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KOSPI Shrinks Gains Amid Foreign Selling, KOSDAQ Surges Over 5% The KOSPI index initially rose more than 2% but later gave up most of its gains as foreign selling intensified. In contrast, the KOSDAQ surged over 5%, buoyed by net buying from both foreign and institutional investors, attempting to settle above the 850 mark. A buying sidecar was triggered in the KOSDAQ market due to the early surge.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 1:38 PM, the KOSPI was trading at 6,278.45, up 19.68 points (0.31%) from the previous trading day. The index opened 47.56 points (0.76%) higher at 6,306.33 and peaked at 6,394.06 early in the session. However, as foreign selling increased, the index fell below the 6,300 level.By investor type, individuals and institutions net bought 595.7 billion won and 365.3 billion won, respectively, while foreigners net sold 985.7 billion won, limiting the index's rise.Among the top market capitalization stocks, the performance was mixed. Samsung Electronics fell 0.54%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics dropped 0.94%, and KB Financial Group declined 2.79%. Conversely, SK Hynix rose 0.04%, SK Square increased by 0.21%, LG Energy Solution gained 0.97%, Hyundai Motor climbed 1.90%, Samsung Biologics was up 0.64%, Hanwha Aerospace surged 5.29%, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries jumped 6.52%.At the same time, the KOSDAQ was trading at 845.86, up 47.05 points (5.89%) from the previous day. The index opened at 807.66, up 8.85 points (1.11%), and quickly expanded its gains, reaching as high as 852.98, surpassing the 850 mark.A buying sidecar was activated in the KOSDAQ market at 9:50 AM. At that time, the KOSDAQ 150 futures were up 6.05% at 1,458.60 points, and the KOSDAQ 150 index recorded a 6.25% increase at 1,453.97. Consequently, the effectiveness of the program trading buy orders was suspended for five minutes.By investor type, foreigners and institutions net bought 119.1 billion won and 425.9 billion won, respectively, while individuals net sold 539.7 billion won.Most of the top KOSDAQ stocks saw significant gains. Alteogen surged 12.79%, while EcoPro rose 6.74%, EcoPro BM increased by 5.23%, Rainbow Robotics climbed 3.33%, Juseong Engineering jumped 11.89%, HLB was up 6.97%, Lino Industry gained 5.94%, ABL Bio increased by 8.20%, Wonik IPS rose 9.29%, and Rigakem Bio was up 5.92%.Notably, the biotech sector showed strong performance. Alteogen continued its upward trend after announcing that BlackRock, the world's largest asset management firm, holds a 5% stake for investment purposes. Major biotech stocks such as HLB, ABL Bio, and Rigakem Bio also attracted buying interest.Semiconductor-related stocks also performed well, with Juseong Engineering rising over 11%, while Wonik IPS and Lino Industry increased by 9.29% and 5.94%, respectively. Secondary battery stocks like EcoPro and EcoPro BM also contributed to the index's rise with gains of 5% to 6%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:48:10
Kim Geon-hee Testifies About Roger Vivier Bag in Court Kim Geon-hee testified in court that she received a Roger Vivier bag from the spouse of Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the National Assembly. However, she stated that she learned of this fact only later and did not know how she received it. In response to questions from the special prosecutor's team, she asserted, "Do not imply any crime." On August 10, Kim Geon-hee appeared as a witness in the case against Kim Ki-hyun and his spouse, Lee Mo, who are accused of violating the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act, at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo. She was originally scheduled to appear on July 13 but refused, citing her intention to exercise her right to refuse testimony. The court subsequently imposed a fine of 3 million won and warned of a warrant for her appearance. Ultimately, Kim Geon-hee attended court wearing a black suit and a mask. She attempted to invoke her right to refuse testimony again, but it was unsuccessful. She questioned, "Am I going to be fined for refusing to testify? Should I just imagine things? I have no direct memory of this at all." The court determined that since Kim Geon-hee received the gift while being the spouse of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, there are no regulations under the Anti-Corruption Act that penalize public officials' spouses for receiving gifts related to their duties. Therefore, the court concluded that she could not exercise her right to refuse testimony without facing adverse legal consequences. The special prosecutor pressed Kim Geon-hee on the circumstances under which she received the clutch bag from Lee. When asked if she was aware of receiving the Roger Vivier clutch bag, she replied, "I didn't know at first, but I learned later. It seems it came indirectly rather than directly from the spouse of Kim Ki-hyun." She added, "As a first lady, a clutch bag is essential. If I had seen it, I would have used it, but I didn't. I also have no memory of a letter from Lee or a Post-it note that said 'Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party.'" When the special prosecutor repeated the question about who delivered the bag, asking if it was through former presidential office staff or a third party, Kim Geon-hee responded, "This is the tenth time I've heard the same question. I don't know who delivered it because there was no second office. This line of questioning only seems to expand my alleged crimes. Do not imply any crime." As Kim Geon-hee continued to protest that the special prosecutor's questions were coercive and unreasonable, the court advised, "The witness did not attend the previous session. We should all understand and act according to our respective positions, so please refrain from trivial matters." During cross-examination, questions continued regarding the Roger Vivier clutch bag, the accompanying letter, and the Post-it note. Kim Geon-hee stated, "I receive dozens or hundreds of letters containing complaints, appeals, and thanks. I have done nothing, yet the 'Julie allegations' and my demonization have become tiresome. I do not remember who gave me anything in the past." Meanwhile, Kim Ki-hyun and Lee are on trial for allegedly providing Kim Geon-hee with a Roger Vivier clutch bag worth 2.6 million won in exchange for Kim Ki-hyun's election as party leader in March 2023. The special prosecutor suspects that Lee provided the luxury bag as a reward for Kim Ki-hyun's election, with the payment deducted from Kim Ki-hyun's salary account. During a previous court session, Kim Ki-hyun's side acknowledged that the bag was provided but claimed there was no improper solicitation. 2026-08-10 13:48:10
Controversy Over 'Youth Bus House' Proposal: Hwang Hee Apologizes Hwang Hee, a member of the Democratic Party, apologized on August 10 for not fully understanding the seriousness of youth housing issues after proposing the controversial "Youth Bus House" initiative.Hwang stated, "I sincerely apologize to the youth and the public," acknowledging that his recent proposal for the Youth Bus House caused significant concern and disappointment, contrary to his intentions.He explained that the proposal aimed to supplement the government's delayed housing supply and alleviate temporary housing costs for low-income youth.However, Hwang admitted, "Regardless of the reasons, I did not grasp the gravity of the housing problems faced by young people. I feel a heavy responsibility for the hurt and disappointment caused. I will do my utmost to develop practical and high-quality housing innovation measures as a result of this incident."Previously, on August 7, Hwang suggested on Facebook a program to remodel discarded buses into living spaces for students, claiming it would provide temporary housing until they secure stable accommodations and could be supplied quickly.Following backlash from the People Power Party and the youth community, Hwang deleted the post and clarified that it was merely an idea. The Democratic Party also distanced itself from the proposal, with spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun stating it was a personal opinion unrelated to the party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:48:00
Japan Considers AI Integration in Self-Defense Forces Command System Japan's government is exploring the integration of a domestically developed artificial intelligence (AI) model into the command and control system of its Self-Defense Forces. The plan involves using Japanese AI as the primary command system while connecting various other AIs, including those from the U.S., for data collection and analysis, explicitly excluding Chinese AI models. The development team will also be limited to Japanese nationals to ensure sensitive military information and systems are managed domestically.According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, citing multiple government sources, the Japanese government plans to include the use of AI in the command and control of the Self-Defense Forces in three security-related documents, including a revised national security strategy, by the end of this year. If implemented, this would mark the first instance of AI being integrated into the Self-Defense Forces' command system.Command and control refers to the process of assessing threats, developing response plans, and issuing orders. With advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, and sensors, the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly for missile defense and other critical decisions has been identified as a key challenge for the Self-Defense Forces.The Japanese government envisions delegating data collection, analysis, and evaluation to AI to support rapid decision-making by field commanders. Commanders will input situational data and instruct the AI on necessary tasks, which will provide decision-making materials, while the final decisions and orders will be issued by the commanders. To maintain confidentiality and economic security, the command role will be assigned to Japanese AI. The U.S. military has already integrated the 'Maven Smart System' developed by American company Palantir Technologies into its command and control operations for military actions, including those against Iran.The leading candidate