with. Roughly one in five new Steam releases now carries an AI disclosure. Exactly how Korean law should apply to games — where images, dialogue, code and player interaction can be generated or combined in real time — remains unsettled. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting separate legislation for the content industry to clarify the rules. "The issue is no longer the tool itself," said Im Chung-jae, a professor of game software at Keimyung University, arguing that responsibility increasingly lies with the people who design the systems and write the commands. None of the resistance has stopped the industry from moving faster. OpenAI is set to hold its first Codex-based game development event anywhere in the world in Seoul on Aug. 31, backed by Com2uS, with 40 teams building games on the Hive backend. The next phase of AI in games may be far less visible than synthetic artwork or dialogue. An AI system capable of fully understanding a game's mechanics could eventually handle customer service, interpret player complaints and relay useful feedback directly to developers, Yeom said — effectively becoming a game master. That may prove the industry's safest place for AI: everywhere inside the machine, and nowhere players can see it. AJP Takeaway • What happened: Shift Up's AI-generated music video for "Wanna Be in Love," released July 31, 2026 and promoting Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, was widely criticized by fans as "AI slop," the latest South Korean game industry backlash over visible AI content after Pearl Abyss apologized on March 22, 2026 for undisclosed AI artwork in Crimson Desert. • Why it matters: South Korean studios have made generative AI standard in development while players continue to reject it in anything they can see, leaving publishers to use the technology extensively but quietly. • By the numbers: Generative AI was used by 70 percent of South Korean game companies in the fourth quarter of 2025, against a 32.1 percent average across all content sectors, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency, up from 41.7 percent in the first half of 2025. • The bigger picture: Disclosure has become a commercial risk as well as a legal duty. South Korea's Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence has required disclosure of AI-generated content since January 2026, Valve narrowed Steam's disclosure rules to cover only AI content players see or hear rather than development tools, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting a separate bill to define how the rules apply to games. 2026-08-10 15:44:40
  • Second Baby Boomers Face Job Insecurity After Leaving Main Employment
    Second Baby Boomers Face Job Insecurity After Leaving Main Employment 2nd baby boomers (born between 1964 and 1974) are experiencing increased job insecurity as they transition from their primary employment. The proportion of temporary workers rose from 7.5% in their main jobs to 16.7% in subsequent positions, more than doubling. As they approach retirement age, there are calls to not only increase reemployment opportunities but also to improve job quality. According to a report published on August 10 by the Korea Employment Information Service, the labor force participation rate for second baby boomers was 81.3% in 2024, significantly higher than the overall rate of 60.8% for those aged 15 and older. Among approximately 6.476 million employed individuals, 80.1% reported that their current job was their main employment, while 19.9% had left their primary jobs for other positions. There were notable differences in employment types before and after leaving their main jobs. The share of temporary workers among second baby boomers in their primary jobs was 7.5%, but this increased to 16.7% in other jobs, a rise of 9.2 percentage points. Conversely, the proportion of permanent workers decreased from 49.6% to 47.3%. The nature of the jobs also changed. The percentage of those in simple labor roles increased from 6.7% in their main jobs to 12.8% after leaving. Meanwhile, the share of professionals and related workers dropped from 18.9% to 15.9%. The number of workers in machinery operation and assembly roles rose from 12.8% to 16.2%. Changes were also observed in the industries where these individuals found employment after leaving their main jobs. The share in business facility management and support services nearly doubled from 2.7% to 5.1%. The construction sector increased from 8.8% to 10.5%, and transportation and warehousing rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. The increase was even more pronounced in health and social welfare services, which rose from 6.3% in main jobs to 12.7% in subsequent positions. The accommodation and food service sector also saw an increase from 7.5% to 8.8%. In contrast, the manufacturing and wholesale and retail sectors, which had previously held a significant share in main jobs, saw declines. Manufacturing dropped from 16.0% to 13.3%, while wholesale and retail fell from 17.2% to 14.2%. With the increase in temporary workers and simple labor roles after leaving their main jobs, there is a pressing need to ensure not only the quantity of reemployment but also the stability and quality of jobs that utilize existing skills. Park Jin-hee, a researcher at the Korea Employment Information Service, noted, "A significant number of second baby boomers are experiencing downward mobility in their careers as they transition to new jobs. It is essential to support job connections and provide retraining opportunities to prevent the waste of their existing experience and skills." She added, "The focus on short-term job supply in the public sector or social services could lead to repeated job changes and unemployment within a few months or 1-2 years. It is crucial to encourage companies of a certain size to actively utilize experienced older workers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:44:10
