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Exchange Rates and Inflation Stabilized, But Rate Dilemma Remains for Bank of Korea The Bank of Korea is facing a complex decision regarding its interest rate ahead of the August meeting. While exchange rates and consumer prices have stabilized, the unexpectedly strong growth and core inflation still suggest the need for further rate hikes.According to financial sources, the Bank of Korea will hold a monetary policy committee meeting on the 27th to decide whether to adjust the current base rate of 2.75% per annum.Previously, the Bank raised the base rate by 0.25 percentage points from 2.50% to 2.75% during the monetary policy committee meeting on July 16. This marked the first increase in three and a half years since January 2023.At that time, committee members cited strengthening economic growth, inflation exceeding target levels, rising housing prices in the metropolitan area, and risks related to household debt as common reasons for the hike. In fact, until early last month, the won-dollar exchange rate was above 1,500 won, and the consumer price inflation rate recorded over 3% for two consecutive months in May and June.The unexpectedly strong growth has also bolstered expectations for further rate hikes. In the second quarter of this year, the real GDP grew by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter, significantly surpassing the Bank's May forecast of 0.2%, leading to discussions of a 'back-to-back' rate increase in August.However, recent conditions have changed. The won-dollar exchange rate has quickly dropped to around 1,410 won, and the consumer price inflation rate in July slowed to the 2% range for the first time in three months. With the easing of high exchange rates and inflation pressures, the Bank has less incentive to rush into further rate hikes.BNP Paribas recently forecasted that the Bank of Korea will hold the base rate steady this month, with potential increases in October and January of next year. While there remains a need for further tightening in terms of growth and inflation, the rapid stabilization of the exchange rate and the limited asset effects due to adjustments in the domestic stock market were cited as reasons.Woori Financial Group's Economic Research Institute also predicted a high likelihood of a 'hawkish hold' this month, citing the need for time to assess the policy effects of last month's rate hike. However, they expect one or two dissenting opinions advocating for a rate increase.On the other hand, the possibility of a 'back-to-back' rate hike has not been completely ruled out. The upward pressure on core inflation remains high, and there is a chance that the inflation rate could widen again in August. The unusual gap between GDP and Gross Domestic Income (GDI) is also a variable. Analysts suggest that if real purchasing power increases rapidly due to improved trade conditions, it could lead to higher demand-side inflation pressures.Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song stated at a press conference following last month's rate decision that he would closely monitor the second quarter GDP and GDI, as well as July's core and living costs, before making a decision in August.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:40:00
Kim Tae-yu and Kim Heung-kyu Appointed to Key Government Positions President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed Kim Tae-yu, a professor at Seoul National University, as vice chair of the Presidential Regulatory Reform Committee, a position equivalent to that of a prime minister, according to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung on August 7. This appointment comes about a month after the resignation of former vice chair Lee Byung-tae, who faced controversy over comments regarding the May 18 Democratic Uprising.Kang described Kim as a leading expert in the fields of technology economy and national strategy, having previously served as a presidential advisor on information science and technology during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. He is expected to design macro-regulatory strategies linked to advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and robotics, based on his understanding of industry and technology.Kang emphasized that Kim is the right person to lead regulatory innovation, stating, "With leadership that encompasses both public and private sectors and a convergent insight, he will elevate South Korea to a technology-driven 'first mover' with a significant competitive edge."Additionally, President Yoon appointed Kim Heung-kyu, a professor at Ajou University and director of the Korea-China Policy Institute, as the head of the National Diplomatic Academy.The Blue House noted that Kim is a prominent expert in East Asian diplomacy and security, possessing deep insights and extensive field experience that span academic research, education, and policy consulting.Kang expressed expectations that Kim will leverage his experience as a professor at the predecessor of the National Diplomatic Academy, the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, to transform the academy into a top-tier research and educational institution in the AI era, while establishing a strategic research foundation to support practical diplomacy centered on national interests and nurturing future diplomatic talent.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:36:00
