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Kim and Jung Clash in Gangwon: 'I Won't Lose Support Due to Misstatements' vs 'Acting Like a Party Leader' Kim Min-seok and Jung Cheong-rae, candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party, engaged in a war of words on August 9, asserting, "I won't lose support due to misstatements" and "Acting like a party leader already by interfering in appointments."The Democratic Party held a joint speech event at the Hyengseong National Sports Center in Gangwon Province. The two candidates, who have been in a heated rivalry since announcing their candidacies, continued their exchanges during the event.Kim pressured Jung by referencing the potential by-elections in Gangneung and the Seoul mayoral race next year. He stated, "Winning the Seoul mayoral election will symbolize victory in the metropolitan area in the general elections two years from now, while a win in Gangneung will represent success in the challenging Yeongnam region." He added, "There will be no loss of regions due to misstatements, nor will we lose ground because the central party has not made a decision. I will seek the best results in Seoul and Gangneung and ask for re-endorsement from party members."Continuing his message of unity, Kim said, "I will wash away all the grudges from the election process and discussions about merging with the Justice Party will begin with mutual benefit."In response, Jung criticized the party's unity at the convention, claiming that Kim's allegations regarding factionalism and the Shincheonji cult were exacerbating divisions. He remarked, "To win in the general and presidential elections, those who supported Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung must unite, but the atmosphere at the convention is not conducive to that." He emphasized the need for swift integration with the Justice Party to prepare for the presidential election, stating, "The party is divided due to accusations of factionalism and the Shincheonji allegations."Jung then directed his remarks at Kim, questioning, "While we don't know who will win by the end of the convention, can someone who is already acting like a party leader appoint others to party positions?"Meanwhile, Song Young-gil, another candidate, reiterated his blame on Jung for the party's losses in key areas during the June 3 local elections. He stated, "Although President Lee Jae-myung supported Jung Won-o, the party failed to capitalize on it, resulting in losses in Seoul." He stressed, "The most important issue is not the margin of victory but the fact that support has reversed for a political faction that should be eradicated."Additionally, Song appealed to Jung, saying, "While I acknowledge the efforts made for judicial reform, I urge you to unite with me to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and complete judicial reform."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 14:00:00 -
Court Rejects Lawsuit to Lift Travel Ban on Far-Right YouTuber Jeon Han-gil 이재명 대통령과 이준석 개혁신당 대표의 명예를 훼손한 혐의를 받는 한국사 강사 출신 극우 유튜버 전한길씨가 출국금지 연장 처분을 취소해 달라며 소송을 냈지만, 법원에서 받아들여지지 않았다. 9일 법조계에 따르면 유영화 서울행정법원 행정11단독 판사는 전씨가 법무부 장관을 상대로 낸 출국금지 기간 연장 처분 취소 소송에서 원고 패소로 판결했다.전씨는 이 대통령이 대장동 관련 비자금 1조원을 싱가포르에 숨겼다는 내용의 허위 발언을 하고, 이 대표에 대해서는 하버드대 경제학 복수 전공 학력이 거짓이라고 주장하는 등 이들의 명예를 훼손한 혐의로 수사받고 있다. 법무부는 경찰 요청으로 지난 2월 전씨를 출국금지 조처한 후 1달 단위로 기간을 연장해 왔고, 6월 출국금지 기간을 연장하는 처분을 내렸다.이에 전씨는 4월 법원이 구속영장을 기각하는 등의 사유를 들어 단순히 수사가 진행 중이라는 이유만으로 출국금지를 연장한 것은 위법하다며 소송을 제기했다. 재판부는 "전씨에 대한 출국금지로 달성하려는 공익에 비해 전씨가 입는 불이익이 크거나 지나치게 가혹하다고 볼 수 없다"면서 전씨의 주장을 일축했다. 그러면서 "최초 출국금지 처분이 있기 전까지 9차례 출국했고, 마지막 출국 당시 장기간 해외에 체류하면서 수사 기관 출석 요구를 7번 응하지 않았다"며 "다시 해외로 출국해 수사 기관의 소환에 응하지 않으면 수사에 상당한 차질을 빚을 우려가 있다"고 설명했다.또 "전씨에 대한 여러 건의 수사가 진행 중인 점 등을 고려하면 수사 진행 상황이나 구체적인 필요성과 관계없이 출국금지가 장기간 이어지고 있다고 보기 어렵다"고 덧붙였다. 앞서 경찰은 전씨를 3차례 불러 조사한 후 정보통신망법 위반(명예훼손)과 전기통신기본법 위반 혐의를 적용해 구속영장을 신청했고, 검찰도 피의자 면담 조사를 거쳐 구속영장을 청구했다. 김진만 서울중앙지법 영장전담 부장판사는 4월 16일 "증거 인멸과 도망할 염려가 있다고 보기 어렵다"면서 전씨에 대해 구속영장을 기각했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 13:40:20
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Woowa Brothers Seeks Participants for 'On-Site Baemin Academy' in Busan Woowa Brothers, the operator of Baedal Minjok, announced on the 9th that it is recruiting participants for the 'On-Site Baemin Academy' in Busan. The application period runs from the 10th to the 26th.The On-Site Baemin Academy provides free, tailored business know-how and practical training directly to small business owners and those in the restaurant industry.The Busan edition, conducted in collaboration with the Busan Economic Promotion Agency and the Busan branch of the Korea Restaurant Association, is aimed at restaurant representatives in the Busan area. Applications can be submitted through the Baemin Academy and Busan Economic Promotion Agency websites.Training will take place at the Busan Comprehensive Support Center for Small Business in Nampo-dong, from August 31 to September 21, every Monday afternoon for four weeks.In response to the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Busan, the program will include marketing strategies targeting these visitors and training on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). Instructors will include food critic Lee Yoon-hwa, CEO of Diaryal, data-driven marketing expert Koo Yang-il, CEO of Growth Company, dessert cafe owner Son Min-ji, CEO of Cafe Sui & Sui No Kitchen, and Choi Hyo-ja, chairperson of the Busan branch of the Korea Restaurant Association.Kwon Yong-kyu, head of the Baemin Academy at Woowa Brothers, stated, "We planned this training to provide practical marketing education aimed at foreign tourists visiting Busan. We will continue to offer programs that reflect local characteristics and on-site needs, expanding educational opportunities for local restaurant owners to grow."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 13:40:00