for the command role is 'Sakana Fugu,' developed by the startup Sakana AI. This command AI is characterized by its 'orchestration' function, which allows it to delegate tasks to various AIs, achieving high performance at lower costs. There are expectations that it can provide both safety and world-class performance.Sakana AI signed a multi-year contract with the Defense Equipment Agency's Defense Innovation Science and Technology Research Institute in March to enhance the command and control system. However, during the development of Sakana Fugu, Chinese AI models were utilized, but these will be excluded from models supplied for defense purposes. Personnel involved in the development will also be limited to Japanese nationals. A government official stated to Yomiuri, "This aligns with the government's policy of emphasizing 'AI sovereignty,' ensuring that data and systems are autonomously managed without reliance on foreign entities."On August 7, the Japanese Ministry of Defense revealed the framework for revising two of the three security documents, including the National Defense Strategy, explicitly stating its intention to enhance decision-making speed and accuracy through AI support. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party also called for establishing 'AI sovereignty' to autonomously select and operate necessary AIs in a proposal made in June. Japan is accelerating its efforts to adapt to the changing nature of warfare brought about by advanced technologies, indicating its intent to maintain control over not just weapons and equipment but also AI that assists commanders in decision-making.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:40:20
KAIST president unveils AI native campus vision SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence will run through teaching, research, administration and campus energy systems at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology under a plan its new president set out Monday, one that treats AI as a shared tool for every field of study rather than the property of specialists. Bae Choong-sik presented the plan at his inauguration as the 18th president of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), held at the university's main auditorium. He took office on July 1 and used the ceremony to declare a new institutional vision, "Fundamentals First, Innovation Forward," ahead of the university's 60th anniversary in 2031. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon attended, along with former president Lee Kwang-hyung and ambassadors posted to Seoul. The changes fall under five strategies KAIST calls the Beyond Series: Beyond AI, Beyond Laboratory, Beyond Barriers, Beyond Carbon and Beyond KAIST. The first commits the university to a curriculum rebuilt around AI use. Every course will carry an AI use grade, sorted into three levels that run from foundational teaching conducted without AI at all to courses in which students design AI systems. Undergraduate humanities and social science teaching will expand, as will laboratory practice. "Designing learning around AI, not simply transmitting knowledge, is the beginning of AX educational innovation," Bae said, using an abbreviation for AI transformation. Research will move toward physical AI, meaning systems that act in the world through robots, self-driving vehicles and advanced manufacturing, alongside quantum technology and climate and energy research. KAIST plans to bring more corporate satellite laboratories onto campus, following its recent cooperation with Nvidia, and to build an AI Autonomous Lab that folds AI into joint research with companies. Startup education will reach first-year students for the first time, taught with founders drawn from the alumni network. Bae said technology companies started by KAIST graduates now hold combined assets of more than 100 trillion won. Administration will be rebuilt on AI tools, with internal regulations cut and incentives offered to staff who lead the change. The campus itself becomes a living lab for climate and energy technology, with building energy systems linked through an AI model developed with the university's climate and energy research institute. International work expands through dual degree programs, overseas scholars on dissertation committees and a global advisory group, under a program KAIST calls Global Connect. The ceremony departed from the usual form. Rather than deliver a conventional address, Bae explained the strategies himself in a staged presentation directed by Kang Yi-yeon, a professor in KAIST's Department of Industrial Design. Three speakers followed with working examples, covering digital twins in shipbuilding, AI in chip production and physical AI in cars and robots. Bae is a specialist in clean energy and carbon-neutral power engineering. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering at Seoul National University and a doctorate in mechanical engineering at Imperial College London in 1994. He joined KAIST in 1998 and later headed the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and served as dean of the College of Engineering. He chairs the sustainable combustion technology collaboration program at the International Energy Agency and was the first South Korean named a fellow of SAE International in the powertrain field. "I will develop KAIST into a university that creates new standards beyond innovation, and into a national innovation platform leading the future of South Korean science and technology," he said. 2026-08-10 13:40:18