Warning from Wall Street on Leverage Should Not Be Ignored Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, known as the 'King of Wall Street,' has warned that global financial market leverage has reached an all-time high. He noted that hidden borrowings in prime brokerage, hedge funds, ETFs, and Treasury arbitrage could trigger volatility across the market at any moment.While he did not definitively state that this would lead to a collapse similar to the 2008 financial crisis, his acknowledgment that "the numbers are high" serves as a late diagnosis for those who have witnessed the rollercoaster ride of the South Korean stock market over the past two months.South Korea has already observed the unfolding of this warning in real-time. Just two months after the introduction of single-stock leverage, the KOSPI index experienced the highest number of circuit breakers ever triggered, significant declines, and extreme rebounds of over 17% in a single day.The term that has repeatedly surfaced throughout this process is leverage. Analysts both domestically and internationally have pointed out that the decline in the index, despite not having poor earnings, was largely due to the mechanical liquidation of leveraged trades, including single-stock leverage.Before Dimon's warning, Bloomberg News highlighted that "Korea is becoming an unsuitable investment country like China," referencing the KOSPI's volatility and the controversy surrounding the introduction of single-stock leverage. While there may be questions about the accuracy of the loss data for leveraged investors cited by Bloomberg, the core issue is the warning about the uncertainty in the South Korean stock market due to excessive leverage. Bloomberg's report also indicated a loss of market confidence in policies during this process.The problem lies in the response of policymakers to such warnings. A senior official at the Blue House described the cause of stock market volatility as the "dynamic investment characteristics of individual investors," which drew backlash. While it is true that a high proportion of individual trading contributes to volatility, it was the policies that allowed these individuals easy access to leveraged products that created the issue. Following Bloomberg's report, financial authorities countered by stating that "the South Korean stock market is solid," issuing rebuttal materials. This has led to perceptions that the government, which participated as a 'player' during the market boom, is now shirking responsibility during the downturn.As the saying goes, "A good medicine tastes bitter." While there are elements to filter out from the messages of Bloomberg and Dimon, there are certainly lessons to be learned. Leverage amplifies profits in rising markets but also inflates losses and volatility in declining markets. No policymaker should be unaware of this simple principle. The essence of the current debate is why such risks were allowed to proliferate in the market without sufficient safeguards.Therefore, rather than responding with "the data is incorrect," policymakers should have asked themselves, "Why are such criticisms emerging?" Is it not natural for concerns to arise about a South Korean stock market that has triggered circuit breakers at an unprecedented rate? In such a situation, does it make sense to assert that 'despite external criticisms, the K-stock market is healthy'?Ultimately, both Dimon's warning and Bloomberg's observations converge on one point: do not ignore the risks of leverage. Additionally, maintain a constant awareness that leverage can escalate into a systemic crisis at any time. This warning should not be taken lightly. This is the attitude that policymakers should uphold now.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:32:00
Student Opens Fire at School Near Bangkok, Killing 7 A student opened fire at a school near Bangkok, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including three teachers and three students, and injuring 15 others. This incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Thailand in recent years.According to reports from Yonhap News, CNN, and Reuters, the suspect, an eighth-grade student, fired a handgun at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in the Bang Kruai area of Nonthaburi province, located northwest of Bangkok, on the morning of the incident.Thai police confirmed that six people, including three teachers and three students, were killed, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven when including the suspect, who reportedly took his own life after the shooting. Among the injured, some are reported to be in critical condition.Local media outlet Khaosod also reported that the deceased included three teachers, three students, and the suspect, totaling seven.The school, which has approximately 3,000 students enrolled, initiated an emergency evacuation following the shooting. Footage verified by CNN showed students crying and hiding under desks after hearing gunfire, while other videos captured staff guiding students out of the school.An 18-year-old student told Reuters, "At first, I thought it was fireworks or someone banging on something. I heard gunshots several times, and then it went quiet for a moment before the shooting resumed."After the shooting, the suspect barricaded himself on the third floor of the school building and was in a standoff with police before taking his own life. Authorities secured a handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition from the scene.Investigators believe the handgun used in the shooting belonged to the suspect's family, but the circumstances surrounding how he obtained the weapon remain unclear. Police are focusing their investigation on the motive for the attack and the source of the firearm.This incident has reignited discussions about gun control in Thailand. According to data from the Swiss-based Small Arms Survey in 2017, Thailand has an estimated 10.3 million privately owned firearms, equating to about 15 guns per 100 people.School shootings have become a recurring issue in Thailand. In February, a shooting at a school in Hat Yai resulted in the death of one teacher and injuries to a student. In 2022, a tragic incident in Nong Bua Lam Phu province saw 36 people, including 24 children, killed in a mass attack involving firearms and knives, marking the deadliest massacre of children in Thailand's history.