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  • Drone scare costs Korean frontline chief post
    Drone scare costs Korean frontline chief post SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - South Korea’s Defense Ministry on Monday relieved the commander of the Army’s I Corps from duty after the unit came under scrutiny over two separate controversies involving front-line readiness, including a near-miss incident in which a U.S. drone was mistaken for an unidentified aerial object. The ministry said Lt. Gen. Han Ki-sung, commander of I Corps, was removed from his post as an investigation continues into recent incidents involving the corps. The commander of the Army Training and Doctrine Command will serve as acting I Corps commander during the period, officials said. The move came after the Joint Chiefs of Staff found that a communication failure between South Korean and U.S. working-level officials led South Korean forces to prepare to intercept a U.S. military drone operating near the inter-Korean border in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on July 30. According to the JCS inspection, the U.S. side notified an I Corps official of the drone flight plan by text message the previous day. The official reportedly replied that there were no restrictions but failed to report or share the information with superiors or related units. The official reportedly treated the flight as a routine low-altitude drone operation conducted as part of joint Marine exercises and did not consider it necessary to escalate the matter beyond the corps level. The drone, however, flew at a higher altitude than expected. South Korean forces then classified it as an unidentified aerial object and issued “Durumi,” an air defense posture for possible enemy drone threats. The military was preparing for a possible interception before the aircraft was confirmed to be a U.S. drone. A JCS official said the U.S. side also failed to follow the proper process. Under the rules, a flight plan should be submitted in advance through official documents and approved by either the Air Force Operations Command or the Ground Operations Command. In this case, however, the plan was shared only through text messages between working-level officials a day before the flight. I Corps was also under scrutiny over a separate controversy involving guard duty along the western front. Since early this year, the corps had reportedly ordered troops at front-line guard posts and general outposts not to keep live rounds loaded in crew-served weapons, including K4 automatic grenade launchers and K6 heavy machine guns. The ammunition was instead kept in boxes nearby. The change was reportedly aimed at preventing accidental discharges, but critics said it could undermine readiness in a sensitive border area that serves as a key approach route to Seoul. The JCS was not informed of the change, even though front-line guard operations generally require weapons to be loaded with live ammunition. I Corps reportedly notified only the Ground Operations Command, its higher command, and kept the practice in place for about six months. 2026-08-03 17:58:00
  • KOSPI Plummets Over 5%, Retreats Below 6200
    KOSPI Plummets Over 5%, Retreats Below 6200 The KOSPI index fell more than 5% on August 3, dropping below the 6200 mark. This decline followed a 17.9% surge on July 31, which prompted profit-taking, particularly among foreign investors.According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed at 6257.45, down 338.00 points (-5.12%) from the previous trading day. This loss represents about one-third of the gains made on July 31, when the index soared by 1001.89 points (17.91%) to reach 6595.45.On the supply and demand front, individual investors showed notable buying interest at lower prices, purchasing a net 4.6531 trillion won in the stock market. In contrast, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 2.8429 trillion won and 1.9477 trillion won, respectively, contributing to the index's decline. Major semiconductor stocks, including Samsung Electronics (-8.76%) and SK Hynix (-8.79%), led the drop in the KOSPI.Market analysts predict that the KOSPI will continue to experience a rollercoaster-like trend in the near term. The index has fallen approximately 31% from its peak of 9114.55 recorded on June 22, amid extreme volatility.However, many in the financial sector believe that this sharp decline is more reflective of deteriorating investor sentiment and supply-demand issues rather than corporate performance or economic conditions. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, “Concerns about the AI and semiconductor sectors are easing with the upcoming earnings reports from big tech companies, and significant progress has been made in reducing credit balances and liquidating leverage. Currently, the KOSPI is in an undervalued zone, excessively reflecting fear, making a strategy to increase holdings effective around the 6000 level.”Global investment bank Morgan Stanley also upgraded its investment outlook for the Korean stock market to 'Overweight' on the same day. The firm assessed the recent sell-off as driven by technical supply factors, such as leverage liquidation, rather than fundamental deterioration, and projected that the KOSPI could recover to the 9000 level in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:20