National Growth Fund Attracts Older Investors, Youth Participation Lags The National Participation Growth Fund, launched by the government to encourage public investment in venture capital, sold out during its initial offering. However, the investment has been predominantly from individuals in their 40s and 50s, with those in their 20s and 30s contributing only 13.4% of the total investment. According to data submitted by the Financial Services Commission to Kim Sang-hoon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, a total of 30,038 individuals subscribed to the first round of the National Participation Growth Fund in June, with total subscriptions amounting to approximately 598.9 billion won. By age group, investors in their 50s contributed 231.6 billion won, accounting for 38.7% of the total, with 104.2 billion won from banks and 127.4 billion won from securities firms. Investors in their 40s added another 170.6 billion won, bringing the combined total for those in their 40s and 50s to 67% of the overall investment. In contrast, the 20s and 30s demographic had 5,852 subscribers, contributing about 80.2 billion won, which represents only 13.4% of the total. The average investment per person was also lower for younger investors, with those in their 20s averaging 11.3 million won and those in their 30s averaging 11.9 million won, compared to 20.8 million won for those in their 50s and 23.4 million won for those in their 60s. The lower participation from younger individuals is attributed to their relatively limited investment capacity and the fund's structure, which restricts early redemption for a five-year term. The Financial Services Commission plans to launch a second round of the National Participation Growth Fund in September, with a target size of 600 billion won. They aim to increase the allocation for low-income individuals from 20% to 50%. Given that over 60% of the young subscribers in the first fund were from low-income backgrounds, this adjustment is expected to attract more young investors. The commission is set to finalize the selection of fund management companies by mid-August and will begin public offerings in September. However, recent market volatility and the initial poor performance of the first fund could pose challenges for the second round's success.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:36:00
Alzheimer's Disease: A Shift in Treatment Paradigm Alzheimer's disease is no longer considered an "untreatable condition"; it can now be managed effectively if detected early, similar to diabetes or high cholesterol, according to experts.On August 10, Eisai held a media session at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, focusing on the role of amyloid beta protein in Alzheimer's disease and recent shifts in treatment paradigms. During the event, Professors Moon Yeon-sil from Konkuk University Hospital and Moon So-young from Ajou University emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and the need for Disease-Modifying Treatments (DMT).Dementia is one of the most feared diseases among South Koreans. A survey conducted last year by the Korean Dementia Society in collaboration with a polling agency found that 90.4% of respondents expressed fear and concern about dementia.Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. It is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid beta protein in the brain, leading to tau protein formation, neuroinflammation, and cell damage, which ultimately results in cognitive decline.The disease progresses from mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's to a dementia stage where cognitive functions such as calculation, concentration, judgment, and language abilities decline significantly. During the mild cognitive impairment stage, individuals can usually perform daily activities independently, making it difficult to distinguish from normal forgetfulness. Professor Moon Yeon-sil stressed the importance of seeking professional evaluation and testing if cognitive decline is suspected.The treatment paradigm is also evolving. Traditional treatments focused on temporarily alleviating cognitive decline symptoms by addressing the reduction of acetylcholine due to the loss of cholinergic neurons. Recently, Disease-Modifying Treatments (DMT) have emerged, targeting the direct removal of accumulated amyloid beta based on the amyloid cascade hypothesis.Professor Moon So-young noted, "DMT can be considered for mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, which are early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The earlier treatment begins, particularly when amyloid beta accumulation is relatively low, the more pronounced the cognitive improvement effects are observed."However, even with anti-amyloid treatments that remove existing amyloid beta, new amyloid beta continues to be