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  • Chinese Father Spends $1,000 Monthly on Growth Hormone Injections for 12-Year-Old Daughter
    Chinese Father Spends $1,000 Monthly on Growth Hormone Injections for 12-Year-Old Daughter A father in China is sparking debate after revealing he spends approximately 6,000 yuan (about $1,000) each month on growth hormone injections for his 12-year-old daughter.According to reports from the South China Morning Post and other local media, Li Mo, who lives in Changsha, Hunan province, has been administering the injections to his daughter. He noted that prior to the treatment, she grew about 2 to 3 centimeters per year, but after starting the injections, she has grown approximately 4 centimeters in just six months.Li expressed that he has certain expectations regarding his daughter's height and hopes she will grow up with confidence. He described the expense as a "valuable investment." The story has gained traction online, prompting discussions about whether it is appropriate for parents to incur high costs for their children's appearance and height.Opinions are divided, with some arguing that taller children may have a competitive edge in the job and dating markets, while others caution that focusing on exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep during growth years is the best approach.Medical professionals warn that growth hormone injections are strictly regulated prescription medications that should only be administered for diagnosed conditions and before growth plates close (14 years for girls and 16 years for boys). They also caution that administering these injections to healthy children due to parental anxiety can lead to endocrine disorders, elevated blood sugar levels, thyroid dysfunction, or premature closure of growth plates, potentially resulting in permanent growth deficiencies.A 2020 global survey indicated that the average height for 19-year-old males in China is 175.7 cm, while the average height for females is 163.5 cm.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:32:20
  • Lotte Department Store to Install Giant Media Facade at Young Plaza in Seoul
    Lotte Department Store to Install Giant Media Facade at Young Plaza in Seoul Lotte Department Store is set to install a massive media facade on the exterior of Young Plaza in Myeongdong, Seoul. This initiative aims to transform the flagship store into an urban landmark that combines shopping, tourism, and content, as foreign sales have surged to 30% of total revenue.Following Shinsegae Department Store's announcement of its own large media facade, 'Shinsegae Square,' scheduled for 2024, competition among department stores in the Myeongdong area is expected to intensify. On July 30, Lotte Department Store revealed plans for 'Lotte Town Light,' which will be unveiled in December. The facade will measure 77 meters wide and 21 meters high, covering an area of 1,614 square meters, nearly the size of four basketball courts, and will feature high-performance LED panels capable of displaying 4K video. This installation will surpass the 1,292.3 square meters of Shinsegae Square, which will open in November 2024 and will showcase Christmas videos as well as K-culture and media art content year-round. Lotte Town Light will serve as an 'urban entertainment screen,' showcasing seasonal campaigns, events, and cultural, artistic, and entertainment content. The company has enhanced daytime visibility and viewing angles so that the screen can be seen from up to 1 kilometer away. In November, Lotte Department Store will first release a teaser video based on Goethe's novel 'The Sorrows of Young Werther.' Once officially operational in December, it will also be used to enhance the Christmas display connecting the main building, Avenue L, and Young Plaza. The basement area will also undergo changes. Starting in August, Lotte Department Store will renovate the 'Cosmo Energy Plaza' on the first basement level. This space, created with the opening of the new building in 1988, serves as a key passage connecting the Euljiro-1-ga subway station and the flagship store. The 840-square-meter plaza, which sees an average of about 20,000 visitors daily, will feature symbolic sculptures showcasing the history of Lotte Town Myeongdong and new content related to Seoul. The renovated space is expected to be revealed by the end of this year. The motivation behind Lotte Department Store's spatial innovation is the rapidly increasing number of foreign customers. In the first half of this year, foreign sales at the flagship store rose by 140% compared to the same period last year, accounting for 30% of total sales. Jung Hyun-seok, CEO of Lotte Department Store, stated, "Lotte Town Myeongdong will continue to expand differentiated spatial innovations and content, including the media facade, to become the top shopping and tourism landmark in the country that both domestic and international customers prioritize visiting."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:32:20
  • August Fuel Surcharge Reduction Leads to Extended Hotel Discounts in Guam
