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  • Korean scam ring shifts to Central Asia on SE Asia crackdown
    Korean scam ring shifts to Central Asia on SE Asia crackdown SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) -South Korean fraud rings are spreading from Southeast Asia into Central Asia to stay ahead of law enforcement, with authorities dismantling their first known Korean-run scam operation in Kazakhstan and bringing home 14 suspects. The arrests underscore what South Korean police called a "secondary balloon effect," in which criminal organizations relocate to increasingly distant countries as crackdowns close traditional operating bases across Southeast Asia. A government-wide task force on transnational crime said Wednesday that South Korean and Kazakh authorities raided a scam office and hideout in Almaty on July 23, arresting 14 South Korean members of the organization. Five additional members of the same network were arrested simultaneously in South Korea. The 14 suspects detained in Kazakhstan were repatriated through Incheon International Airport between July 28 and Aug. 5. Ten have been formally arrested, while the remaining four were transferred to the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency for further questioning. Of the five suspects arrested in South Korea, four have also been formally arrested, while one is awaiting a court hearing on an arrest warrant. Police believe the organization involved at least 40 members. The alleged Chinese ringleader and several managers fled to China after learning of the investigation, authorities said. Police are seeking Interpol Red Notices for the fugitives and are working with overseas counterparts to locate additional suspects. Investigators said the group originally operated in Cambodia before relocating to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, last year as authorities intensified crackdowns on telecom fraud. From there, the organization shifted again to Kazakhstan in March and had fully established its new base by May. Authorities believe the group chose Kazakhstan for its relatively advanced communications infrastructure and its geographic position, which allows members to flee overland to neighboring countries, including China and Kyrgyzstan. The organization allegedly operated a call center from a house on the outskirts of Almaty, carrying out voice-phishing schemes designed to isolate victims before persuading them to transfer their own money. According to investigators, victims first received calls claiming court documents had been issued in their names and were instructed to access a fake judicial website. Members posing as prosecutors then falsely claimed the victims' bank accounts had been linked to criminal activity and ordered them to relocate to hotels or other temporary lodging. Once isolated from family and acquaintances, victims were instructed to obtain new mobile phones, install remote-access software and transfer money into accounts controlled by the criminal organization. Police have so far identified 16 victims and confirmed losses of about 600 million won ($420,000). Authorities cautioned that those figures reflect only the cases included in arrest warrant applications and said total losses could ultimately reach several billion won as investigators identify additional victims. The operation was coordinated by South Korea's National Police Agency, National Intelligence Service, Foreign Ministry and Justice Ministry. Police and the NIS established a joint response team after detecting the organization's relocation to Kazakhstan. South Korea's Foreign Ministry and its consulate in Almaty supported local operations and the suspects' repatriation, while the Justice Ministry handled international judicial cooperation. Kazakhstan's National Security Committee and Interior Ministry participated in surveillance, arrests, interrogations and the suspects' return to South Korea. A senior police official said authorities moved before the group could become firmly established in Kazakhstan and significantly expand its operations. Investigators are now analyzing mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices seized during the raid to determine the full scale of the network, identify additional crimes and track remaining fugitives in cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies. AJP Takeaway: South Korean and Kazakh authorities raided a Korean-run scam operation in Almaty on July 23, 2026, arresting 14 Korean nationals in Kazakhstan and five additional suspects in South Korea. The 14 suspects arrested in Kazakhstan were repatriated through Incheon International Airport between July 28 and Aug. 5; police have formally arrested 10 of them, while four others remain under questioning. Investigators believe the network involved at least 40 people and moved from Cambodia to Vietnam and then Kazakhstan as crackdowns on overseas fraud rings intensified across Southeast Asia. Police have confirmed 16 victims and losses of about 600 million won, but authorities said total damages could rise to several billion won as more cases are identified. The case marks what South Korean police called a “secondary balloon effect,” with scam networks relocating beyond Southeast Asia to more distant countries, while authorities now pursue the alleged Chinese leaders and analyze seized phones, laptops and other evidence. 2026-08-05 15:07:24