produced. Research tracking patients who discontinued treatment showed that amyloid levels, which had dropped to normal levels, began to rise again, leading to cognitive decline.Professor Moon emphasized the importance of early intervention and consistent management tailored to the characteristics of the treatment. He added, "As the treatment paradigm shifts, Alzheimer's disease has become a condition that can be detected early and managed consistently, similar to diabetes, to delay progression to severe dementia."Meanwhile, Eisai's Alzheimer's treatment, Lecanemab (generic name: lecanemab), is a drug proven to slow disease progression and cognitive decline by selectively binding to beta amyloid, a known causative agent of Alzheimer's disease. Following its domestic launch at the end of 2024, its prescription range is expanding in major hospitals, including the top five hospitals. 2026-08-10 13:36:00
Seongnam Mayor: Citizen Solidarity and Spirit of Challenge Drive Future Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, stated on August 10 that "the solidarity and spirit of challenge that began in Gwangju Dae-dan-ji are the driving forces for Seongnam's future." This message was delivered during a ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of the 'August 10 Seongnam (Gwangju Dae-dan-ji) Uprising,' reflecting on the struggles for citizens' rights and the spirit of solidarity that will continue to propel Seongnam's development. Mayor Shin expressed these sentiments at a ceremony held in the city hall lobby to honor the historical significance of the uprising that took place on August 10, 1971. The event aimed to revisit the historical context of the uprising and reaffirm Seongnam's identity. It featured performances by the Seongnam City Traditional Music Orchestra, the City Choir, and the Dance JAI Arts Group, along with poetry readings and demonstrations of calligraphy. Additionally, a video documenting the uprising and a photo exhibition were organized to allow citizens to reflect on Seongnam's past 55 years ago. The photo exhibition will continue at the Seongnam Cultural Center until August 14. The August 10 Seongnam (Gwangju Dae-dan-ji) Uprising was a struggle for survival initiated by over 50,000 residents forcibly relocated from unlicensed housing in Seoul to the current districts of Sujeong-gu and Jungwon-gu in Seongnam. They demanded improvements to their poor living conditions and the establishment of basic means of livelihood. The collective demands and resistance of the residents marked a significant turning point that led to Seongnam's elevation to city status on July 1, 1973. Recognized as one of the first urban poor struggles after liberation, the August 10 Uprising has become a defining event that illustrates Seongnam's urban identity and historical roots. On this 55th anniversary, there is a growing sentiment in the community to view the August 10 Uprising not merely as a historical event but as a testament to the solidarity and challenges faced by citizens that shaped present-day Seongnam. For those who experienced the uprising firsthand or shared memories through parents and neighbors, the ceremony served as a reminder that Seongnam is not just a planned city but one built by citizens overcoming difficult circumstances. There is also a consensus in the community that the historical significance of the uprising should be shared with future generations. As Seongnam has evolved from a struggle for citizens' rights to a city with a foundation in advanced industries, including the Pangyo Techno Valley, it is essential to carry forward the spirit of solidarity and challenge demonstrated by citizens at that time into Seongnam's urban competitiveness and future development. In December 2024, Seongnam City amended its ordinance to change the designation from 'Gwangju Dae-dan-ji Incident' to 'August 10 Seongnam (Gwangju Dae-dan-ji) Uprising,' clarifying its historical significance. Mayor Shin Sang-jin remarked, "Seongnam has grown into a center of advanced industries and innovation based on the solidarity and spirit of challenge that began in Gwangju Dae-dan-ji." He emphasized, "We will continue to build on this historical foundation to elevate Seongnam as a benchmark city in South Korea and open a new future for the city." Mayor Shin also plans to continue uncovering records and testimonies related to the August 10 Uprising and expand historical and cultural content to share Seongnam's historical identity with citizens, connecting the spirit of the past to future urban development. 2026-08-10 13:28:00