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KOSDAQ Index Rises 24% in Six Trading Days Amid Leverage ETF Regulation The KOSDAQ market is quickly regaining momentum following the implementation of regulations on single-stock leverage exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Short-term funds, which had previously concentrated on leverage products based on large-cap stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are now diversifying, leading to increased trading volume and institutional buying in the KOSDAQ.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSDAQ index rose 23.89% from 644.78 on July 30 to 798.81 on August 7. The index has seen a continuous upward trend for five consecutive trading days from July 31 to August 6, the first day of the regulation. Notably, on July 31 and August 3 and 4, the KOSDAQ market triggered buy-side circuit breakers, indicating strong buying pressure.Trading volume has also increased. The average daily trading volume in the KOSDAQ during the five trading days before the regulation (July 24-30) was 5.08 trillion won, but it rose by 13.4% to 5.76 trillion won during the six trading days following the regulation (July 31-August 7). In contrast, the trading volume of single-stock leverage ETFs, which reached 13.9 trillion won on July 30, plummeted to the 1 trillion won range after the regulation.Previously, individual investors concentrated their short-term funds in single-stock leverage products to take advantage of high volatility. However, with the increase in the minimum deposit requirement and other regulations, access to these products has decreased, leading to a rapid decline in trading. Analysts suggest that this shift in investment demand from leverage products to domestic stocks and KOSDAQ-related ETFs has contributed to the revitalization of the KOSDAQ market.Trading in KOSDAQ-related ETFs has surged as well. From July 31 to August 7, ETFs such as 'KODEX KOSDAQ 150 Leverage,' 'KODEX KOSDAQ 150 Futures Inverse,' and 'KODEX KOSDAQ 150' ranked among the top in trading volume. The rapid rise of the KOSDAQ index has attracted investment demand for leverage products betting on the index's increase.On the supply and demand side, institutional investors have shown notable buying activity. From July 31 to August 7, institutions net purchased 956.1 billion won in the KOSDAQ market. Individuals also contributed with a net purchase of 120.5 billion won during the same period, while foreign investors sold a net 1.1152 trillion won.As funds that previously sought short-term profits through large-cap leverage products shift to individual small and mid-cap stocks, the upward trend in KOSDAQ stocks has become more pronounced. From July 31 to August 7, many small and mid-cap stocks outperformed large-cap stocks in terms of growth rate. During this period, Bonu saw a staggering increase of 380.62%, ranking first in growth rate, while RF Materials (102.38%), OISolution (99.62%), BQ AI (93.48%), and Bit & Electronics (79.08%) also recorded significant gains.According to Kwon Beom-seok, a researcher at Samsung Securities, "The resolution of supply and demand concentration in the KOSPI market is key to the KOSDAQ rebound. The alleviation of supply and demand concentration in large-cap stocks, particularly around single-stock leverage products, has created a favorable environment for KOSDAQ supply and demand as surrounding funds increase." 2026-08-09 13:36:00
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Will It Be Safe to Buy Stocks on Monday? Big Events Shake the Market This Week This week, both domestic and international stock markets are focused on U.S. inflation indicators. Following unexpectedly weak U.S. employment data, concerns about interest rate hikes have diminished. If inflation shows signs of slowing, it could create a favorable environment for the stock market. Conversely, if inflation pressures are stronger than anticipated, concerns about interest rates may resurface.