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:28:00
Lotte Wellfood Reports 89% Surge in Q2 Operating Profit Driven by Growth in India and Kazakhstan Lotte Wellfood reported strong second-quarter results, driven by growth in overseas operations in India and Kazakhstan, as well as cost efficiencies.The company announced on August 7 that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter reached 64.7 billion won, an 88.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Sales rose to 1.1557 trillion won, up 8.6% year-on-year. Net profit surged to 36.1 billion won, a 130.1% increase.For the first half of the year, cumulative sales totaled 2.1831 trillion won, a 7% increase from the previous year. Cumulative operating profit for the first half was 100.5 billion won, up 98%, with an operating profit margin of 4.6%.The improvement in performance was primarily driven by overseas operations. In the second quarter, sales from overseas subsidiaries reached 311.2 billion won, a 28% increase from the same period last year. Operating profit from these subsidiaries soared by 133% to 29.6 billion won.In India, the expansion of operations at the new ice cream plant in Pune, Maharashtra, contributed to increased supply during the peak season, while the growth of Lotte's Choco Pie also positively impacted results. The Kazakhstan subsidiary benefited from both domestic and export growth.Lotte Wellfood recently began full operations of the fourth production line for Choco Pie at its plant in Rohtak, Haryana, investing approximately 30 billion won to increase local production capacity by about 33%. Sales of Lotte Choco Pie in India surpassed 100 billion won for the first time last year and have grown at an average annual rate of about 20% over the past three years.Despite cost pressures, the domestic business focused on maintaining profitability. The company streamlined low-efficiency products and sales channels while optimizing logistics and purchasing processes amid rising prices for raw materials like packaging and crude oil, as well as high exchange rates.Marketing efforts were strengthened around key brands such as Pepero and Xylitol, including collaborations with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and promotions for 'Kancho Name Marketing' and 'World Cone.' Increased demand for ice cream due to early heat also positively affected domestic sales.Lotte Wellfood anticipates ongoing challenges due to price volatility in cocoa beans caused by climate anomalies and the continuing impact of conflicts in the Middle East. To overcome these challenges, the company plans to enhance its global competitiveness.Lotte Wellfood aims to expand the handling of Lotte brands in key overseas subsidiaries in India and Kazakhstan, utilizing K-culture for export marketing and increasing presence in major local distribution channels. Domestically, the company will continue to target seasonal demand around key brands while streamlining low-efficiency products and channels to improve cost efficiency.A company representative stated, “While we expect uncertainties to persist in the second half of the year, we will continue to pursue steady growth focused on profitability through expanding our presence in global mainstream channels, targeting trends around key brands, and enhancing our fundamental competitiveness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:24:00
President Lee Offers Apology and Support to Victims of State Violence President Lee Jae-myung met with victims of state violence on August 7, stating, "As President, I will bear the heavy responsibility to ensure that no further state violence occurs in our Republic of Korea, and that not a single innocent victim emerges again." During a luncheon at the Blue House to mark the launch of the third phase of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, President Lee expressed, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility as President for the fact that the state has not adequately responded to the urgent questions of the victims." About 70 victims, who suffered from unjust state violence without proper restoration measures, attended the luncheon. President Lee reflected, "The modern history of Korea is one of remarkable growth and development, but it is also a history marked by state violence and human rights violations that have deeply scarred our people." He recalled, "During the Korean War, countless citizens were brutally sacrificed, and in the era of authoritarianism, the state suppressed the freedoms and rights of citizens and students who demanded democracy. Many citizens' lives were trampled by excessive state power, as seen in forced conscription, surveillance, and