  • President Lee to Hold Second Closed-Door Meeting on Real Estate Policy on August 7
    President Lee to Hold Second Closed-Door Meeting on Real Estate Policy on August 7 President Lee Jae-myung will hold a second closed-door meeting on real estate policy on August 7, following a meeting he convened immediately after returning from a trip to the United States and South America.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong announced on August 5 that "President Lee is scheduled to preside over the second meeting on real estate policy review at 2 p.m. on August 7, as directed during the real estate and stock market review meeting on August 3."Upon his return, President Lee chaired the initial meeting, receiving reports from ministers and department heads for over seven and a half hours. He instructed that additional reports and follow-up meetings regarding finance and housing supply be arranged within two to three days.During the first meeting, President Lee emphasized the importance of supply and its speed, stating, "The prolonged shortage of housing supply since 2022 has led to a supply cliff situation." He called for a comprehensive review of existing supply measures, directing that efforts be made to secure as much available housing supply as possible and to explore all administrative, financial, and regulatory measures to expedite supply.Meanwhile, Kim Yong-beom, head of the Blue House Policy Office, was reported to have discussed housing supply plans for the metropolitan area during a luncheon meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the same day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 15:04:10
  • Taepyeongyang Law Firm Becomes First in Korea to Implement ChatGPT Enterprise
    Taepyeongyang Law Firm Becomes First in Korea to Implement ChatGPT Enterprise OpenAI announced that Taepyeongyang Law Firm has implemented ChatGPT Enterprise across its entire workforce to enhance business innovation.This marks the first time a major law firm in South Korea has adopted an enterprise AI product for all its members, highlighting the expansion of AI-driven business innovation into the highly specialized and security-sensitive legal industry, which is already prevalent in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and finance.Taepyeongyang plans to create a work environment where all employees can utilize ChatGPT for various tasks, including legal research, document drafting, analysis and summarization of extensive data, review of international laws and regulations, and idea generation. The firm aims to reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers and other staff to focus on complex decision-making, strategy development, and high-value work for clients.ChatGPT Enterprise offers enterprise-level data protection, security, user management, and administrative controls, enabling organizations to leverage AI within their security and governance frameworks. This capability is particularly significant for legal work, which demands high levels of information protection and responsible AI usage.In line with global trends in the legal market, Taepyeongyang has adopted both ChatGPT Enterprise and the legal AI platform Harvey, establishing a dual-track AI operational system that integrates general generative AI with legal-specific AI.There is a growing movement within the global legal industry to implement OpenAI's frontier AI, including ChatGPT Enterprise, across various operations. Law firms such as Willkie Farr & Gallagher in the U.S. and Hugh James in the U.K. have already integrated ChatGPT Enterprise throughout their organizations. Harvey is also utilized through OpenAI's API.OpenAI's enterprise AI is rapidly expanding its applications in South Korea as well. Samsung Electronics has distributed ChatGPT Enterprise and Codex to all its employees, while Seoul National University provides ChatGPT Edu to its faculty, students, and staff. Other companies across various industries, including Samsung Display, LG Electronics, LG Uplus, LG CNS, Samsung SDS, GS Construction, Krafton, Toss, Musinsa, Korea Zinc, Nexen Tire, and Hana Tour, are also utilizing ChatGPT Enterprise, Codex, and OpenAI APIs.Kim Kyung-hoon, CEO of OpenAI Korea, stated, "The legal industry is a prime example of a knowledge sector that requires vast knowledge and high-level professional judgment simultaneously. Through ChatGPT Work, we can significantly enhance the capabilities of experts. We will closely collaborate to help Taepyeongyang's members reduce repetitive tasks and concentrate on solving complex issues and delivering greater value to clients."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 15:04:00
  • Labor Minister: Mega Special Zone Law Discussions Ongoing, Yellow Envelope Law Criteria to be Clarified