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July will be released on August 12 at 8:30 a.m. local time, which is 9:30 p.m. in South Korea.The CPI is a key indicator for gauging the Federal Reserve's monetary policy direction. This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it follows the release of disappointing U.S. employment data on August 7.According to the U.S. Department of Labor, non-farm employment in July decreased by 23,000 jobs, contrary to market expectations of an increase of about 80,000 jobs. This decline is seen as a signal that the labor market may be cooling faster than expected.The unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.1%, but this was influenced by a decrease in the labor force participation rate.Following the employment report, financial markets significantly reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike in September. The likelihood of a rate increase reflected in the futures market dropped considerably compared to before the employment data was released.The New York stock market reacted positively, with the S&P 500 index closing at a record high, up 0.62% on August 7. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose by 1.30%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.28%. On a weekly basis, the S&P 500 gained 3.58%, the Nasdaq climbed 5.19%, and the Dow rose 2.96%.However, market attention is quickly shifting to inflation. While a slowdown in employment may reduce the need for further tightening by the Federal Reserve, a resurgence in inflation could change that outlook.The CPI for June showed a 0.4% decrease from the previous month and a 3.5% increase compared to the same month last year. Excluding the volatile food and energy sectors, the core CPI remained unchanged month-over-month and rose 2.6% year-over-year.The Federal Reserve aims for an inflation rate of 2%. Although the CPI is not the Fed's official inflation target, it is a crucial data point for assessing monetary policy direction.At the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on July 28-29, the Fed decided to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50-3.75%. The Fed noted that while economic activity is expanding steadily, inflation remains above the 2% target.The decision to hold rates steady was not unanimous, as three voting members advocated for a 0.25 percentage point rate increase.As a result, the upcoming CPI release on August 12 will be critical in determining how much it alleviates market concerns about inflation. If inflation rises more than expected, the reduced outlook for interest rate hikes due to weak employment could be reversed. Conversely, if inflation stabilizes, expectations for further tightening by the Fed may diminish.The following day, on August 13, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for July will also be released. The PPI measures price changes that businesses receive for selling goods and services, serving as an indicator for future consumer price trends.The domestic stock market is also expected to be influenced by U.S. inflation data.Recently, the domestic stock market has experienced significant volatility, particularly influenced by movements in major semiconductor stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, leading to sharp fluctuations in the KOSPI index. The government has also expressed its intention to respond to increased market volatility to stabilize the stock market.The recent strength of tech stocks in the U.S. could positively impact investor sentiment towards domestic semiconductor stocks. However, if U.S. inflation exceeds expectations, leading to rising bond yields and interest rate hike forecasts, increased volatility in growth and tech stocks cannot be ruled out.The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for September 15-16. The CPI and PPI data released this week, along with upcoming economic indicators, are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Fed's decisions in September.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 13:32:00
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Rookie boy band CORTIS' Instagram followers surpass 15 million SEOUL, August 9 (AJP) - Rookie boy group CORTIS have surpassed 15 million followers on Instagram, becoming the fastest K-pop group to reach the milestone among those that debuted over the past five years. According to their agency BigHit Music, their Instagram account passed the mark as of last Wednesday, about a year after they opened the account. The rising group's five members, who made their debut in August last year, have also built a strong following on other major platforms, with about 16 million followers on TikTok and over 6 million on YouTube. In particular, the number of followers surged after videos of their live performance in front of a crowd of about 50,000 at Lollapalooza, an annual summer music festival in Chicago, earlier this month went viral, attracting a wave of new followers. The quintet's song has also maintained a strong presence on global music charts. "REDRED," a title track from their second EP released in May, has remained on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global chart for 15 consecutive weeks, ranking No. 189 on the latest chart for the week ending last Thursday. It also ranked No. 109 on Billboard's Global 200 and No. 63 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart for last week, marking its 14th consecutive week on both charts. Riding their growing popularity, CORTIS will embark on their North American tour, visiting six cities including Atlanta and Los Angeles through Aug. 16. They will also perform in Seoul on Aug. 22-23 before heading to Japan for a three-day concert in Kanagawa Prefecture on Sept. 4-6 and a rock music