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MirrorAI Launches AI Dating App 'Mirror' to Facilitate Introductions MirrorAI has announced the launch of its relationship agent app, 'Mirror,' which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to engage in initial conversations with other users' AIs and analyze compatibility.Unlike traditional dating apps that focus on profiles and conditions, Mirror employs an AI that learns users' preferences, values, and communication styles to find suitable matches. The AI reduces the burden of making first contact and the fatigue of repetitive condition searches, leaving the final decision to the user.As users interact with the app's AI character, a personalized 'My AI' is created based on their responses. During the matching process, the AIs of both users engage in approximately 20 preliminary conversations.Users can monitor these AI conversations in real-time and review a compatibility analysis report before deciding whether to connect with the actual person. A chat room is only created if both users agree to the connection.MirrorAI described the app as more than just a chatbot that answers questions or recommends matches based on set criteria. It is designed to continuously remember and understand users, assisting in forming real human relationships.Kim Soo-yeon, CEO of MirrorAI, stated, “The era has begun where AI that remembers and understands users connects people.” She added, “Mirror demonstrates the role AI can play in the relationship exploration process.”To ensure a safe environment, only users aged 19 and older who have completed mobile phone verification can register. Basic AI conversation and service exploration features are available for free, while some premium features, such as AI matchmaking requests, voice calls, and image generation, require in-app currency.MirrorAI has developed the planning, development, and operational systems for Mirror using a one-person development model that leverages generative AI tools without external investment. The company explained that AI is applied not only as a core function of the service but throughout the product creation process.In the future, the company plans to establish a proprietary small language model (SLM) specialized in emotional conversations in Korean. Long-term, it aims to expand the on-screen AI into a physical AI in the form of a companion robot that can interact and respond in the same space as users.Kim emphasized, “Just as AI can take over tasks, it can also assist users in exploring relationships. We aim to create a relationship-focused AI service that comes to mind first for those feeling lonely or in need of new connections.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:56:00 -
Gwangju City Activates Drought Response Center for Agricultural Water Supply Gwangju City has activated an agricultural water drought response center to address the ongoing lack of rainfall and declining reservoir levels until the farming season concludes. On July 30, Gwangju City announced that it is collaborating with local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to continuously monitor the agricultural water supply situation and implement an emergency water supply system in areas at risk of shortages. As of July 24, the average reservoir level for agricultural use in the region was reported at 59.4%, which is 86.6% of the normal average level of 68.5%. Some areas are experiencing lower levels than usual, raising concerns about potential worsening conditions for agricultural water supply depending on future rainfall. In response, the city has established a drought response center for agricultural water, led by the head of the agricultural policy department, and has mobilized all members of the agricultural infrastructure team to operate in two shifts. The center will continuously monitor reservoir levels, water supply status, and any drought-related damages while maintaining an emergency response system. Key monitoring tasks include managing reservoir levels and water supply status, focusing on drought-prone areas, checking the operational status of water supply facilities such as wells and pumping stations, managing water supply measures for reservoirs below 50% capacity, and responding swiftly to drought damages and complaints. Additionally, the city plans to strengthen its cooperation with the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of the Korea Rural Community Corporation and local drought response centers to expand on-site responses in areas with low reservoir levels or anticipated agricultural water shortages. To prepare for a prolonged drought, various water supply measures tailored to local conditions will be implemented, including utilizing river water for pumping and storage, direct water supply from irrigation channels, operating wells, and reusing drainage water. The city will also enhance monitoring and on-site inspections in areas with weak water supply, such as the ends of reservoirs and paddy fields, and will quickly deploy equipment and personnel to minimize crop damage in regions requiring water supply. Kim Hyun-mi, head of the agricultural policy department in Gwangju City, stated, "Given that reservoir levels are currently lower than normal, along with extreme heat and variability in rainfall, we cannot afford to let our guard down. We will work closely with local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to identify areas at risk of water shortages and swiftly deploy available personnel and equipment to prevent agricultural damage." Meanwhile, Gwangju City plans to continuously monitor weather conditions and changes in reservoir levels while strengthening efforts to secure agricultural water and respond on-site to maintain a stable farming environment in anticipation of prolonged drought conditions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:52:00