  • Special Prosecutors Office Reiterates Demand for Transfer of Park Sung-jae Case
    Special Prosecutor's Office Reiterates Demand for Transfer of Park Sung-jae Case The Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) has reiterated its demand for the transfer of the case involving former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, who was acquitted of violating the Anti-Corruption Law, to the Comprehensive Special Prosecutor's Office (CSPO).According to legal sources on August 3, the CSPO stated during a regular briefing that "the case against former Minister Park for violating the Anti-Corruption Law has been closed," adding, "Only record retention procedures remain, and the case cannot be transferred."In response, the SPO issued a statement about two hours after the CSPO's briefing, asserting that the dismissal ruling does not mean the case is not subject to investigation, but rather that it does not determine guilt or innocence. The SPO emphasized that the case is subject to transfer to the relevant authority due to the lack of binding effect of the ruling, indicating that it remains a target for investigation by the CSPO.The SPO referenced the ruling from the 33rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, which stated, "If the dismissal ruling is confirmed, the relevant authority can conduct an investigation and file charges."The SPO further argued that if the case is not transferred for investigation and prosecution, it would raise issues of dereliction of duty for the prosecuting authority.The disagreement between the two offices also involves the 'Kim Geon-hee Police Investigation Report Leak Case.' Former Minister Park was indicted in May 2024 for allegedly receiving improper requests from Kim Geon-hee to ascertain the status and progress of the investigation into the luxury bag scandal, which involved confirming confidential investigation details with his subordinates.Previously, the first trial court sentenced former Minister Park to 25 years in prison for charges related to important national duties. However, the charges related to the Anti-Corruption Law involving Kim Geon-hee were dismissed. The SPO withdrew its appeal regarding these charges on July 29 and decided to transfer the case to the CSPO. However, the CSPO issued a statement the same day, countering that the case could not be transferred.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:10
  • Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae Exchange Wins in Heated Democratic Party Convention
    Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae Exchange Wins in Heated Democratic Party Convention In the ongoing Democratic Party convention that began on August 1, candidates Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae have each secured leads in the Chungcheong and Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam regions, respectively. The competition has intensified as both candidates seek to consolidate their factions ahead of the remaining rounds of the convention, with narrow margins separating them in both regions.According to the Democratic Party, the factional conflicts surrounding the leading candidates, Jeong and Kim, have escalated as of August 3.Jeong took to Facebook to express his dissatisfaction with some Democratic lawmakers who have been using Kim's campaign slogan, "100% voting by all party members," sharing related photos. After a party talk concert in Gangneung earlier that day, he told reporters, "The official slogan for this convention is 'Irreplaceable Republic of Korea,' but an unfair election is ongoing with Kim's campaign slogan displayed on banners. Party members will not forgive this," he warned.Kim, in turn, appealed for support, stating that the government has been unstable due to factional conflicts during Jeong's leadership over the past year. At a rally held at Jeonju University in North Jeolla Province, he claimed that the conflicts arising from the factional strife have persisted during the crucial first year of President Lee Jae-myung's administration, asserting, "If this conflict continues for four years, the government's operations will be shaken."The conflict within the Democratic Party is deepening, not just between the candidates but also among lawmakers. Choi Min-hee and Lee Sung-yoon, both representing the pro-Jeong faction and running for the Supreme Council, have raised concerns about Kim's "anti-Jeong controversy."Choi stated on KBS Radio's "Current Affairs" program, "I believe Kim is engaging in factional politics that do not exist within the party. The consequences of his anti-Jeong stance will ultimately return to him." Lee also emphasized, "There is no anti-Jeong sentiment in the Democratic Party; we all wish for the president's success as pro-Blue House members."In response, Hwang Myeong-seon and Kang Deuk-gu, both from the pro-Kim faction, refuted Jeong's claims made during a joint speech last weekend, where he suggested that there are leaders opposing the one-person, one-vote system and the merger with the Justice Party.Hwang stated after a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, "Jeong did not adequately deliberate on these issues," demanding a correction from him. Kang added, "If Jeong does not take responsibility, I will disclose all the details of the process," asserting that Jeong lacks the qualifications to be the party leader.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:10