the dismissal of teachers from the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union." He added, "Human rights abuses by state power, such as the Samcheong Education Center and the Seosan Development Corps incidents, as well as illegal detention, torture, and cruel treatment by state agencies in cases like the Sabuk incident and the abduction and return of fishermen, were perpetrated countless times." President Lee noted, "These wounds do not remain confined to their time; the pain has been passed down through generations," and reiterated his deep sense of responsibility for the state's failure to adequately respond to the victims' urgent questions. He emphasized, "We can no longer pass the long-standing task of addressing past injustices to the next generation. The state will take responsibility for healing," and promised to add a third investigative body to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to thoroughly investigate human rights violations in collective facilities like the Hyunjae Welfare Center and the Deokseongwon, as well as cases of forced adoption abroad. Additionally, he stated, "We will also address the limitations of the previous investigation methods that relied on victims' applications and will actively conduct investigations by reaching out to victims first." In closing, President Lee offered his heartfelt condolences and apologies to all victims of state violence that occurred on this land since liberation. Song Sang-kyo, chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, remarked, "The President has brought together victims of state violence for the first time as a representative of the state to offer comfort and apologies. This will serve as a historic milestone for the restoration of victims' honor," and added, "The third phase of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will strive to fulfill its mission with a sense of urgency as this is the last opportunity for a complete resolution of past injustices."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:16:00
Banks to Offer Better Loan Terms for Small Businesses with 50% Revenue Growth Banks will offer preferential loan rates and limits to small businesses that demonstrate growth, even if their existing credit scores are low. This means that businesses with a history of late payments can still qualify for loans if they show rapid growth in their sector. According to the financial sector on August 7, the Financial Services Commission will introduce a new growth rating system for small businesses, incorporating non-financial data, starting at the end of this month. The commission will pilot the new credit evaluation system, combining the growth rating (S rating) with the existing credit rating (CB), at seven banks: KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, NongHyup, Industrial Bank of Korea, and Jeju Bank. The S rating consists of ten levels, ranging from excellent (S1, S2) to vulnerable (S10). To achieve an S1 rating, a business must show a revenue growth rate exceeding 50% compared to the same period last year over the last two half-year periods. This absolute evaluation will also consider relative performance compared to other businesses in the same sector. Evaluation criteria will include revenue, business index, transaction data, financial cohort, small business insurance, and sustainability information, with varying weights assigned to each category. A financial sector official stated, "This method comprehensively evaluates growth potential by comparing businesses within the same industry and area." The introduction of the S rating aims to address the limitations of the existing CB-focused credit evaluation system. Many small businesses with rapid revenue growth have received low ratings due to past late payments or short business histories. According to data from the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, 52.2% of new guarantees issued to small businesses and small enterprises last year were for those with credit scores exceeding 900. When combined with those scoring between 801 and 900, this accounts for 83.2% of the total guarantees. In contrast, the share of low-credit segments, such as those scoring between 401 and 500 or below 300, was only 0.02% of the total. The benefits of reduced financial costs have primarily concentrated on high-credit borrowers. Borrowers with credit scores between 700 and 900 saved 1.48 trillion won in financial costs through credit guarantees, while those with scores below 300 saved only 300 million won. Starting at the end of this month, businesses that receive improved ratings due to recognized growth potential can expect favorable terms in interest rates and loan limits. KB Kookmin Bank plans to apply the SCB to its main business loan products, such as the 'KB Fast Loan' and 'KB Together Loan,' offering interest rate benefits. Shinhan Bank will apply it to general loans for individual business owners. Hana Bank will implement it for 'Hana More SOHO Franchise Loans' and 'Success Ladder Loans,' while Woori Bank will apply it to 'Woori Business Owner Loans,' and NongHyup Bank will expand support for small business loans through 'NH Business Growth Loans.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:12:00