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Korea's Trade Chief Visits U.S. to Discuss Trade Issues Including Coupang Yeo Han-goo, head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's trade negotiation office, is set to visit the United States just five days after returning to Korea. This trip aims to address ongoing trade issues, including those related to Coupang.The ministry announced on July 30 that Yeo will be in the U.S. from today until August 2.A ministry official stated, "This visit is timed with the National Governors Association meeting, allowing for discussions with governors on key trade issues with the U.S. We are undertaking this trip to manage the trade environment with the U.S. through various outreach efforts."During his visit, Yeo is expected to focus on alleviating concerns regarding domestic digital regulations, particularly in relation to the Coupang situation. He is also likely to respond to the ongoing Section 301 investigation concerning structural overproduction in the manufacturing sector.This marks Yeo's second trip to the U.S. in just five days; he previously met with key figures from the U.S. administration, Congress, and industry leaders in Washington, D.C., from July 21 to 24.During that visit, Yeo met with ten U.S. senators and representatives, including Senator Bill Hagerty and Representative Adrian Smith, chair of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. He explained that South Korea's digital laws and policies do not discriminate against U.S. companies and emphasized that South Korea is one of the largest investors in the U.S.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:48:10
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People Power Party Confirms Kim Jung-jae as Candidate for Gender Equality Family Committee Chair The People Power Party confirmed on July 30 that Kim Jung-jae, a three-term lawmaker, will be the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee in the 22nd National Assembly.During a party meeting held at the National Assembly, Kim was unanimously endorsed as the sole candidate for the position. Kim Seung-soo, the party's floor operations chief, announced, "I declare that Kim Jung-jae has been elected as the candidate for the chair of the Gender Equality Family Committee." Kim Jung-jae stated, "The Gender Equality Family Committee has a budget of only 2 trillion won, yet its work carries the weight of 200 trillion won. Our society has many marginalized groups, especially children in grandparent-headed households and out-of-school youth. Although we talk about gender equality, it is not being realized in practice." She added, "The standards by which we can gauge our society are issues related to family and gender equality. I will do my best, even if I am lacking." Kim also expressed concern about breaking the long-standing tradition of having a three-term lawmaker as chair, saying, "I hope we can continue this tradition well, and I will serve diligently." Previously, lawmaker Im I-ja had been confirmed as the candidate for the chair but stepped aside in favor of Kim.During the meeting, Kwon Young-jin, who faced controversy after a physical altercation regarding committee assignments, publicly apologized. Kwon remarked, "The People Power Party is my political home and perhaps my entire life. The past week has been more painful due to my own feelings of shame and self-reproach than the ridicule and criticism from the world. I will strive to be a better politician, reflecting and being more self-disciplined." He also stated, "I will sincerely engage in the ethics committee's disciplinary process and calmly await the results, hoping that my disciplinary issues do not become a source of conflict and division among lawmakers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:44:20
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U.S. Military Considers Seizing Phones of Deployed Troops in the Middle East The U.S. military is reportedly considering seizing the cell phones of some troops deployed in the Middle East.According to Reuters on July 29, U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper warned troops stationed in the region in a letter sent on July 28 not to post videos and photos taken with their phones online.Cooper noted that Iran is monitoring news reports and online posts to assess the reactions of U.S. troops and the success of attacks in near real-time. He stated, "The direct and unavoidable costs of such open-source information could lead to casualties among U.S. troops in Gulf nations targeted by attacks and civilians in the Middle East."The military is indeed reviewing the possibility of seizing phones. Two sources indicated that some U.S. troops in Jordan, which has faced multiple Iranian attacks, have been informed that their phones could be confiscated within days. However, other sources clarified that the decision on phone seizures has not yet been finalized.Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said, "This message is intended to remind troops of the overall importance of maintaining operational security," adding that it is one of several instances where Cooper has communicated operational priorities.Particularly concerning to the military is a video taken on July 17 during an Iranian attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. A U.S. service member posted footage on social media showing fellow troops running to a shelter, captured with camera-equipped Meta smart glasses.Cooper warned that the video exposed the movements of troops and their methods of seeking shelter. He emphasized that while U.S. electronic warfare efforts make it difficult for Iran to accurately assess the results of its attacks, information released by troops and the media is filling that gap.He also stressed, "Revealing detailed information could effectively give the Iranian military an immediate green light to launch a much more destructive second attack."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:44:10