    Labor Minister: Mega Special Zone Law Discussions Ongoing, Yellow Envelope Law Criteria to be Clarified Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated on August 5 that discussions regarding the Mega Special Zone Law are still in progress and nothing has been finalized yet. He added that the ministry plans to review the situation based on fact-finding surveys and factual circumstances. The criteria for determining the subjects of negotiations and disputes under the Yellow Envelope Law (revised labor law Articles 2 and 3) will be clarified within this month.During a luncheon meeting with reporters at the Government Sejong Building, Minister Kim addressed the backlash from the two major labor unions regarding the Mega Special Zone Law, saying, "Since government policies have not yet been finalized, there will be discussions within the ministry. I will communicate with the labor sector as the minister in charge, as we have proposed social dialogue."Previously, on July 27, the Ministry of Labor reported to ruling party lawmakers on the Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee about plans to promote the Mega Special Zone Law, which includes provisions for easing labor regulations. The report indicated that if workers agree, the law would eliminate the 52-hour workweek limit for managers and researchers in the top 3% income bracket, replacing overtime, night, and holiday pay with standard pay, a measure referred to as 'white-collar exemption.'It was also reported that the law would include provisions for extending the settlement period for flexible working hours, lengthening the duration of fixed-term employment, and expanding the scope of worker dispatch.In response, the labor sector has expressed strong opposition. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) issued a statement the previous day condemning the provisions as anti-labor policies pushed by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, declaring their intent to strongly oppose and prevent the advancement of the Mega Special Zone Law.They also demanded a meeting with the president to discuss the government's proposed social dialogue regarding the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) and the establishment of the Mega Special Zone Law.Regarding the argument that the Mega Special Zone Law should include easing work hour regulations, Minister Kim remarked, "I said that if the semiconductor special law does not include exceptions to the 52-hour workweek, it would be like a 'steamed bun without filling,' but companies are still performing well without exceptions. If a specific system is overly represented as a symbol of all problems, healthy discussions become difficult."He continued, "It is reasonable to discuss some flexibility in work hours during the research and development process. However, while special extended work can be utilized for up to six months, there have only been about four applications. I understand that SK Hynix has not applied for it."On the expansion of permitted dispatch sectors and the extension of fixed-term employment periods, he noted that these are longstanding demands from companies, emphasizing that the Labor Research Institute is conducting a fact-finding survey on how the fixed-term law and work hour systems operate in the field, and that reasonable alternatives should be sought based on the results.Plans for social dialogue with the two major labor unions are being coordinated. In response to the FKTU's demand for a separate dialogue channel outside the Economic and Social Labor Commission, he stated, "While they have set conditions, we should appreciate their willingness to engage in social dialogue. We will need to examine the specific methods further."Regarding the criteria for determining the subjects of negotiations and disputes under the Yellow Envelope Law, he clarified, "The company's management decisions themselves are not subjects of negotiation or dispute. If large-scale layoffs or restructuring occur, or if changes in working conditions accompany them, the labor union must naturally be consulted."Concerning the so-called 'N% performance bonuses based on operating profit,' he stated, "The government cannot dictate the entire performance bonus. We plan to organize cases where the criteria for performance bonuses impact working conditions or are subject to negotiation and reflect them in field guidelines."Minister Kim also introduced a proposed 'National First Career Responsibility System' aimed at improving the issue of job experience programs not leading to actual employment. This initiative seeks to strengthen the state's responsibility to ensure that young people can access new means of production, such as AI. Specific plans will be announced soon.Regarding the proposed 'K Labor Welfare Council' for atypical workers, he emphasized, "This is not an organization to replace labor unions. A system is needed to provide welfare and retirement income to the 8.6 million atypical workers, including those in special employment and platform jobs." 2026-08-05 15:00:20
  • New association formed to tackle challenges amid growing AI use in filmmaking