Naver bets on AI factory, burns $700 million despite profit dent SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) -Naver is doubling down on an AI factory buildout despite the growing dent on its bottom line, while trying not to leave shareholders to foot the bill, retiring about 1 trillion won ($720 million) worth of treasury shares even as its stock sank 7.5 percent Friday. South Korea's largest internet platform said second-quarter revenue rose 16.2 percent from a year earlier to 3.389 trillion won ($2.45 billion), powered by its core platform business and fast-growing global consumer-to-consumer operations. Operating profit, however, was virtually flat at 520.3 billion won, down 0.2 percent from a year earlier, as heavy spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, content and data offset the revenue growth. Its operating margin slipped to 15.4 percent from 17.9 percent, while operating expenses stretched 19.8 percent. Naver asks investors to read the widening cost burden not simply as margin erosion, but as the price of building another profit engine. The company is developing an "AI factory" with Nvidia and Brookfield, betting that large-scale computing capacity can eventually become a standalone business rather than remain an expensive piece of infrastructure supporting its existing platform. The buildout is scheduled in stages, beginning with 55 megawatts of capacity in the first half of 2027, expanding to 100 MW by the end of that year and 200 MW in 2028. Chief Executive Officer Choi Soo-yeon has argued that increasingly inexpensive AI models will not diminish computing demand. Instead, cheaper models should broaden AI adoption and create more demand for computing power. The financing structure is central to that bet. Nvidia is investing roughly $1 billion directly in Naver, while Brookfield is in talks to commit as much as $9 billion to a special-purpose vehicle that would own the graphics processing units and data centers. Naver would retain full ownership of the operating company selling computing capacity to customers, while the hardware itself would sit on the SPV's balance sheet. That arrangement is designed to keep the most capital-intensive assets away from Naver's own books while allowing the company to retain the revenue and operating margin from selling computing services. Executives have indicated margins could begin at relatively low levels and eventually approach 20 percent as utilization rises and the business matures, although the company has stressed that profitability will depend on customer demand, contract structures, chip prices and technological shifts. Naver says it has several ways to limit those risks. The company itself is already one of Korea's largest users of AI computing capacity, allowing internal demand to be combined with external customers to stabilize utilization. Nvidia's equity investment is expected to improve access to GPUs, while customer contracts will be staggered rather than concentrated around a single duration. The greater uncertainty is technological. If inference workloads increasingly migrate from Nvidia GPUs to customized AI accelerators, the economics of the business could change quickly. Naver has said it plans to adjust pricing and contract structures as computing technology evolves. The company is also trying to ring-fence the new AI business from existing operations. Naver has said the AI factory and commerce businesses are managed separately and that GPUs currently powering its platform services will not be transferred into the new SPV. Depreciation currently weighing on platform margins therefore comes from existing infrastructure, while the AI cloud operation is intended to begin with a more asset-light structure. Its commerce business remained resilient in the second quarter. Smart Store transaction value increased 15.5 percent from a year earlier, while N Delivery volume surged 76 percent in June. Delivery coverage exceeded 20 percent and is expected to reach 25 percent by year-end. But cost pressure remains substantial. Partner expenses rose 22 percent, reflecting revenue-linked fees, World Cup broadcasting rights and the rollout of Npay Connect. Marketing costs climbed 25.4 percent, while development and operating expenses increased 15.2 percent. Naver has warned that margins could deteriorate further in the second half as Npay Connect expands, although it expects this year to mark the peak of the current investment cycle. Against that backdrop, the company has moved aggressively to reassure shareholders. Chief Financial Officer Kim Hee-cheol said during Friday's earnings call that Naver on Aug. 3 retired 4.9 million treasury shares, equivalent to 3.1 percent of total shares outstanding, worth roughly 1 trillion won. Kim said Naver would continue considering additional measures to enhance shareholder value under its shareholder-return policy.The gesture failed to prevent a selloff. Naver shares fell 7.5 percent to 209,000 won Friday as investors focused on stagnant earnings and the near-term burden of AI investment rather than the longer-term promise of the new business. There are, however, early signs that AI is beginning to improve economics elsewhere on the platform. Naver's AI tab surpassed 10 million monthly active users by early August. Advertising attached to AI Briefing has generated click-through rates and cost-per-click levels more than 30 percent higher than conventional search advertising, while purchase conversion has been about three times higher. The AI factory itself will not generate revenue before 2027. AJP Takeaways AI over margins: Naver is accepting near-term profit pressure as it pours investment into AI infrastructure, betting computing services will become its next major growth engine. Capital-light AI strategy: By letting Brookfield finance GPUs and data centers while Naver retains the operating business, the company aims to expand AI capacity without overburdening its balance sheet. Shareholders not forgotten: Even as AI spending erodes margins, Naver retired 1 trillion won ($700 million) worth of treasury shares, signaling that shareholder returns remain a priority alongside long-term investment. Execution remains the test: The AI factory will not generate revenue until 2027, leaving investors focused on whether Naver can secure customers, maintain utilization and deliver the promised profitability while navigating rapidly evolving AI technology. 2026-08-07 15:04:00