  • New Book Explores Why We Seek Out Lost Loved Ones
    New Book Explores Why We Seek Out Lost Loved Ones 슬픔의 발견=바버라 블래츨리 지음, 제효영 옮김, 디플롯The reality of losing a loved one and the fact that they cannot be met again is understood, yet why do we struggle to accept this? Neuroscientist Barbara Blatchley, who lost her husband Christopher after 36 years together in 2018, wandered aimlessly through her dark home. She walked incessantly, seeing her husband's face in the faces of strangers.In her anguish, Blatchley questioned why we continue to seek out those who have departed. Why does grief linger for so long? Her exploration of these questions, based on diaries she began writing after her loss and research in neuroscience and psychology, culminates in her book, Discovering Grief. The subtitle, 'The Science of Life After Loss,' reflects her examination of the profound pain of loss through a scientific lens.For instance, the behavior of searching for a lost loved one resembles a child's 'separation response.' A child who is separated from their mother cries loudly and searches everywhere for her. This behavior has evolved to increase the chances of reunion. Adults are no different; even knowing that the death of a loved one means permanent separation, they continue to yearn for and search for them. The brain, having loved, behaves like a child who has lost their mother, persistently seeking the departed for a time.The book addresses the stress and physical changes caused by grief, the reasons emotions of loss persist, the roles of psychological and physical pain, and the processes of adaptation and recovery. Blatchley does not approach grief as something to be overcome or eliminated. Instead, she helps readers understand why they keep searching for the deceased, why they struggle to sleep, and why pain that had subsided suddenly resurfaces. She reassures, "Do not forget. With time, things will improve and you will be okay," while also advising, "If time passes and you are still not feeling better, it is essential to talk to someone.""There is a cognitive-evolutionary theory that combines the ideas of Bowlby, Archer, Freud, and Ness to explain the function of grief. According to this theory, we exhibit typical separation responses immediately after losing a loved one. We miss that person, search everywhere for them, and feel anxious, behaviors that have evolved to increase the likelihood of reuniting with significant figures from our childhood. Eventually, we come to realize that the loss is permanent, feel sadness, reflect on our relationship with the departed, and reorganize our lives." (p. 44)번영의 대가=수닐 암리스 지음, 추선영 옮김, 이봄.Sunil Amris, a history professor at Yale University, examines the past 800 years of world history, asking, 'What have we sacrificed for the prosperity we enjoy?' The book traces the movement of people, goods, art, animals, and even pathogens, starting with the Mongol Empire, through the Age of Exploration, the Industrial Revolution, and World War II. Amris points out that while human prosperity has reshaped and destroyed the Earth's environment, it has also achieved positive outcomes, such as reducing hunger and disease. However, he prompts readers to consider who has benefited from this prosperity and what kind of life should be termed 'prosperous' in the future."In May 1942, Hitler described the struggle for food as follows: 'We fight to seize food, to secure the basis of life, to grasp the raw materials provided by the Earth, to obtain the natural resources buried beneath the soil, and to reap the fruits that the soil provides to those who cultivate it.' As World War II showed signs of protraction, the food produced in occupied areas became crucial to Germany's combat capabilities. A statement from a Nazi regional leader, 'One grain, two grains, three grains,' reveals what Germany demanded from the regions it annexed, particularly Poland." (p. 265)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:44:10
  • BTS ARIRANG tour turns city stops into civic events
    BTS 'ARIRANG' tour turns city stops into civic events SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) -K-pop megastars BTS are turning their "ARIRANG" world tour into more than a stadium run, with cities from Toronto to Mexico City and Paris rolling out civic honors and tourism campaigns to capitalize on the group's global drawing power. City councils, governors and even national leaders are treating BTS concert stops as public events, tourism opportunities and highly visible gestures of welcome. Toronto's city council recently reviewed and approved a proposal to temporarily name part of a city road "BTS Boulevard" around the group's upcoming concerts, according to music industry sources Monday. The designation is expected to run from Aug. 21 to Sept. 23, covering the period around BTS' two shows at Rogers Stadium on Aug. 22 and 23. The council also plans to ask the city to officially proclaim the concert dates as "BTS Weekend." BigHit Music said Toronto officials had contacted the company to ask about approval for use of the group's intellectual property related to the road naming and BTS Weekend plan, and that discussions are under way. BTS began the North American leg of the tour this month and is scheduled to perform at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Aug. 10 and 11, AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Aug. 15 and 16, and Rogers Stadium in Toronto on Aug. 22 and 23, before moving on to Chicago, Los Angeles and Latin America, according to the official tour schedule. In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore posted a video message welcoming the group to Baltimore, naming all seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — and saying their music has shown how people can come together across different cultures, regions and languages. "Welcome to Baltimore," Moore