  • Weather Forecast: Highs of 37 Degrees Expected Tomorrow Amid Continued Heat Wave
    Weather Forecast: Highs of 37 Degrees Expected Tomorrow Amid Continued Heat Wave On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to soar to a high of 37 degrees Celsius across the country, continuing the trend of extreme heat.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast on August 3, the morning low on August 4 will range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs between 31 and 37 degrees.For the foreseeable future, most regions will experience a perceived temperature around 35 degrees, leading to ongoing sweltering heat and tropical nights.In addition to the heat, there is a chance of showers. Rain is expected in the afternoon to evening in the Chungcheong region, Jeolla region, western inland areas of Gyeongsang, and mountainous and midland areas of Jeju Island.The anticipated rainfall is expected to be highest in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk, with amounts ranging from 5 to 60 millimeters. Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk, western inland areas of Gyeongbuk, and western inland areas of Gyeongnam are forecasted to receive 5 to 40 millimeters of rain. The expected rainfall in the mountainous and midland areas of Jeju is around 5 millimeters.Sea conditions are expected to be relatively calm, with wave heights of 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East Sea and South Sea, and 0.5 meters in the West Sea. Offshore wave heights (about 200 kilometers from the coastline) are predicted to be 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East Sea, 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West Sea, and 0.5 to 2.0 meters in the South Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:00
  • Gyeongnam Pushes for Retention of LH Headquarters and Naval Academy
    Gyeongnam Pushes for Retention of LH Headquarters and Naval Academy Gyeongnam Province is taking comprehensive measures to secure the unified headquarters of power companies in Gyeongnam Innovation City, retain the headquarters of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), and preserve the naval academy in Jinhae.In response to government discussions about the integration of power companies, the relocation of public institutions, the restructuring of LH, and the consolidation of military academies, the province has proactively outlined its position to protect local industries, public institutions, and military education.Gyeongnam aims to attract the unified headquarters to stimulate the energy industry, promote local business growth, and create jobs. The province argues that the location of the headquarters should be determined based on factors such as relocation costs, continuity of operations, living conditions for employees, capacity to respond to energy transitions, and connections to the power industry, rather than merely distributing locations among regions.A significant advantage is the ability to utilize the existing headquarters building of Korea Southern Power. In contrast, constructing a new headquarters in Naju (Gwangju) or Naepo could cost over 250 billion won, which Gyeongnam could entirely save.The estimated savings are calculated by applying the per-employee office space standard to the estimated number of employees from the five institutions involved in the integration, factoring in the projected construction cost increase in Seoul for 2024 as reported by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology.Due to the government's coal phase-out policy, the Samcheok Power Plant (six units, by 2030) and Hadong Power Plant (six units, by 2031) are set to be gradually decommissioned, making Gyeongnam an optimal site for renewable energy transition demonstrations. The concentration of energy-related academic and industrial infrastructure, including Doosan Enerbility, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and the Korea Electric Research Institute, further strengthens this argument.During a meeting of labor union leaders from five power companies held in June, the unions clearly expressed their opposition to the relocation to Naju. While this did not immediately endorse Gyeongnam's bid, the province plans to leverage labor sentiment and the convenience of utilizing existing facilities to gain an advantage in the competition.Earlier, in April, the province signed an agreement with Jinju City and the Korea Southern Power labor union to attract the headquarters and is currently conducting a signature campaign and promotional activities. The provincial council and Jinju city council have also adopted proposals supporting the bid, and the province is focusing all efforts on immediate attraction rather than considering alternatives.Gyeongnam has firmly stated that even if the government proceeds with the separation of LH, the headquarters must remain in Gyeongnam Innovation City. LH is a key public institution symbolizing the innovation city policy, and relocating an institution that has settled stably could undermine the credibility of national balanced development policies.Currently, approximately 1,850 employees