    New association formed to tackle challenges amid growing AI use in filmmaking SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - A new association has been launched to help establish standards for the growing use of generative artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking including scriptwriting, image creation, video production, voice generation and post-production. At its inaugural meeting in Seoul last month, the non-profit Korea Association of AI Film Directors (KAIFD) said it was established to support directors and video creators using AI, as concerns over copyright, consent, credit and ethical use continue to grow. The association says it is not simply a group of software users, but a creative community of directors who use AI to develop their own stories and cinematic worlds. The association's launch on July 15 reflects a broader shift in the country's film industry, where AI filmmaking is increasingly being recognized as more than just a technical experiment. In 2024, the annual Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival introduced an AI competition section, while the Korean Film Council partnered with MBC C&I, the Busan Film Commission and the Bucheon festival in March to foster AI talent in film and media. KAIFD's first chairman is Choi Min-cheol, who runs production company Choicine and AI film studio nomorefrog. He said cinema's essence lies not in technology but in human stories and a director's point of view, and that AI should serve as a creative tool rather than replace the director. The association plans to conduct research, provide education, hold screenings and festivals, and promote international exchange in AI filmmaking, while its immediate focus is on copyright issues and production standards. As AI becomes more widely used in filmmaking, creators face new questions over ownership of AI-generated images and footage, the use of digital actors and synthetic voices, and how profits should be shared on collaborative projects. KAIFD said it will encourage creators to establish copyright, revenue-sharing and secondary-use terms before production begins. It also plans to develop standards to ensure that the use of AI does not diminish the contributions of directors, writers, actors, editors and composers. The association also released an ethics code built on three principles: verification, consent and responsibility. Creators are expected to check the sourcing and licensing of any material they use, including images, video, music, voices, scripts, characters and reference footage, and review the commercial-use terms of the AI tools themselves. Generating or altering a real person's face, voice or identity requires clear consent, according to the code. Any use of a digital replica of an actor, model or voice actor should also be agreed on in advance, covering purpose, duration, distribution and compensation. On deepfakes and misinformation, KAIFD said AI-generated scenes should not be presented as real footage. In news, documentary or archival formats, AI-generated reenactments should be clearly separated from real material. It said final responsibility for released AI-generated content rests with the creator who selects and publishes it, while its long-term goal is to help South Korean filmmakers work internationally and build a production environment where technology, authorship and ethics can coexist. AJP Takeaways: - The Korea Association of AI Film Directors, or KAIFD, launched as a nonprofit in Seoul on July 15, 2026, to support filmmakers using generative AI and establish industry standards for authorship, rights and ethical production. - Led by chairman Choi Min-cheol, founder of production company Choicine and AI film studio nomorefrog, KAIFD defines AI as a creative tool under a director’s control rather than a replacement for human storytelling. - The association plans to develop guidelines covering copyright ownership, revenue sharing, secondary use, production credits, digital actors and synthetic voices, with terms to be agreed before filming begins. - KAIFD's ethics code is based on verification, consent and responsibility, requiring creators to check source licensing, obtain permission before reproducing a real person’s face or voice and clearly label AI-generated reenactments. - The launch reflects the growing institutionalization of AI filmmaking in South Korea, as festivals, broadcasters and film agencies expand AI competitions, training and production programs while confronting risks involving deepfakes, misinformation and creator rights. 2026-08-05 14:58:06
  • Hyosung Heavy Industries Rises 13% Amid AI Infrastructure Growth
    Hyosung Heavy Industries Rises 13% Amid AI Infrastructure Growth Hyosung Heavy Industries is experiencing strong gains due to expectations of benefits from the expansion of AI data centers in North America and increased investment in power infrastructure.As of 2:46 PM on August 5, the company’s stock was trading at 2,992,000 won, up 12.69% (337,000 won) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.Analysts noted that despite recent stock adjustments, the fundamentals of the power equipment sector are actually strengthening. Demand for high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers necessary for AI data center power supply is rapidly increasing in the United States.Daishin Securities reported that Hyosung Heavy Industries has raised its guidance for orders in the industrial sector this year from 8.45 trillion won to 12 trillion won. The revenue growth forecast has also been increased from 15% to 25%.In particular, a joint venture with U.S. power infrastructure company Quanta Services is set to begin production of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) circuit breakers in the fourth quarter of this year. This expansion of production capabilities in the U.S. is expected to allow for a more proactive response to local demand.Heo Min-ho, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "While stock prices have retreated, fundamentals are strengthening. The introduction of dedicated pricing plans for AI data centers and the expansion of U.S. power equipment production will accelerate order increases."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 14:56:10