Cellbiotech's DuoLac Sees Growth in Domestic Sales and Exports, Achieving 15.8 Billion Won in Revenue Cellbiotech reported increases in both revenue and operating profit for the second quarter of this year, driven by the expansion of its health supplement brand DuoLac in the domestic market and growth in exports.The company announced on August 7 that its preliminary revenue for the second quarter reached 15.8 billion won, with an operating profit of 1.6 billion won and a net profit of 3.6 billion won. Compared to the same period last year, revenue increased by 32.8%, and operating profit rose by 28%.For the first half of the year, cumulative revenue totaled 30.4 billion won, a 31.4% increase from the previous year. Operating profit for the period was 4.8 billion won, marking an 82.6% rise. The net profit for the second quarter stood at 3.6 billion won.Exports also continued to grow. Cellbiotech exports its probiotics products to 55 countries, including Denmark, Turkey, Russia, and Mexico. According to the company, it accounts for approximately 50% of the total cumulative exports of probiotics from South Korea, which have reached 538.5 billion won over the past 13 years, with Cellbiotech's share at 26.88 billion won.A representative from Cellbiotech stated, "We will strengthen the brand competitiveness of DuoLac based on our dual-coating technology and expand the presence of Korean probiotics in the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 15:04:00
South Korea shares AI forensic know-hows with Tajikistan SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) - South Korean police and forensic specialists trained about 30 Tajik law enforcement officials in Dushanbe this week in methods for investigating phone scams, deepfake fraud and crimes committed through cryptocurrency. The program targeted a category of crime that has grown alongside Tajikistan's reliance on money sent home by migrant workers. The World Bank put remittance inflows at about 49 percent of gross domestic product in 2024, up from 39 percent the previous year and the highest share of any economy in the world. Fraud built around fake overseas job placements and visa processing has spread with that dependence. "This seminar can contribute not only to the response to sharply increasing cybercrime in Tajikistan, but also to the protection of our residents and nationals there," said Jeon Sung-sik, South Korea's ambassador to Tajikistan. He described the program as the first policing cooperation between the two countries and said he expected it to solidify their public safety and law enforcement networks. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) organized the seminar through its Dushanbe office. Its delegation drew experts from the Korean National Police Agency, the National Forensic Service and the consulting firm KOFO. Tajik participants came from the interior ministry, the police and the border guard service. Before the sessions opened, the visiting experts spent Monday at the Tajik interior ministry's digital forensics center and at border management facilities, examining the conditions local investigators work in. Lectures ran Tuesday through Thursday. Specialists from the Korean National Police Agency, the Korean National Police University and the National Forensic Service presented South Korean research on using artificial intelligence to detect voice phishing calls and deepfakes, which are video or audio recordings altered to impersonate a real person. Further sessions covered tracing crimes carried out with cryptocurrency, analyzing digital evidence drawn from Telegram and large language models, authenticating collected evidence, and pulling data from mobile phones and internet-connected devices. KOICA also held a joint workshop on Tuesday with the International Organization for Migration, where officials from both countries reviewed recent patterns in online fraud aimed at migrants and people seeking work abroad. The program closed Friday with a discussion of international coordination, joined by the British and United States embassies in Dushanbe, the European Union, the International Organization for Migration, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Electronic evidence in online fraud, digital sex crimes and virtual asset cases frequently sits on servers outside the country where the crime was reported, which makes such cases difficult to prosecute without agreements between governments. Ismonalizoda Mavluda, a senior professor in information security and digital technology at a Tajik police training institute, attended the sessions. "KOICA and the experts from these institutions shared Korea's advanced technology and capability in digital crime, a field where response has been difficult until now," she said. "I hope the cooperation continues." 2026-08-07 15:02:02