festival in Chiba later that month. AJP Takeaways: - Rookie K-pop boy group CORTIS surpassed 15 million followers on Instagram on Aug. 5, 2026, becoming the fastest K-pop group to reach that milestone among groups that debuted in the past five years, according to their agency BigHit Music. - CORTIS, a five-member group that debuted in August 2025, had approximately 16 million followers on TikTok and more than 6 million subscribers on YouTube as of Aug. 8, 2026. - CORTIS's Instagram follower growth accelerated after videos of the group's live performance at Lollapalooza, an annual music festival in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2026, went viral and drew a wave of new followers; the group performed before a crowd of about 50,000 people. - CORTIS's song "REDRED," the title track from the group's second EP released in May 2026, has remained on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global chart for 15 consecutive weeks, ranking No. 189 on the chart for the week ending Aug. 6, 2026. - CORTIS will perform in six North American cities, including Atlanta and Los Angeles, on their North American tour running through Aug. 16, 2026. - CORTIS will perform in Seoul, South Korea on Aug. 22-23, 2026. 2026-08-09 13:08:14 -
Texas Roadhouse in Jamsil Attracts 55,000 Visitors in First 100 Days Texas Roadhouse, a steakhouse operated by Hyundai Green Food, has surpassed 55,000 visitors in its first 100 days since opening in Jamsil.According to Hyundai Green Food on August 9, this location, which opened in April, has recorded the highest sales among the company's seven nationwide stores each month, breaking away from the traditional department store and outlet model by establishing itself outside of retail facilities.The restaurant's success is attributed to the demand for office gatherings in the nearby business district. On weekdays, 41% of visitors to the Jamsil location are group customers of five or more, which is 10 percentage points higher than the average of 31% at other locations.Hyundai Green Food believes that the rise of a food culture centered around moderation in drinking, particularly among the MZ generation, has positively impacted sales. Casual gatherings featuring steak and pasta, accompanied by wine and non-alcoholic beer, are becoming more popular, moving away from traditional drinking-focused meetings.Price competitiveness is also a factor attracting group customers. Texas Roadhouse offers choice-grade steaks at about 15% lower prices than other steak specialty restaurants. In the evenings, the restaurant features set menus for 3 to 4 people priced between 80,000 and 120,000 won, allowing for a total cost of 30,000 to 40,000 won per person even with added drinks.Building on the success of the Jamsil location, Hyundai Green Food plans to enhance its tailored strategies for different markets. This month, the Jamsil and Pangyo locations will introduce a 'Delivery Pack' offering a 10% discount on popular individual menu items for orders of six or more. Meanwhile, the Midong and Namyangju Space One locations, which are near residential areas, will launch a kids' set menu featuring burgers and fried rice.Lee Jong-pil, head of the food service division at Hyundai Green Food, stated, "As the culture of office gatherings shifts from a focus on drinking to culinary experiences, Texas Roadhouse is gaining attention as a new meeting space. We will continue to provide unique dining experiences with differentiated menus tailored to the characteristics of each market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 13:04:00
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BRT: Connecting Regions and Transforming Daily Life The government’s ‘Five Extremes and Three Specials’ initiative is a new growth strategy aimed at connecting regions into cohesive living zones, ensuring that opportunities are accessible regardless of where one lives. Daily life has already begun to transcend administrative boundaries, with commuting, school, hospital visits, job searches, and cultural activities becoming routine across multiple cities.While living zones have evolved, transportation has not kept pace with these changes. Despite the increasing frequency of travel between cities, many commuters still find themselves needing to switch buses at administrative borders. As commute times lengthen, job options narrow, and the distance to schools and hospitals increases. The disparity in transportation conditions between metropolitan and rural areas ultimately leads to unequal opportunities.The most practical solution to these changes is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. By utilizing dedicated lanes, BRT can maintain schedules even on congested roads and can be implemented more quickly than rail systems. Expanding routes to necessary locations is also straightforward. The goal is not merely to add another fast bus but to create a comprehensive transportation network that seamlessly connects the expanded living zones.The effectiveness of BRT has already been demonstrated in several cities. In areas like Sejong, BRT routes have seen increased bus speeds and punctuality, leading to a rise in citizens opting for public transportation over