    August Fuel Surcharge Reduction Leads to Extended Hotel Discounts in Guam In anticipation of a reduction in international fuel surcharges for August, major hotels in Guam are extending their discount promotions. Since the fuel surcharge is applied based on the ticket issuance date, travelers planning summer vacations, as well as those looking ahead to the Chuseok holiday and fall and winter trips, can save costs by purchasing tickets within August.The hotels participating in the joint promotion, 'Guam Summer Payback,' include the Tsubaki Tower, PIC Guam, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Hotel Nikko Guam, and Regal Laguna Guam Resort. This promotion will run until August 31, with the stay period extended to include check-ins through December.Discount rates vary by hotel, with Regal Laguna Guam Resort offering the highest discount of up to 79%, followed by Hotel Nikko Guam at 73%, PIC Guam at 59%, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa at 58%, and Tsubaki Tower at 53%.Guests who book four nights or more and use evening flights will receive one night free. Additionally, two children can enjoy complimentary breakfast.A representative from the Guam Korean Promotion Office stated, 'This promotion has extended the booking period to the end of August and the stay period to check-ins through December. It can be utilized not only for summer vacations but also for the Chuseok holiday and travel plans in the second half of the year.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:32:10
  • Labor Ministry Establishes Cooperation System to Prevent Salt Farm Labor Exploitation
    Labor Ministry Establishes Cooperation System to Prevent Salt Farm Labor Exploitation The government, local authorities, and police are establishing a permanent cooperation system to protect the labor rights of salt farm workers. This initiative follows incidents of worker confinement, assault, and wage theft that occurred in June at a salt farm in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province.On July 30, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Police Agency, and the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding for the Protection of Salt Farm Workers' Labor Rights' at the Gwangju Government Complex.This agreement is a response to the violent and forced labor incidents reported last month at a salt farm in Yeonggwang. In the wake of these events, the government and relevant agencies established a joint response system. They have now committed to a permanent cooperation framework to eradicate violations of labor rights among salt farm workers.The agencies will focus on the motto 'Find, Restore, and Change' as they implement the agreement. They will conduct joint inspections to identify businesses violating labor laws and respond strictly. A collaborative investigation into the employment conditions of salt farm workers will be carried out, and businesses suspected of labor rights violations, including forced labor, will face labor inspections, permit cancellations, and recovery of subsidies in accordance with relevant laws.If signs of human trafficking are detected, support for living expenses, medical costs, and legal assistance will be coordinated with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.Support for the recovery of affected workers will also be strengthened. Due to the isolated working environment of salt farms, workers often reside on-site. Therefore, the relevant agencies plan to provide temporary housing for affected workers and facilitate connections to social protection facilities and psychological support to expedite their recovery.Efforts will also be made to raise awareness among employers regarding labor rights and improve working conditions. Training on labor law compliance will be provided to employers to enhance their understanding of labor rights protection, and financial support measures will be explored to improve the poor working conditions in salt farms.This agreement signifies a commitment to managing the issue of human rights violations in salt farms through a permanent cooperation system rather than treating it as a one-time crackdown. Salt farms are often geographically isolated, making external monitoring and reporting difficult. It is essential for the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the police, and local governments to share responsibilities in inspections, investigations, permit and subsidy management, and victim protection to achieve meaningful change.Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, stated, 'Today's agreement is a promise of action to jointly identify labor rights violations, swiftly restore victims, and properly change the situation on the ground. We will work with relevant agencies to ensure that cases of salt farm slavery, a pre-modern issue, do not occur again and that workplaces respect labor rights.'Hwang Jong-woo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, also remarked, 'As the ministry responsible for the solar salt industry, we will responsibly promote institutional improvements and the normalization of the industry. We will strengthen inspections and human rights education to protect the labor rights of salt farm workers and take strict action in accordance with relevant laws when human rights violations are confirmed.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:32:10
  • Korean Government Launches $13.5 Million Project for Agentic AI Development