work at the LH headquarters, which has been operating a 20-story building since its relocation in 2015. The province emphasizes that utilizing existing infrastructure will be more efficient and cost-effective, even if organizational restructuring occurs.Gyeongnam also clearly opposes the Defense Ministry's plan to consolidate the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies into a single 'National Military Academy' at the Daejeon Army Base. The province argues that the proposed integration, aimed for completion by 2036, should consider not only the efficiency of military education system reforms but also the professionalism of naval education and its economic impact on the region.Training naval officers requires unique skills in areas such as ship operations, navigation, and maritime operations, distinguishing it from the Army and Air Force. Jinhae is the only location equipped with comprehensive training facilities, including naval bases and fleets, allowing for a connection between theoretical and practical education.Notably, the naval academy hosts around 700 cadets and faculty members, and the spending of visitors and event attendees is closely tied to the local economy in Jinhae. If the academy relocates, it could lead to a decline in local businesses and an inevitable loss of Jinhae's urban identity. The alumni association of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies is also demanding a complete withdrawal of the plan, and the Gyeongnam Provincial Council adopted a resolution on June 30 to retain the naval academy in Jinhae.Park Il-woong, Deputy Governor of Gyeongnam Province, stated, "Given the existing facility utilization and the foundation of the energy industry, Gyeongnam Innovation City is the optimal location for the unified headquarters of power companies. We will work together with the community to secure this bid." He added, "We will actively respond to ensure that LH, which has taken root in Gyeongnam, does not leave, and we express our regret over the integration plan for the military academy announced without consulting local opinions. We will do our utmost to retain the naval academy in Jinhae, considering the professionalism of naval education and operational environment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:00
  • Wildfires and Heatwaves Cost Major European Countries €3.1 Billion
    Wildfires and Heatwaves Cost Major European Countries €3.1 Billion The economic losses from wildfires and heatwaves in five major European countries have reached €3.1 billion (approximately 5 trillion won).According to the Financial Times on August 2, the total economic damage in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Romania, where wildfires and heatwaves have been concentrated, is estimated at €3.1 billion.This figure is €600 million higher than the €2.5 billion estimated by the European Commission. The Financial Times based its estimate on data from the European Commission and the French government, as well as the costs needed to restore areas affected by wildfires.However, this assessment does not reflect the total damage across Europe. The insurance industry is still investigating losses related to real estate and crops, and the impact of reduced tourist numbers and business disruptions during the summer vacation season is also being assessed.Economic losses due to drought have not yet been included. Record high temperatures and low rainfall have caused water levels in the Rhine and Danube rivers to drop, disrupting cargo transport and industrial water supply.German chemical companies such as BASF, Covestro, and Evonik, which have production facilities near the Rhine, are facing increased logistics costs and production disruptions. Lower water levels reduce the amount of cargo that can be loaded onto ships, raising transportation costs for raw materials and products.Operations at nuclear power plants are also under threat. A nuclear power plant in Hungary is facing potential shutdown due to record low water levels in the Danube River.In Romania, the Cernavodă nuclear power plant has halted operations at one of its two reactors due to a lack of cooling water. The Financial Times reported that if the supply of cooling water continues to decline, it could impose additional burdens on electricity production and manufacturing across Europe.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:56:00
  • AI becomes K-drama ingredient as soaring costs reshape filmmaking
    AI becomes K-drama ingredient as soaring costs reshape filmmaking SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - A recent K-drama hit, Agent Kim: Reactivated, had all the ingredients of a blockbuster action sequence — North Korean agents, a former security-service commando, gangsters, explosions and a high-speed chase through a snow-covered tunnel ending in a plunge into icy water. None of it was filmed. The roughly three-minute sequence that fooled audience as an expensive location shoot was generated entirely with artificial intelligence. Described by its creators as the first full sequence in a Korean commercial drama produced with generative AI rather than live-action photography, the scene has become a test case for an industry confronting soaring production costs, shrinking advertising revenue and increasingly tighter