  • Mayor Kim Seong-je of Uiwang Aims to Create a Premier Cultural Space
    Mayor Kim Seong-je of Uiwang Aims to Create a Premier Cultural Space Mayor Kim Seong-je stated on August 5 that he aims to create a premier cultural space fitting the name Uiwang Arts Center, allowing citizens to enjoy high-quality performances and exhibitions in their daily lives. On this day, Mayor Kim announced that the official name of the cultural arts center under construction, targeted for completion by the end of this year, will be 'Uiwang Arts Center,' accelerating the city's leap toward becoming a cultural hub. Mayor Kim has prioritized expanding cultural and artistic infrastructure as a key policy during his administration. With this name confirmation, the plan is to develop the Uiwang Arts Center into a cultural and artistic focal point representing southern Gyeonggi Province. The newly confirmed name 'Uiwang Arts Center,' which replaces the previously used provisional name 'Uiwang Cultural Arts Center,' signifies a landmark that enhances the city's cultural symbolism and brand value, going beyond just a performance facility. Mayor Kim explained, "After comprehensively reviewing the latest cultural trends, facility expertise, external competitiveness, and the image of a high-quality performance venue, we conducted a preference survey among all staff, and 'Uiwang Arts Center' received the highest support as the final name choice." The Uiwang Arts Center is expected to operate as a multi-cultural arts facility encompassing classical performances, large musicals, concerts, planned performances, and exhibitions, significantly expanding cultural opportunities for citizens and serving as a new driving force for revitalizing cultural tourism in southern Gyeonggi Province. In particular, Mayor Kim believes that expanding cultural facilities will enhance citizens' quality of life, strengthen the city's competitiveness, and improve living conditions, and he plans to proceed with related administrative procedures, including the enactment of relevant ordinances, without delay. The Uiwang Arts Center will be built on a site in Gocheon-dong, Uiwang City, covering a total area of 9,924 square meters, with one basement level and four above-ground floors, featuring a large performance hall, a small performance hall, and exhibition spaces. Local residents are welcoming the construction of the Uiwang Arts Center and expressing their expectations for the city's transformation into a cultural hub. Citizens have reacted positively, saying, "Now we won't have to go to Seoul or other cities to see performances or musicals," and, "I look forward to enjoying high-quality performances and exhibitions with my children nearby," adding that the establishment of cultural facilities will enhance the city's image and pride. Additionally, they expressed hopes that it will help revitalize local businesses and attract tourists, wishing for the Uiwang Arts Center to become a representative cultural space that improves the quality of life for citizens. Meanwhile, Mayor Kim Seong-je emphasized, "I will concentrate all administrative efforts to ensure that the Uiwang City cultural landmark, equipped with top-notch stage facilities and performance environments, is completed without any issues by the end of 2026."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 14:56:00
  • Bonn, Shares Surge for Four Consecutive Days Amid Major Shareholder Change
    Bonn, Shares Surge for Four Consecutive Days Amid Major Shareholder Change Bonn has seen its shares hit the upper limit for four consecutive trading days, driven by expectations of a change in its largest shareholder, former Auhome Chairman Gumi Hyun.As of 2:42 PM on August 5, Bonn's shares were trading at 3,675 won, up 845 won (29.86%) from the previous trading day, continuing a strong upward trend since July 31.On July 31, Bonn announced that its largest shareholder, Lim Seong-ki, along with four others, had signed a contract to transfer 3,162,940 shares to Gumi Hyun for approximately 14 billion won. This transfer represents 37.7% of the total issued shares, and upon completion, Gumi will become the largest shareholder. The payment and transfer of management rights are scheduled for September 10.The share transfer price is set at 4,427 won per share, significantly above the stock price at the time of the contract. Market analysts believe this management premium reflects expectations regarding Bonn's corporate value and future growth potential.Additionally, Bonn is pursuing a third-party allocation of new shares worth about 2.2 billion won and plans to issue convertible bonds (CB) worth 10 billion won. Analysts suggest that the combination of the shareholder change and new funding efforts is boosting investor sentiment.Bonn is a cosmetics company specializing in the planning, development, and production of cosmetic brands and products. Following the announcement of the shareholder change, the stock has experienced a continuous buying trend, resulting in a strong performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 14:52:00
  • Koreas battery makers find ESS gold rush at home