personal vehicles. As new transit corridors linking cities are established, commuting has become significantly more convenient. It is now time to extend these changes nationwide, rather than limiting them to select regions.The government’s ‘Second Comprehensive Plan for the Bus Rapid Transit System (2026-2030)’ is rooted in these considerations. With a total investment of 1.6 trillion won by 2030, the plan aims to gradually establish 38 BRT routes across the country. It seeks to broaden transportation investments, which have been concentrated in the metropolitan area, to include large cities and super-regional areas, connecting airports, train stations, new towns, and industrial complexes more effectively. The objective is to create a transportation network that allows easy access to key living areas without the need for a personal vehicle.Simply increasing the number of routes is not enough. The process of using buses must also be improved. This includes making access to bus stops more convenient and simplifying transfers. Facilities will be upgraded to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can use them without difficulty, and hydrogen and electric buses, along with autonomous driving technologies, will be gradually introduced. Another goal of the second comprehensive plan is to create a public transportation environment that is safer and more comfortable for everyone.However, several challenges must be addressed for these changes to take root in the field. Creating a single route requires close cooperation among multiple local governments. Existing bus and rail services must be integrated smoothly, and securing dedicated lanes and stable funding, as well as engaging with local residents, are essential. Ultimately, what matters is not the scale of the plan but that citizens can directly experience the change in their daily lives, feeling that “taking the bus has become much more convenient.”The second comprehensive plan for the Bus Rapid Transit system aims to connect expanded living zones into a unified national transportation network, bringing regions closer together. This transformation does not begin with grand initiatives but with small changes, such as buses arriving on time and reduced transfer times. Students will face less burden commuting to school, and seniors will find it easier to access hospitals and markets. Businesses will be able to recruit talent from a broader living area, and regions will gain more opportunities. For a region to thrive, it must be easy for people to move around. The Metropolitan Transport Committee is committed to implementing these changes, one bus ride at a time, based on the ‘Five Extremes and Three Specials’ initiative.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 13:00:20
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1-Ton Truck Serves as Mobile Shelter for Farmers During Heatwave A mobile shelter utilizing a 1-ton truck is drawing attention for providing farmers with a place to rest close to their work sites during the heatwave. According to the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Seed Management Office, a mobile shelter measuring approximately 5 pyeong has been created this year to prevent heat-related illnesses among agricultural workers. The idea for this shelter originated from the practical staff at the Seed Management Office, who are familiar with the conditions on the ground. Instead of purchasing expensive equipment, they utilized existing vehicles and materials to reduce costs and improve accessibility. Last year, the office also created a 10-pyeong mobile shade shelter using a tractor trailer and materials on hand, allowing workers in hot outdoor conditions to rest near their work sites. While the trailer-type shelter was effective for long hours of work in large fields, it faced limitations in narrow farm roads or when work locations frequently changed in smaller agricultural settings. In response to this feedback, the Seed Management Office introduced the more mobile 1-ton truck shelter this year. The truck shelter can relatively easily access narrow farm roads and can be moved quickly when work locations change, making it suitable for small teams working short-term or moving between multiple fields. Another advantage is the ability to place the shelter close to work sites, reducing the inconvenience of workers having to travel long distances for breaks and allowing for more frequent rest periods during work. Inside the shelter, there are simple chairs, an ice box, and drinking water. It can also serve as a temporary resting area if symptoms of heat-related illness appear, allowing workers to stop work immediately and take a break. Kim Jae-cheon, head of the Jeonnam Gwangju Special City Seed Management Office, stated, "Protecting the safety and health of workers in the field during the heatwave is of utmost importance. I hope the mobile shelter using the 1-ton truck serves as a practical example of heat-related illness prevention that can be referenced in small agricultural settings." The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Seed Management Office produces national food seeds such as rice, beans, and grains on approximately 75.5 hectares of farmland each year. Currently, the office operates four shelters for agricultural workers, including two fixed locations and two mobile ones. When a heatwave warning is issued, they enhance safety management on-site by adjusting work hours, extending break times, and checking the health status of workers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 12:32:00