production schedules. The experiment also reached far beyond South Korea. Agent Kim: Reactivated debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's global non-English TV chart with 10.5 million views and retained the top spot the following week with 9.1 million. The figures do not show whether audiences embraced the AI-generated sequence itself, but they placed the experiment inside one of Korea's most widely watched television exports. Its significance lies less in whether AI can produce spectacular images than in why it was used. The sequence was initially planned as a conventional shoot but was deemed impractical because of the locations, action scenes and visual effects it required, according to Ryu Jae-hwan, deputy head of Morpheus Studio, the AI production company behind it. Hong Sung-chang, chief executive of the drama's production company Studio S, said producing the sequence with AI reduced costs by more than 60 percent compared with filming it conventionally. The savings mattered, Hong said, but so did preserving scenes that otherwise would have been abandoned because they were too dangerous, too expensive or simply impossible to shoot. That distinction illustrates the role AI is beginning to occupy in Korean film and television. It is not replacing the industry's highest-end visual-effects work. Instead, it is filling the widening gap between what directors want to show and what producers can afford to film. The Agent Kim sequence was not created at the push of a button. Morpheus Studio spent about a month developing visual concepts and another two months producing the footage. The team generated roughly 1,000 still images and more than 2,000 video clips before selecting 289 shots for the final sequence. Human judgment remained central throughout the process — from designing costumes and locations to selecting shots, editing the sequence and correcting color. The production therefore challenges the assumption that generative AI simply removes labor from filmmaking. It may reduce the need for physical sets, location shoots, stunt work and some conventional visual effects, but it replaces them with a new workflow built around repeated generation, evaluation and refinement. Traditional VFX, however, still offers greater control. "With sufficient time and production resources, there is no visual element we cannot create," said Kim Gyu-min, a spokesperson for Dexter Studios, one of South Korea's leading visual-effects companies. The amount of work varies dramatically depending on the shot, Kim said. Adding a single flying object to filmed footage bears little resemblance to constructing an entire computer-generated battle scene. The more complex and detailed the image, the more artists and production time are required. Lighting illustrates the difference. VFX artists must reproduce the direction and intensity of light, along with shadows, reflections and atmospheric effects, so that computer-generated objects blend seamlessly into filmed environments. Dexter treats lighting as a separate stage in its production pipeline, Kim said. Daylight scenes are particularly demanding because of the sharp contrast between illuminated and shaded surfaces. A film director, who had not viewed the Agent Kim sequence but discussed generative AI more broadly, also questioned whether AI-generated footage could consistently blend into a longer dramatic production. An AI clip may appear realistic on its own, the director said, but every sequence must match the color, camera movement, characters and physical environment of the scenes before and after it. Viewers are especially sensitive to inconsistencies in brightness and shadow, making daylight CG and VFX particularly unforgiving. The technical capability of Korean VFX companies is rarely the limiting factor; production time and budgets often determine the final quality. Yet VFX companies are not resisting the technology. They are increasingly incorporating it. Dexter already uses AI for repetitive post-production tasks, including removing visible stunt wires. Work that artists once completed manually frame by frame can increasingly be automated, allowing them to devote more time to complex shots that still require human judgment. AI is also opening possibilities for sequences that would otherwise require extensive sets, location shoots and large production crews, Kim said. It may not yet match the finish of a scene produced through conventional filming and post-production, but it can provide a practical alternative when traditional methods are no longer financially viable. The emerging production model is therefore more likely to combine AI with conventional VFX than force a choice between them. AI accelerates visual experimentation and automates routine tasks, while traditional VFX provides the precision needed to control and integrate the final result. The pressure to adopt those tools is particularly acute for broadcasters. EBS President Kim Yu-yeol said total television advertising revenue has fallen from about 2.1 trillion won ($1.5 billion) two decades ago to roughly 550 billion won last year. During the same period, the production cost of a single drama episode rose from between 50 million won and 100 million won to between 2 billion won and 3 billion won. In one AI animation experiment, Kim said, EBS reduced production