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Lotte Global Logistics Partners with FR Robotics to Develop AI-Powered Wearable Robots 롯데글로벌로지스가 로봇 전문기업 에프알티로보틱스와 AI(인공지능) 기반 웨어러블 로봇 공동 개발 및 상용화를 위한 업무협약을 체결했다고 30일 밝혔다.지난 29일 서울 강남구 에프알티로보틱스 스토어에서 열린 협약식에는 육창용 롯데글로벌로지스 테크놀로지부문장과 장재호 에프알티로보틱스 대표 등이 참석했다.앞서 양사는 지난 3월 정부 11개 부처가 공동 추진하는 AI 응용제품 신속 상용화 지원사업인 AX스프린트의 산업통상부 과제에 선정됐다. 이번 협약을 계기로 피지컬 AI를 활용한 근력 증강 웨어러블 로봇 개발과 물류 현장 최적화에 나선다.롯데글로벌로지스는 에프알티로보틱스가 개발한 웨어러블 로봇을 실제 물류 현장에 도입해 작업자의 다양한 동작 데이터를 수집할 예정이다. 이를 토대로 AI 제어 알고리즘을 고도화하고 물류 작업 환경에 적합한 정밀 제어 기술을 확보한다는 계획이다.양사는 웨어러블 로봇을 통해 작업자의 근골격계 부담을 낮추고 작업 효율성을 높이는 한편, 실제 현장에서 활용할 수 있는 AI 기반 로봇 솔루션의 상용화도 추진한다.육창용 부문장은 "물류 현장의 작업 환경 개선과 근로자 안전 확보는 매우 중요한 과제"라며 "피지컬 AI 기반 웨어러블 로봇이 물류 산업의 새로운 혁신 모델이 되도록 협력하겠다"고 말했다.한편, 롯데글로벌로지스는 지난달 발간한 '2025 지속가능경영보고서'를 통해 스마트 피난 시스템과 AI 휴머노이드, 외골격 슈트 도입 실증 등 산업재해 예방 활동을 소개했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:44:00
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Seoul Retail Market Thrives While Regional Areas Struggle The retail rental market in Seoul has shown resilience, buoyed by an increase in foreign tourists and foot traffic, while regional markets continue to face challenges due to declining consumer spending and prolonged vacancies, highlighting a stark polarization in the commercial real estate sector.The Korea Real Estate Agency reported on July 30 that the national integrated retail rental price index fell by 0.03% compared to the previous quarter. In contrast, Seoul saw an increase of 0.46%, diverging from the national downward trend.The rental market in Seoul has been particularly strong in key areas attracting foreign tourists. The rental price index for Myeongdong rose by 3.19%, marking the highest increase among major districts in Seoul. Ttukseom and Jongno also saw increases of 2.55% and 1.28%, respectively.All types of retail spaces in Seoul experienced rental price increases. Medium to large retail spaces rose by 0.50%, small retail spaces by 0.45%, and collective retail spaces by 0.34%. The only regions where retail rental prices increased nationwide were Seoul and Busan.Conversely, regional markets continued to see rental price declines due to decreased sales and prolonged vacancies. The integrated retail rental price index for Chungbuk fell by 0.27%, the largest drop among regions, while Jeonnam saw a decrease of 0.25%.In specific areas, the rental price index for Chungbuk Innovation City dropped by 1.97%, and the Chungbuk University area also saw a decline of 0.78%. The Korea Real Estate Agency attributed these trends to market decline, long-term vacancies, and downward adjustments in rental prices to address vacancies.The burden of vacancies is also more pronounced in regional areas. The national average vacancy rate for general retail spaces is 13.4%, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous quarter. The vacancy rate for medium to large retail spaces is 14.3%, while small retail spaces stand at 8.5%. The vacancy rate for first-floor general retail spaces, which are more sensitive to market conditions, is 6.7%.By region, Sejong has the highest vacancy rate at 22.8%. Daegu follows at 17.8%, Chungbuk at 17.4%, Gyeongbuk at 16.7%, and Gwangju at 16.5%, all exceeding the national average. In contrast, Seoul's general retail vacancy rate is 9.4%, lower than the national average.Unlike the retail sector, the office market continues to rise. The national office rental price index increased by 0.42%, while Seoul's rose by 0.61%. The office rental price index in Seoul has now increased for 18 consecutive quarters since the first quarter of 2022.In Seoul, the office rental price indices for Gangnam and the city center each rose by 0.65%. The Yeouido and Mapo areas also saw an increase of 0.50%. The stability in demand for prime office spaces in Gangnam and the city center, along with increased relocation demand due to redevelopment in Yeouido, were noted as contributing factors.Investment returns have also improved, driven by rising asset values in the metropolitan area. The national office investment return rate is now 2.15%, up 0.35 percentage points from the previous quarter. In Seoul, the office investment return rate is 2.77%, with Gangnam at 3.00%, the city center at 2.91%, and Yeouido and Mapo at 2.87%.In contrast, the investment return rates for retail spaces have increased, with medium to large spaces at 1.10%, small spaces at 0.86%, and collective retail spaces at 1.30%. However, the regional real estate market continues to face declines in asset values, while the capital region, including Seoul and Gyeonggi, has seen rising capital returns, widening the regional disparity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:40:20