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Transforming Highways into AI-Driven Infrastructure in South Korea "I will transform the Korea Expressway Corporation into a company that integrates AI mobility infrastructure and service platforms," said Yoo Jeong-hoon, the newly appointed president of the Korea Expressway Corporation. For Yoo, highways are no longer just roads for cars.The plan is to connect power and data across the national highway network while integrating autonomous driving and future mobility. The goal is to redefine the highways, once the main arteries of South Korea's industrial era, into national infrastructure for the AI age.The history of South Korea's industrialization cannot be discussed without mentioning highways. The opening of the Gyeongbu Expressway in 1970 was not merely an event connecting Seoul and Busan; it facilitated rapid movement of people and goods, uniting the nation into a single economic zone and fostering the growth of industrial complexes and cities along the route.Now, half a century later, South Korea stands at another turning point. While oil and steel were the key resources of the industrial era, data and power will determine national competitiveness in the AI era. AI data centers require substantial power and a high-speed communication network for rapid data transfer.Yoo sees a new role for highways in this context. He aims to expand the physical roads that connect the nation into a national infrastructure where power and data flow together in the AI era.This vision underpins his declaration to transform the Korea Expressway Corporation into an 'AI mobility infrastructure and service integration platform company.'One of the most notable aspects of Yoo's AI vision is the plan to utilize the national highway network as a power transmission network and a large-capacity data cable network. As the number of data centers, which are critical facilities in the AI era, rapidly increases, securing power and data transmission capabilities has become a national priority. Without sufficient power supply or the ability to quickly transfer large volumes of data, these centers cannot be effectively utilized.Yoo focuses on the existing linear infrastructure of the highways. He envisions creating a 'super-gap infrastructure' that utilizes the highway network to establish a foundation for power and data movement, contributing to solving the power supply and high-speed communication issues for AI data centers.This redefines the role of the expressway corporation. While its core mission in the past was to construct and maintain roads and ensure safe travel for vehicles, it may now expand to managing a national platform where vehicles, energy, data, and communication move simultaneously. Highways will become the blood vessels of AI civilization.Power remains essential even in the AI era. As generative AI rapidly spreads, the nature of AI competition is changing. Becoming an AI powerhouse requires more than just good algorithms and semiconductors. It necessitates the establishment of data centers supported by substantial power and a communication infrastructure for data transfer.The Korea Expressway Corporation's push to expand renewable energy projects utilizing highway facilities is noteworthy in this context. Various facilities, such as road sites, rest areas, and sound barriers, exist along highways. Yoo plans to utilize these spaces to generate energy and create a win-win model that shares profits with local residents.The highways are evolving from being energy-consuming infrastructure to becoming energy-producing and transferring infrastructure.If we view AI data centers, power grids, and data networks from a national infrastructure perspective, the role of the Korea Expressway Corporation could expand significantly.Autonomous trucks will travel on highways. AI is also transforming vehicles on highways. One of the key projects proposed by Yoo is a pilot program for dedicated lanes for autonomous trucks during nighttime hours. This initiative aims to enhance both the efficiency and safety of logistics by combining autonomous driving technology with highway infrastructure.Autonomous driving is not merely about creating vehicles without drivers. It requires real-time connections between vehicles, roads, traffic information, and communication networks.When AI analyzes traffic volume, accident risks, weather, and facility information, and a structure is established for vehicles and roads to exchange information, highways will transform from mere asphalt into a vast digital platform.Logistics is a field where the effects of AI and autonomous driving can be significantly realized. If the operation of autonomous trucks on highways during nighttime becomes a reality, it could open new approaches to logistics costs, transportation efficiency, driver shortages, and safety issues.This