costs to one-fortieth of those required under conventional methods. For broadcasters facing shrinking advertising income and sharply rising production costs, AI is no longer merely an experimental technology. It is increasingly becoming a survival tool. EBS has expanded AI-assisted programming, including the terrestrial drama Resurrection Class, while KBS has developed an AI television studio that automates camera tracking and plans to extend the system to news, interview and educational programming. The economic and creative arguments are not mutually exclusive. Lower production costs can preserve scenes that otherwise would be cut, turning cost savings into greater creative ambition. But the technology also introduces new risks. Ryu said Morpheus Studio discovered that one AI model unintentionally generated the face of a real actor with no connection to the production. The team subsequently verified AI-generated characters through image searches to reduce the risk of using recognizable faces without consent. The episode raises unresolved questions about how actors' likenesses enter AI training data and who bears responsibility when AI-generated characters resemble real people. Audience acceptance also remains uncertain. A December 2025 Hankook Research survey of 1,000 adults found that 49 percent felt uncomfortable with advertising or entertainment containing AI-generated images or video. The figure rose to 71 percent among respondents aged 18 to 29. At the same time, 81 percent viewed the spread of AI-generated content as a natural consequence of technological progress. The findings suggest audiences may regard AI's expansion as inevitable while remaining cautious about how it is used and disclosed. The Netflix rankings and domestic television ratings for Agent Kim: Reactivated cannot determine whether viewers embraced its AI-generated sequence. It remains unclear how many even knew how it had been created. What the production does establish is that generative AI has moved beyond demonstration videos and isolated experiments. It has entered mainstream television production, reached a global audience and delivered a sequence that producers say would have been prohibitively expensive to film conventionally. For now, AI cannot offer the same precision and consistency as established visual-effects techniques across every type of scene. Nor does it eliminate the need for artists, editors or creative judgment. Its first major role in Korean television may instead prove more pragmatic: not replacing images the industry already knows how to create, but making possible the ones it can no longer afford to shoot. 2026-08-03 17:53:14
  • Typhoon Dolphins Path: Will It Affect South Korea?
    Typhoon Dolphin's Path: Will It Affect South Korea? Typhoon Dolphin (DOLPHIN), currently moving westward over the Pacific Ocean, is forecasted by major meteorological agencies from South Korea, the United States, Japan, China, and Taiwan to bypass the Korean Peninsula.On August 3, an online community shared the latest typhoon path forecasts released by various meteorological agencies, including the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), China Meteorological Administration, Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, and the Korea Meteorological Administration.According to the projected path, Typhoon Dolphin is expected to continue moving northwest to west, passing south of Okinawa and heading toward the eastern coasts of Taiwan and China.The JTWC's forecast, issued on August 2 at 18Z (3 a.m. KST on August 3), indicates that the typhoon will maintain its central pressure and wind radius while continuing its northwestward trajectory. By 06/18Z (3 a.m. KST on August 7), it is predicted to pass near Okinawa (Kadena, etc.), and by 07/18Z (3 a.m. KST on August 8), it will enter the waters northeast of Taiwan and south of Shanghai, China.Additionally, the JMA reported on August 3 at 06:00 that the typhoon will maintain a westward path from 18:00 on August 3 through August 5, 6, 7, and 8. It is expected to pass southwest of Okinawa between 03:00 and 03:00 on August 7 and 8, moving toward the waters northeast of Taiwan.According to the China Meteorological Administration's forecast released on August 3 at 06:00 (120-hour path), the typhoon is expected to maintain its 'super typhoon' status while moving westward until 17:00 on the same day. It is projected to pass south of Okinawa at 05:00 on August 6 (48 m/s), 05:00 on August 7 (45 m/s), and 05:00 on August 8 (42 m/s), moving into the waters between Taiwan and the eastern coast of China.The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau and the Korea Meteorological Administration, based on analysis from 02/18UTC (3 a.m. KST on August 3), predict that the typhoon will pass south of Okinawa by 06/18Z (3 a.m. KST on August 7) and exit into the waters northeast of Taiwan by 07/18Z (3 a.m. KST on August 8).While the U.S. and Taiwan meteorological agencies estimate the timing of the typhoon's passage near Okinawa to be about a day earlier than Japan and China, all five countries agree on the overall trajectory.Typhoon Dolphin is expected to continue moving westward without veering northeast toward the Korean Peninsula. As a result, South Korea is projected to be completely outside the direct influence and wind