    Korean Government Launches $13.5 Million Project for Agentic AI Development The Ministry of Science and ICT has officially launched a research and development project aimed at developing core technologies for agentic artificial intelligence (AI).On July 30, the Ministry and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) held a kickoff meeting for the 'Real-World Active Behavior Agentic AI Technology Development' project at the AI·SW Maestro Seoul Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul.This initiative is a key task under the government's recently announced 'Agentic AI Initiative,' which aims to develop agentic AI technologies capable of autonomously planning and executing complex tasks, ultimately leading to real-world service implementation.Hong Jin-bae, head of IITP, stated, "This project serves as a catalyst to directly realize the government's 'Agentic AI Initiative' on the ground, and we will lead the agentic AI ecosystem in South Korea in collaboration with 26 industry, academia, and research institutions."The project involves four leading organizations: NC AI, Medical Park, Simsim, and VENG. Additionally, Korea University, Yonsei University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) will participate in joint research.Medical Park plans to develop an 'Agentic AI Breast Ultrasound' that performs the entire ultrasound examination process at the level of a skilled examiner. NC AI aims to implement an 'Agentic AI Digital Work Companion' that autonomously understands and manages tasks related to corporate ERP, email, and calendars.Simsim will introduce a 'Daily Companion and Empathetic Partner' that interacts with users to support their daily lives. VENG will work on building an 'Agentic AI Simulator' based on the MCP standard for multi-agent collaboration.The Ministry will invest a total of 18 billion won (approximately $13.5 million) over the next 18 months, with a phase evaluation scheduled for the end of 2027. Hong emphasized, "We will actively promote a flexible and challenging R&D management system that responds quickly to changes in the technological environment through a 'moving target' approach."The ultimate goal is to develop a prototype that achieves a technology readiness level (TRL) of 7, which can be validated in real-world environments and lead to commercialization.Lee Jin-soo, Director of AI Policy Planning at the Ministry, remarked, "In the era of agentic AI, securing core technologies that enable AI to make judgments and execute actions in real environments is crucial. We will actively support this project to enhance South Korea's competitiveness in agentic AI technology and lead innovation." 2026-07-30 15:32:00
  • South Koreas Semiconductor Industry Bets Big on AI, Expanding Beyond Pyeongtaek
    South Korea's Semiconductor Industry Bets Big on AI, Expanding Beyond Pyeongtaek Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix achieved impressive operating profit margins of 70% and 76%, respectively, in the second quarter. However, as of July 30, their stock prices have fallen nearly 40% and 50%, respectively, from their June peaks. Both companies and experts agree that a memory supply shortage will persist until 2028, but concerns about overproduction following their announcements of multi-trillion won expansions remain.Nevertheless, the die has been cast.In Pyeongtaek, dozens of tower cranes are continuously at work.Large construction vehicles are moving around the site of Samsung's semiconductor production facility, and the surrounding roads and commercial areas are buzzing with activity as the industrial city prepares for new production lines.In Yongin, the development of a large-scale semiconductor cluster is also accelerating. The domestic semiconductor production axis, previously concentrated in Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Icheon, is now expanding to include Yongin, Cheongju, Cheonan, and Onyang, reshaping the southern industrial corridor of the capital region into a nationwide semiconductor network.This transformation is driven by a boom in AI semiconductors. Samsung and SK Hynix have reported record performances based on the demand for memory for AI servers, prompting both companies and the government to embark on the establishment of large-scale production facilities and packaging hubs with a long-term vision of over a decade. However, much of the announced investment amounts are part of a long-term roadmap, and the actual timing and scale of execution may vary based on market conditions and corporate decisions.Investments in semiconductors are not only changing production capacity but also necessitating the establishment of extensive infrastructure. Operating a state-of-the-art fab requires a large supply of electricity and industrial water, transmission networks, roads, logistics facilities, and residential bases for skilled workers. This means that investments in AI semiconductors are effectively becoming national infrastructure projects that create new industrial cities and living areas.The government's so-called 'Chip Republic' initiative is also situated within this trend. The strategy aims to expand the semiconductor industry, which has been concentrated in the capital region, into a nationwide ecosystem by connecting advanced packaging in the Chungcheong region, materials, components, and equipment in the Yeongnam region, and new production bases in the Honam region.'AI Money Party' Has Already BegunJust one or two years ago, the expansion of AI investment was more about future expectations. However, the situation has changed.High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), a key component for AI servers, continues to face a global supply shortage, and SK Hynix, which was among the first to secure this market, is