is why the expressway corporation must evolve from a road management agency to an AI mobility platform company.Rest areas will also become future mobility platforms. Yoo chose the Yeongdong Expressway's Yeoju Rest Area as his first destination after taking office, which carries symbolic significance.He envisions transforming rest areas from mere spaces for eating and resting into 'multi-purpose complex spaces' that integrate public transportation transfers, future mobility, community coexistence, culture, and leisure.In the era of future mobility, the role of rest areas will inevitably change. They can develop into hubs connecting electric vehicle charging, transfers to new transportation modes, and local tourism and commercial facilities.However, there are issues that need to be addressed before new technologies can be implemented. Yoo pointed out the multi-tiered operational structure that leads to high fees for vendors at rest areas and the management issues involving retiree organizations, emphasizing the need for institutional improvements to restore public trust.This underscores that AI transformation and management innovation cannot be separate endeavors. If we discuss future technologies while maintaining existing unreasonable structures, it will be difficult to gain public trust.Safety is ultimately the starting point for AI. The highways are critical national facilities where countless vehicles and people move daily.If AI can analyze traffic volume, accident risks, weather, and road conditions, and quickly identify anomalies, it can enhance accident prevention and response capabilities. Establishing a safe road environment is crucial for autonomous driving, beyond the technology itself.Yoo has also announced plans to empower safety patrol personnel with on-site control authority to establish a smart and safe traffic system.Just two days after taking office, he visited a facility management subsidiary to directly inspect the heating, cooling, ventilation systems, and rest facilities for on-site workers, demonstrating a management direction that prioritizes safety and the workforce.The integration of advanced AI technology and the safety of those working on-site are not separate issues. The ultimate goal of AI transformation should be to provide safer and more convenient roads for people.Yoo also highlighted balanced national development as a key role for the Korea Expressway Corporation. To overcome the concentration of power in the Seoul metropolitan area, he aims to strengthen the role of highways connecting the national 'five poles and three special zones' super-regions.In the AI era, such connections are even more critical. If AI data centers, energy facilities, and advanced industries are concentrated only in the metropolitan area, AI could exacerbate regional disparities.By establishing power and data infrastructure along the national highway network and connecting regional industrial complexes and logistics networks, new possibilities can emerge. Highways can be utilized as a national network supporting the regional expansion of AI infrastructure.While highways connected factories and cities during the industrial era, they can now serve to connect data centers, industrial complexes, energy, and logistics in the AI era.The future envisioned by Yoo Jeong-hoon for the Korea Expressway Corporation ultimately boils down to a 'redefinition of roads.'It involves transforming roads that once served vehicles into pathways where power and data flow together, transitioning from a public enterprise managing roads to an AI mobility platform company.From logistics driven by human drivers to logistics supported by AI and autonomous driving.The highways, once the main arteries of South Korea's industrialization, are being assigned a new mission. Competitiveness in the AI era will not be determined solely by semiconductors and algorithms. It requires a communication network to deliver the power and data that will operate AI, as well as the physical infrastructure to connect data centers and logistics nationwide.South Korea already has a vast highway network that connects the entire nation. The challenge lies in how to repurpose this asset for the AI era.The highways that once connected the South Korean economy during the industrial era can evolve into a new national artery that connects power, data, autonomous driving, and logistics in the AI era.: Yoo Jeong-hoon, President of the Korea Expressway Corporation:Yoo is an expert in transportation and infrastructure. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in urban engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in transportation engineering from Purdue University in the United States. After serving as a senior researcher at the Korea Transport Institute, he has been a professor in the Department of Transportation Systems Engineering at Ajou University since 2005 and is currently the president of the Korean Society of Transportation.He took office as president of the Korea Expressway Corporation in June 2026 and is pushing for a transition into a future platform company that integrates AI mobility infrastructure and services.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-09 12:28:00