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August Sees Surge in Apartment Supply with 39,000 Units Offered Despite the government's tightening of loan regulations, over 39,000 apartments are set to be offered nationwide in August, indicating a significant increase in supply even during the typically slow vacation season. However, rising prices and financing burdens are expected to concentrate subscription demand on complexes with favorable locations and product quality.On July 30, Real Estate 114 reported in its 'August Market Outlook' that 60 complexes, totaling 39,341 units (including rentals), are scheduled to be launched next month. This marks more than a twofold increase compared to the previous month (18,754 units) and the same period last year (15,127 units). Analysts attribute this surge to the carryover of some planned units from July.Real Estate 114 noted that while the government has announced support measures for actual buyers, the barriers to entering the subscription market remain high due to rising prices and stricter loan regulations. As a result, demand is expected to be reshaped around actual buyers with sufficient financial capacity, focusing on complexes with strong locations and product appeal.Regionally, the metropolitan area accounts for approximately 69% of the total supply. A total of 27,276 units are expected to be offered in this area, with Gyeonggi Province providing 17,356 units, Incheon 7,091 units, and Seoul 2,829 units.In Gyeonggi Province, large complexes with over 1,000 units include 'Han River Prugio Riverfront' in Gochon-eup, Gimpo (2,432 units) and 'Doosan We’ve the Zenith Bucheon' in Sosa-dong, Bucheon (1,728 units). Public offerings such as 'Goyang Changneung S2' (1,057 units) and 'Seongnam Bokjeong 2 A1 Newlywed Hope Town' (1,026 units) are also on the horizon.In Incheon, large complexes like 'Sankok Station Xi Hills State & Haneulchae' in Sangok-dong, Bupyeong (2,706 units) and 'City O Ciel 9th Complex Ocean Park View' in Hakik-dong, Michuhol (1,949 units) are planned, along with public offerings in Gyeyang and Geomam districts.In Seoul, complexes such as 'Godeok Gangil 3rd Complex' in Gangdong-gu (1,305 units) will begin their main subscriptions, along with 'Summit Clavion' in Sin-gil-dong, Yeongdeungpo (812 units) and 'Chungjeongno Station Xi Rene' in Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu (299 units) from redevelopment projects.In the provinces, a total of 12,065 units are set to be offered, with Gyeongnam leading at 3,665 units, followed by Busan with 2,081 units and Chungnam with 2,060 units. Notable complexes include 'Centreville Asterium Geoje' in Geoje (1,307 units), 'Forena Hill State Jinju' in Jinju (1,032 units), 'Busan Myeongji A5' in Gangseo-gu, Busan (876 units), and 'Dujeong Station Prugio Grand Peak' in Cheonan (1,438 units).Real Estate 114 highlighted major complexes for August, including 'Godeok Gangil 3rd Complex' in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 'Doosan We’ve the Zenith Bucheon' in Bucheon, and 'Forena Hill State Jinju' in Jinju.Notably, the Godeok Gangil 3rd Complex will be offered through a public rental land system, where the land is owned by the public and only the buildings are sold. During the preliminary subscription in 2022, the estimated sale price for a 59 square meter unit was 355.37 million won, with a monthly land lease fee of 400,000 won. The actual sale price will be finalized after review by the pricing committee, with occupancy expected in March 2027.Meanwhile, a recent survey by Real Estate 114 revealed that 56% of respondents expect housing prices to rise in the second half of the year, reflecting concerns about price strength and supply shortages in key metropolitan areas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:40:00
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POSCO Holdings Reports 34.9% Increase in Q2 Operating Profit POSCO Holdings announced on July 30 that it recorded consolidated revenue of 19.26 trillion won, operating profit of 8.19 trillion won, and net profit of 7.61 trillion won for the second quarter of 2026. Both revenue and operating profit increased by 9.7% and 34.9%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.In the steel sector, POSCO managed to slightly boost revenue and operating profit from the previous quarter, despite rising raw material and oil prices, thanks to increased sales prices and higher sales volumes.In the battery materials sector, POSCO Future M improved its operating profit from the previous quarter due to the effects of inventory valuation for cathode materials and a recovery in sales volume from major customers for anode materials.Additionally, POSCO Argentina achieved its first quarterly profit, driven by the stabilization of operations and equipment improvements at its lithium brine plant. Although initial operating costs are expected to rise with the completion of its second plant in the second half of the year, the company plans to enhance profitability through gradual production increases and expanded sales.POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solutions improved its profitability through increased sales and rising prices, while POSCO HY Clean Metal has recorded monthly profits since December 2025, thanks to high operating rates and improved cost competitiveness.In the infrastructure sector, POSCO International achieved its highest-ever quarterly operating profit, supported by growth in profits from gas fields in Myanmar and Australia, as well as palm oil operations in Indonesia. POSCO E&C defended its profitability based on improved earnings in its construction business.POSCO Holdings has also revised its restructuring goals, increasing its target from completing 128 projects and generating 2.8 trillion won in cash by 2027 to completing 129 projects and generating 3.5 trillion won by 2028. In the first half of this year, the company secured approximately 480 billion won in cash through 12 restructuring projects, bringing the cumulative total to 85 projects and 22 trillion won in cash generation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:36:00