National Scholarships for Local Public Universities Threaten Private Institutions, Critics Say The Korea Council of Private University Presidents (KCPUP), led by President Jeon Min-hyun, expressed serious concerns over the Ministry of Education's initiative to provide full national scholarships to freshmen at 30 local public universities, arguing that it threatens the survival of regional private universities. The KCPUP called for a complete redesign of scholarship policies to focus on 'students and regions' rather than the 'type of institution.' In a statement released on August 10, the KCPUP criticized the Ministry of Education's announcement made during a briefing to the Blue House on August 5 regarding the scholarship plan, labeling it a discriminatory and unreasonable measure against private universities. “While we agree on the need to support local universities and regional talent, limiting this to public universities and select private institutions undermines equity among students and disrupts the foundation of fair competition,” the KCPUP stated. The KCPUP also pointed out that the Local University Development Act, which the Ministry cited as a basis for its policy, does not restrict support to 'local public universities' alone. The KCPUP emphasized that the educational and financial disparities between public and private universities are already severe. According to the KCPUP's '2024-2025 University Education Statistical Yearbook,' as of 2025, tuition fees at non-capital area public universities are only about 54% of those at private universities. Additionally, the ratio of scholarships per student compared to tuition fees in 2024 is 20.5 percentage points lower at private universities (58.6%) than at public universities (79.1%). With non-capital area public universities spending approximately 56% more on education per student than private universities, providing additional benefits equivalent to free education solely to public universities is likely to exacerbate the existing disparities. The KCPUP also criticized the government's 'double standards,' noting that significant taxpayer funds are concentrated on public universities without competition, while private universities, which account for 80% of higher education, have been forced to freeze tuition for years. Furthermore, the KCPUP condemned the Ministry's recent selection of 15 regional small universities for the '2026 Local University Specialization Leading University Development Project,' which imposed harsh conditions, including a reduction of more than 3% in enrollment quotas. “As we approach the 2027 admissions season, if public universities use full scholarships as a weapon in the recruitment battle, regional private universities will inevitably face greater challenges in attracting students,” the KCPUP warned. “This threatens the survival of private universities, which are vital to the foundation of small cities, ultimately exacerbating regional decline.” In response, the KCPUP strongly urged the government to address three key issues: halting policies that deepen financial support imbalances between public and private institutions and providing equal scholarship support for students at regional private universities; improving discrimination against private universities, which bear the responsibility for 80% of domestic higher education, and establishing a foundation for fair competition; and utilizing the expanding resources of local education financial support to assist private universities with AI infrastructure and to enact a 'Higher Education Financial Support Law' for stable funding. President Jeon Min-hyun (Inje University) reiterated, “The government must focus on students and regions rather than the type of institution. The regional balance scholarship policy should be thoroughly reexamined to ensure that all regional universities can cultivate local talent and contribute to regional development.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:12:00
Damyang Youth Transform Walls with Murals in Community Revitalization Project Youth are making headlines by painting murals on village walls, revitalizing their community. The Gwangju Special City Damyang County Youth Counseling and Welfare Center completed the 'Cheongdam (Youth Wall Decoration)' mural project in Dugok Village from August 6 to 8. This initiative is a youth-led community revitalization project. Under the guidance of local artist Park Sun-jung, the youth participated in all stages of the project, from initial planning and design to on-site painting, creating works that reflect their thoughts and the spirit of Damyang. The project actively incorporated the ideas and individuality of the youth, from naming the project to designing and creating the murals. The youth, alongside their mentors, completed each piece, adding new vitality to the village space. They also shared the significance of participation as community members through collaboration and communication. One participating youth expressed, “I felt proud to complete the village mural with my friends, and knowing that our artwork will last for a long time made it even more meaningful. Despite the hot weather, we were able to create great memories together.” Park Min-kyung, the head of Dugok Village, remarked, “It was very impressive to see the youth putting their heart into painting the walls. Thanks to the murals, the village atmosphere has brightened, and it has been a great gift for the residents.” The Damyang County Youth Counseling and Welfare Center plans to hold a 'Cheongdam Achievement Sharing Session' at the end of this month to share the mural creation process and the outcomes of the activities with residents, as well as to discuss the experiences and growth stories of the participating youth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 13:12:00