    Korea's battery makers find ESS gold rush at home SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - In a high-profile display, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, flanked by chip titans Lee Jae-yong of Samsung Electronics and Chey Tae-won of SK Group, unveiled a nearly $1 trillion vision to transform the country from the world's high-tech factory into an AI factory. That ambition extends far beyond semiconductors. Every AI factory — from chip fabrication plants and advanced packaging facilities to hyperscale data centers and AI inference clusters — runs on one indispensable input: electricity. As booming AI power demand collides with South Korea's renewable-heavy southwest, the country's rechargeable battery makers have unexpectedly found a new domestic growth engine after years of slowing electric-vehicle demand and brutal price competition from Chinese rivals. On a stretch of reclaimed coastal land in South Korea's southwestern Jeolla region, ground was broken this month on the National AI Computing Center, the first physical step toward what the government calls the backbone of its "AI Expressway." Not far from the ceremony, another race is unfolding. SK On, Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution are competing to supply the energy-storage systems (ESS) that will keep those AI facilities running while stabilizing a power grid increasingly strained by intermittent renewable energy. What began as competition for utility-scale storage contracts has rapidly evolved into a strategic home-market battleground, one the three battery makers hope will cushion their businesses as global EV growth slows. The attraction of South Jeolla is rooted as much in physics as policy. The province hosts roughly one-fifth of South Korea's installed solar capacity, the highest concentration in the country. Solar generation floods the grid with electricity during the day, only to leave it short after sunset — creating an ideal market for batteries that store excess power and discharge it when demand peaks. The government has increasingly embraced that logic. About 93 percent of the roughly 1,128 megawatts awarded in the first two rounds of its long-duration ESS central contract market went to projects in South Jeolla, turning what began as a regional grid-balancing effort into one of the country's most important infrastructure investments. All three battery makers secured projects. The rapid emergence of AI only strengthens the investment case. According to the International Energy Agency, electricity consumption by data centers rose 17 percent in 2025, compared with just 3 percent growth in global electricity demand overall. As AI workloads create increasingly large and volatile swings in electricity use, the agency expects battery storage inside data centers worldwide to reach between 20 gigawatts and 25 gigawatts by 2030. "Through the National AI Computing Center, the government and the private sector will work together to secure advanced GPUs and foster Korea's homegrown AI chip ecosystem," Deputy Prime Minister and Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said during the groundbreaking ceremony in Haenam, describing the project as the core hub of the country's AI strategy powered by abundant renewable energy. For Korea's three battery makers, all of which returned to operating profit in the second quarter, the timing could hardly be better. Samsung SDI has emerged as the early domestic leader. The company secured about 56 percent of capacity awarded in the first two ESS auctions, benefiting from strong demand for its prismatic battery cells. In July's tender for AI-linked grid storage projects, operators using Samsung SDI cells accounted for roughly two-thirds of awarded capacity. SK On captured about half of the 565-megawatt second auction, all allocated to South Jeolla projects, while repositioning ESS as a standalone business alongside electric-vehicle batteries. LG Energy Solution secured roughly 19 percent of the combined auction volume and is expanding beyond batteries themselves. The company will operate a virtual power plant linking 140 megawatt-hours of storage across seven distribution lines in Jeolla, a system expected to absorb an additional 52.4 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually over two decades beginning in 2027. Government policy could provide another boost. The finance ministry plans to introduce domestic-production tax credits beginning in 2027 for six strategic future industries, including secondary batteries. The specific products eligible for the incentives and the amount of each credit, however, will be determined later through a presidential decree. "For the secondary-battery industry, the specific eligible products and tax-credit amounts still need to be defined before the impact on individual companies can be assessed," said Chang Jung-hoon, an analyst at Samsung Securities. "For battery-cell makers, whose production is increasingly overseas, the direct benefit may be limited. But as domestic ESS auctions expand, companies with the largest local production capacity — particularly Samsung SDI and, to a lesser extent, LG Energy Solution — are likely to benefit the most." The opportunity is unlikely to remain confined to the southwest. Solar accounted for 79.4 percent of South Korea's renewable generation capacity at the end of last year, suggesting that the grid congestion now visible in Jeolla will