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Chip boom fuels Samsung heyday, beggars its device business SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - A trophy child often comes at the expense of a sibling, and the "beggar-thy-family" concept can scarcely be better illustrated than by Samsung Electronics' second-quarter results. The South Korean technology behemoth reported that its Device Solutions (DS) semiconductor division generated an operating profit of 89.2 trillion won ($64.4 billion) on revenue of 127.5 trillion won in the second quarter, translating into a jaw-dropping operating margin of 70.0 percent — a level that has become increasingly familiar among AI memory titans. The bottom line was virtually identical to Samsung's companywide operating profit of 89.5 trillion won on record revenue of 171.5 trillion won, underscoring how the chip division effectively generated the group's entire earnings. The bulky quarterly profit, which eclipsed Samsung's full-year 2025 operating income, more than offset losses in businesses that once made the company a household name. The Mobile eXperience (MX) division, responsible for smartphones, posted a 700 billion won operating loss as soaring memory prices sharply inflated component costs. The culprit was the same force powering the semiconductor bonanza: artificial intelligence. Explosive investment in AI infrastructure has deepened memory shortages and driven prices to unprecedented highs. Memory chips, which traditionally accounted for just 10 to 15 percent of a smartphone's bill of materials, have recently approached half the production cost of premium AI-enabled devices. With consumer demand still subdued, Samsung has been unable to pass those higher costs fully onto buyers, forcing its smartphone business to absorb the squeeze. Samsung's earnings epitomize a broader transformation taking place across South Korea's economy. Just as semiconductors have become the overwhelming driver of Korean exports while much of the manufacturing sector struggles with sluggish global demand, geopolitical risks and intensifying Chinese competition, Samsung's semiconductor division has become powerful enough to mask deterioration across much of the rest of the company. The earnings also explain why Samsung is preparing for a future in which AI extends well beyond semiconductors. In its latest organizational reshuffle, the company placed its robotics business directly under Chairman Jay Y. Lee, reflecting its ambition to accelerate AI transformation and position robotics as the group's next strategic growth engine. More importantly, Samsung believes the current memory upcycle will last far longer than the industry's traditional one- to two-year boom-and-bust pattern. During its earnings conference call, the company said explosive growth in AI infrastructure, agentic AI and sovereign AI projects is expected to keep demand outpacing industry supply through at least 2028 despite aggressive capacity expansion across the semiconductor sector. "We expect the supply-demand imbalance in AI memory to continue through at least 2028," Samsung said, noting that the years required to build new fabrication plants and expand advanced packaging capacity would prevent the industry from responding quickly to surging demand. The company also disclosed that customers are increasingly seeking multi-year supply agreements and making advance payments to secure memory capacity, reflecting what it described as a structural shift in the memory market. Samsung said it has already completed long-term agreements with five global hyperscale data-center customers and is in the final stages of negotiations with another five major AI-related clients. "As time passes, the number of customers signing multi-year supply contracts will continue to increase," the company said. "Once ongoing negotiations are completed, multi-year agreements should be sufficient to cover 60 to 70 percent of our planned medium-term production capacity." If realized, the shift could fundamentally alter one of the semiconductor industry's defining characteristics. For decades, memory chips have been synonymous with violent boom-and-bust cycles as periods of tight supply inevitably gave way to oversupply and collapsing prices. Long-term supply contracts and structurally constrained capacity could instead make elevated memory prices a lasting feature of the AI era rather than a temporary spike. That would strengthen the earnings visibility of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix while raising costs across the broader technology industry, from cloud-service providers to AI chip designers and consumer electronics manufacturers. Samsung expects shipments of next-generation HBM4 memory to expand significantly in the second half of the year while further strengthening its leadership in AI memory. It also said its foundry business is improving as demand rises for advanced process technologies and HBM base dies. Samsung's latest earnings therefore tell a story far larger than one record-breaking quarter. They illustrate an increasingly polarized economy in which one extraordinary winner carries the family while the rest struggle to keep pace — a corporate portrait of South Korea's emerging beggar-thy-family era. 2026-07-30 15:32:35