said in the video, which included both English and Korean subtitles. Baltimore's tourism office has also listed a slate of BTS-related fan events around the concerts, including K-pop karaoke, fan gatherings and pre-concert events, showing how the tour is spilling beyond the stadium into the city's restaurants, bars and cafes. The local government response has built throughout the tour. In April, El Paso County in Texas presented BTS with the "Estimado Amigo" award and proclaimed May 2 and 3 as "El Paso BTS Weekend" ahead of the group's concerts at Sun Bowl Stadium, citing the tour's boost to local tourism. In Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum met the group at the National Palace ahead of their May concerts and presented them with a commemorative plaque from the Mexican government. In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron attended BTS' July 17 concert at Stade de France, placing the group's European tour stop inside France's political and cultural spotlight rather than just its pop calendar. The Paris shows also drew some of the largest crowds of BTS' career: Korean media reported about 92,000 fans at Stade de France on both Friday and Saturday, closing the European leg with what was described as the group's biggest single-show crowd. BTS launched the "ARIRANG" world tour in April at Goyang Stadium in South Korea, its largest tour to date, following the release of an album of the same name and the return of all seven members after completing their mandatory military service. For host cities, the appeal goes beyond ticket sales. BTS concerts tend to bring a surge of international visitors, hotel bookings, restaurant traffic and social media attention — the kind of economic and cultural spillover that officials are increasingly willing to formalize through proclamations, street names, welcome videos and high-profile political appearances. AJP Takeaway: ▲BTS’ “ARIRANG” world tour is turning stadium concerts into civic events, with Toronto moving to create a temporary “BTS Boulevard” and proclaim “BTS Weekend” around the group’s Aug. 22–23 shows. ▲BigHit Music said Toronto officials contacted the company about intellectual property approval for the road naming and BTS Weekend plan, with discussions still under way. ▲Maryland Gov. Wes Moore welcomed BTS to Baltimore in a bilingual video, while El Paso County and Mexico City earlier used official honors to mark the group’s tour stops. ▲French President Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron attended BTS’ July 17 concert at Stade de France, adding a national political spotlight to the tour’s European leg. ▲The civic response shows how BTS concerts now generate more than ticket sales, creating tourism, city branding, fan events and local economic spillover. 2026-08-10 15:44:02
  • Families with Two Children Can Apply for 10% Discount on Highway Tolls Starting Today
    Families with Two Children Can Apply for 10% Discount on Highway Tolls Starting Today Applications for a highway toll discount for families with two minor children began on August 10. The actual discount will take effect on August 22.According to the Korea Expressway Corporation, the highway toll discount program for multi-child households offers discounts for families with two or more children under the age of 19 when using national highways on weekends and holidays. Families with two children will receive a 10% discount, while those with three or more children will receive a 20% discount.The 20% discount for families with three or more children has been in effect since July 28, and the 10% discount for families with two children will be available starting August 22, following the establishment of the necessary computer systems. Pre-registration for families with two children began today. The discount program will operate temporarily for three years, until August 21, 2029.To qualify for the discount, certain requirements must be met. At least one parent and two or more children under 19 must be registered together on the family registry. Eligible vehicles include non-commercial passenger cars owned by the parents or leased/rented for over a year, as well as vans with a capacity of 12 passengers or fewer. Only one vehicle per household can be registered. Vehicles owned or leased/rented under a business name are excluded from the program.When using the highway, one of the registered parents must be in the vehicle. This will be verified through the location information of the registered mobile phone. Additionally, the registered Hi-Pass card must be used in the designated lanes to receive the discount. The vehicle, Hi-Pass card, and refund account must all be in the name of the applicant.The discount applies only to national highways managed by the Korea Expressway Corporation. Private highways are excluded, and discounts will not apply if using both national and private highways in conjunction. In cases where other toll reduction programs, such as for small cars, overlap, only the program with the higher discount rate will be applied.The eligibility for the discount will be determined based on the time of entry and exit from the highway. If the entry or exit occurs on a weekend or holiday, the discount will apply.Applications can be made through the Korea Expressway Corporation's highway toll website and app, or in person at highway service centers. For in-person applications, documents such as the family registry, proof of family relationship, and vehicle registration are required. For leased or rented vehicles, the contract must also be submitted.If using a prepaid Hi-Pass card, the normal toll will be charged, and the discount amount will be refunded to the registered account. For postpaid Hi-Pass cards, the discounted toll will be billed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:44:00
  • Lotte Global Logistics Expands LG Energy Solutions BESS Transportation in the U.S.