radius of the typhoon. However, between August 6 and 8, when the typhoon passes south of Okinawa and through the waters near Taiwan, there may be indirect effects such as swells and changes in atmospheric pressure along the southern coast and Jeju Island.Experts warn that as Typhoon Dolphin moves westward, it may exacerbate the heat wave in South Korea rather than alleviate it. The east winds flowing into the Korean Peninsula could trigger a Foehn effect as they cross the Taebaek Mountains, potentially raising temperatures in the capital region and western areas such as Chungcheong and Honam.Moreover, the 'double heat dome' created by the North Pacific High and the Tibetan High is expected to remain intact, preventing the typhoon from breaking through and instead pushing hot air into the Korean Peninsula. As the typhoon passes southward, it will continuously supply hot and humid winds, leading to an intensification and persistence of extreme heat and tropical nights across the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-03 17:52:00
  • KOSPI slides after historic rally as chip stocks plunge
    KOSPI slides after historic rally as chip stocks plunge SEOUL, August 3 (AJP) - South Korea's stock market tumbled on Monday, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix both sinking more than 8 percent, sending the country's benchmark KOSPI back below 6,300 points. The decline erased much of Friday's historic rebound, which proved short-lived. The index closed 5.12 percent lower at 6,257.45 as foreign and institutional investors extended heavy selling despite aggressive buying by retail investors. Individuals snapped up a net 4.65 trillion won (US$3.3 billion) worth of shares, but it was not enough to offset net sales of 1.95 trillion won by institutions and 2.83 trillion won by foreign investors. Foreign investors also remained net sellers in the KOSPI 200 futures market, adding pressure to the broader index. The junior KOSDAQ, however, bucked the broader downward trend, rising 2.44 percent to 737.35 as investors shifted buying toward biotechnology and robotics shares. The decline came even after U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley took a favorable stance, raising its rating on South Korean equities from "equal weight" to "overweight," indicating a more positive outlook and its view that South Korean stocks could outperform. It said the recent market turmoil was mainly caused by technical factors rather than a deterioration in corporate fundamentals. The bank said much of the recent deleveraging had already run its course, with the wave of forced selling largely over, and reiterated its year-end KOSPI target of 9,000. The market, however, remained under pressure from short-term profit-taking following last Friday's record-setting rally, when the KOSPI surged 17.91 percent on strong foreign buying and growing optimism over global investment in artificial intelligence (AI). Samsung Electronics plunged 8.76 percent to 239,000 won, while SK hynix tumbled 8.79 percent to 1,567,000 won. The South Korean won also weakened, with the dollar trading at 1,430.8 won, up from 1,424.0 won in the previous session, as foreign investors continued selling domestic stocks. Despite the sharp pullback in semiconductor leaders, the broader AI supply chain remained more resilient. Samsung Electro-Mechanics rose 3.42 percent to 1,181,000 won, while Hyosung Heavy Industries gained 3.23 percent to 2,495,000 won and LS Electric added 1.95 percent to 188,400 won. Hyundai Motor rose 1.29 percent to 393,000 won as investors rotated into robotics plays after the United States tightened restrictions on Chinese robot imports, fueling expectations that Korean companies could gain market share. Affiliate Hyundai AutoEver surged 4.94 percent to 382,500 won while Hyundai Mobis climbed 3.68 percent to 493,500 won. Doosan also jumped 5.81 percent after investors welcomed its planned acquisition of SK Siltron. Sentiment was further boosted after Eugene Investment & Securities raised its target price, citing stronger long-term growth prospects from the deal. The divergence was even more pronounced on the KOSDAQ, where biotechnology and robotics stocks extended recent gains. Alteogen climbed 2.92 percent to 317,500 won, HLB added 0.98 percent to 30,900 won and Rainbow Robotics gained 5.89 percent to 458,500 won. Among the day's biggest movers, ALT, an AI media and telecommunications device maker, rose 29.97 percent to 1,492 won. Wonik Holdings, a semiconductor and display materials company surged 29.97 percent to 19,860 won, Cosmo Robotix jumped 21.30 percent to 17,880 won and home appliance maker Winix soared 21.45 percent to 5,860 won. The KOSDAQ's strength triggered a buy-side sidecar for the second consecutive session during morning trading, signaling continued investor demand for high-growth sectors even as large-cap semiconductor shares declined. Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.94 percent to 63,754.90 as a stronger yen weighed on exporters and technology stocks, while China's Shanghai Composite slipped 0.59 percent to 3,809.66. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index bucked the regional trend, rising 0.30 percent to 25,962.22 supported by bargain hunting in technology shares after recent market volatility. 2026-08-03 17:50:24