gradually spread nationwide. The Korea Energy Economics Institute estimates that storing the country's projected annual renewable electricity surplus by 2038 will require batteries and pumped-storage facilities with a combined capacity of 119.4 gigawatt-hours. The government is preparing a third central-market ESS auction, widely expected around September with a value of roughly 1 trillion won ($720 million). For battery makers that have spent the past two years navigating the global EV slowdown, South Korea's AI push is creating an unexpected second act. In the emerging AI economy, semiconductors may provide the computing power, but batteries are becoming equally essential infrastructure — storing the electricity that keeps AI factories running long after the sun goes down. AJP Takeaway: • What happened: South Korea's AI-industrial strategy is unexpectedly creating a new domestic growth engine for Samsung SDI, SK On and LG Energy Solution as energy-storage systems become essential infrastructure for AI data centers and renewable-powered grids. • Why it matters: After two difficult years of slowing EV demand and aggressive Chinese competition, Korea's battery makers are finding a second growth market at home by supplying grid-scale storage rather than automobiles. • By the numbers: About 93% of the first two government ESS auctions were awarded to projects in South Jeolla. Samsung SDI captured 56% of total awarded capacity, SK On secured roughly half of the second-round auction, while LG Energy Solution won about 19% overall. • The bigger picture: The IEA expects battery storage inside data centers worldwide to reach 20–25 GW by 2030 as AI sharply increases electricity demand. South Korea is positioning its battery industry to benefit not only from EV electrification but also from the build-out of AI infrastructure, making ESS a potential second pillar of long-term growth. 2026-08-05 14:51:06
  • Controversy Erupts Over Amateur Status and Venue Fees at Park Golf Tournament
    Controversy Erupts Over Amateur Status and Venue Fees at Park Golf Tournament 'Pure amateur tournament' claims surrounding the first Wungbi Paldo Park Golf Tournament are facing scrutiny as issues regarding participant eligibility and venue fees arise, raising questions about fairness and administrative oversight. The tournament guidelines specify that participants from professional teams and affiliated companies are prohibited. However, some participants have raised concerns, stating that a player known to be affiliated with a company not only participated in the tournament but also took part in the drawing for holes in the Perio-style competition, calling into question the integrity of the event. Participants argue, "If a player is ineligible, they should not be allowed to participate in the drawing that could influence the competition," expressing fears that the tournament's fairness is compromised. In response, an official from the organizing committee stated, "We communicated the restrictions on participants from professional teams and companies through the tournament guidelines. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure their eligibility, and it is practically difficult to verify the affiliation of every participant at the registration stage." However, some participants contend that proceeding with registrations without verifying eligibility and not refunding fees even when ineligible participants are identified indicates a lack of management responsibility on the part of the organizers. The controversy has also extended to the issue of venue fees at the Hampyeong Park Golf Course, where the tournament is being held. The organizers reportedly planned to pay a total of 2.5 million won for venue fees, including four preliminary rounds at 500,000 won each and one final round. However, as of now, Hampyeong County has not finalized the decision on whether to impose or waive the fees, even after two preliminary rounds have been completed. A county official initially indicated that an 80% fee reduction was possible under existing regulations, but after questions arose regarding the validity of this reduction, the official stated, "We will review the relevant regulations again." In a conversation with the county's team leader on August 4, the official mentioned, "I have only been in this position for a day and am still getting up to speed on the work. I heard that the previous official considered a fee reduction to promote participation due to the large number of players in the tournament." The official added, "Currently, there is no document confirming the fee reduction. Although the first and second preliminary rounds have concluded, the fees are generally required to be paid in advance, and no final decision has been made yet." Public sports facilities typically require a fee payment process along with usage permits, leading to criticism regarding the appropriateness of administrative handling, given that the tournament is nearly halfway through without a clear decision on fee imposition or reduction criteria. Meanwhile, further scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of the participant eligibility review process, the fairness of competition operations, and the procedures for imposing fees at public sports facilities is expected to continue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-05 14:48:00