    Lotte Global Logistics Expands LG Energy Solution's BESS Transportation in the U.S. Lotte Global Logistics is expanding its inland transportation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for LG Energy Solution in the United States. On August 10, Lotte Global Logistics announced that it will increase its operations to transport BESS produced by LG Energy Solution at its U.S. facilities to various regional demand points. BESS refers to a system that stores excess electricity generated from batteries for later use. Since the first half of this year, the company has been responsible for the inland transportation of BESS produced in Phoenix, Arizona. In the second half of the year, it plans to triple the transportation volume compared to the first half, handling a significant portion of the shipments from local factories. Transporting BESS requires precise control to minimize the risk of damage, as well as compliance with strict standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) throughout the transportation process. To meet these requirements, Lotte Global Logistics has established a dedicated team to enhance local responsiveness and operational expertise. The transportation process will utilize the company's self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) logistics platform, Shiptte, along with a consulting program based on large language models (LLM). This technology will allow for real-time management of vehicle operation records, optimizing transportation routes and automating paperwork such as reports and invoices. Lotte Global Logistics aims to strengthen its approach to the North American specialized cargo market by offering integrated logistics services that connect sales, consulting, logistics operations, and information technology (IT). A company representative stated, "This contract reflects Lotte Global Logistics' advanced logistics capabilities and local responsiveness being recognized in the global market. We will use this as a stepping stone to further solidify our position in the North American high-value logistics market." Meanwhile, Lotte Global Logistics recently signed a memorandum of understanding with robotics specialist FRT Robotics to jointly develop and commercialize AI-based wearable robots, further enhancing its competitiveness in high-value business through the integration of AI and robotics technology across logistics.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:44:00
  • TSMC Reports Record Monthly Revenue for Third Consecutive Month Amid AI Chip Demand
    TSMC Reports Record Monthly Revenue for Third Consecutive Month Amid AI Chip Demand The world's largest foundry, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has achieved record monthly revenue for three consecutive months, driven by increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors.On August 10, TSMC announced that its revenue for July reached NT$467.58 billion (approximately $20.55 billion), a 44.7% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure represents a 5.6% rise from the previous record of NT$442.68 billion set in June. However, the year-on-year growth rate has slowed compared to June's 67.9% increase.TSMC's monthly revenue has now risen for 31 consecutive months since January 2024. Cumulative revenue for the first seven months of this year stands at NT$2.87 trillion, marking a 37% increase from the same period last year.Bloomberg noted that this performance signals strong demand for AI hardware, even amid growing market uncertainties.Indeed, TSMC has projected that the explosive growth in AI chip demand will continue into next year, prompting the company to revise its investment and revenue forecasts upward. TSMC has raised its annual capital expenditure outlook from the previous range of $50 billion to between $60 billion and $64 billion, and it expects annual revenue growth to exceed 40% in U.S. dollar terms.Building on its strong performance, TSMC is also accelerating its business expansion. According to the Nikkei Asian Review on August 10, TSMC and Japan's Sony, the world's largest image sensor manufacturer, plan to establish a joint venture to co-produce next-generation image sensor-related semiconductors with an investment of approximately ¥1 trillion (around $8.95 billion).The two companies aim to set up a development and production line for next-generation image sensors at Sony's newly constructed factory in Kumamoto, Japan. The joint venture will be structured with Sony holding a 60% stake and TSMC holding 40%, with mass production expected to begin as early as 2029.This collaboration is seen as significant as it goes beyond simple contract manufacturing, combining the technological strengths of both companies to expand into the next-generation sensor field. Sony will contribute its expertise in image sensor design and development, while TSMC will provide advanced process technology and production capabilities. The Nikkei Asian Review predicts that TSMC's joint production with Sony will help the company accumulate experience in the image sensor sector and enhance its competitiveness in the physical AI semiconductor market. 2026-08-10 15:40:00
  • Famous Gangnam Gynecologist Under Investigation for Self-Administering Propofol
    Famous Gangnam Gynecologist Under Investigation for Self-Administering Propofol A gynecologist from Gangnam, Seoul, who gained fame through television and YouTube appearances, is under investigation by police for allegedly self-administering propofol.On August 10, the Gangnam Police Station reported that they arrested the chief doctor, identified as A, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. He is currently being investigated without detention.According to police, A was discovered by an acquaintance who visited the clinic and found him collapsed inside the facility. Emergency services and police were dispatched to the scene and arrested A in the act.A has become well-known for providing information on women's health and sex education through his appearances on terrestrial television and YouTube.Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding A's use of propofol.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 15:36:10