recording some of the highest profitability among major global semiconductor companies.Samsung Electronics is also beginning to reap the benefits of the AI supercycle, achieving its highest-ever performance in the semiconductor business, driven by a recovery in memory market conditions and increased AI demand.The market is already responding. Global tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, OpenAI, and xAI are aggressively expanding investments in AI data centers, while semiconductor companies are racing to increase production capacity in anticipation of the ongoing AI infrastructure competition over the next several years.The semiconductor industry is now starting to view AI not as a 'future growth driver' but as 'the most lucrative industry at present.'This signifies that AI has entered a phase where it simultaneously boosts the performance of semiconductor companies and the national economy.A New War Showcased in San FranciscoRecently, an AI event held in San Francisco illustrated a complete shift in the nature of semiconductor competition.Samsung announced an expansion of its collaboration with Broadcom, covering HBM, foundry, and advanced packaging.This marks a departure from the era of merely supplying memory chips; a 'one-stop AI supply chain' competition encompassing design, production, and advanced packaging has begun.AI semiconductors are no longer just a single component.GPU, HBM, advanced packaging, ultra-fine processes, and power efficiency must all be interconnected to complete a single AI system.The competitive edge in the AI era is shifting from individual products to the entire supply chain.This change signifies important transformations for the South Korean semiconductor industry.Merely having memory competitiveness is no longer sufficient.To maintain global competitiveness, it is essential to integrate advanced packaging, foundry, materials, components, equipment, and AI data centers into a single industrial ecosystem.The government's push to create a 'semiconductor belt' rather than just 'semiconductor cities' is rooted in this understanding.Building Cities, Not Just FactoriesDuring a recent visit to Samsung's Pyeongtaek campus, construction of the P5 facility was in full swing.Dozens of tower cranes were operating simultaneously, and large dump trucks and ready-mix concrete vehicles were constantly in motion.From a distance, the construction site resembled not just a factory being built but rather a new city coming to life.It wasn't just Pyeongtaek.In Yongin, Samsung and SK Hynix are each developing massive semiconductor clusters.While the construction sites are still dusty, plans are in place for the world's largest AI semiconductor production facilities to be established here.However, it's not just factories being built.Infrastructure for industrial water supply, substations, transmission networks, roads, logistics facilities, and worker accommodations and dining options are also being developed.What is emerging is not just a semiconductor factory but an entire industrial city.AI is not just building factories; it is creating cities.Why the 'Chip Republic' Has Reached HonamThe core of the government's recently announced 'Chip Republic' project is not merely to increase the number of semiconductor factories.The goal is to expand the semiconductor industry, which has been concentrated in the capital region, into a nationwide AI industrial ecosystem.Previously, the southern Gyeonggi region connecting Giheung, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Icheon was essentially the entirety of South Korea's semiconductor industry.However, in the AI era, relying on a single factory is no longer sufficient for competitiveness.The government plans to develop the Chungcheong region as a hub for HBM production and advanced packaging, strengthen the materials, components, and equipment industries in the Yeongnam region, and establish a new semiconductor production belt in Honam. This strategy aims to integrate AI data centers, power networks, research and development (R&D), and logistics infrastructure to expand the industry structure concentrated in the capital region nationwide.This aligns with regional balanced development policies but is fundamentally an industrial strategy to respond to global AI supply chain competition.AI semiconductors cannot be completed by a single company or factory. A massive ecosystem involving memory, system semiconductors, advanced packaging, materials, components, equipment, power, and water must operate simultaneously.This is why the government is committed to creating a 'semiconductor belt' rather than just 'semiconductor cities.'Samsung and SK: Different Strategies Under the Same Investment PlanEven under the same 'Chip Republic' strategy, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix face different challenges.SK Hynix has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the AI memory era by securing a leading position in the HBM market. Market attention is focused on how long this advantage can be maintained. The biggest challenge is to expand production capacity in a timely manner amid surging HBM demand.In contrast, Samsung Electronics is a comprehensive semiconductor company that encompasses not only memory but also foundry and system semiconductors. In the AI era, it faces the dual challenge of recovering HBM competitiveness while simultaneously growing its advanced foundry and packaging businesses.Recent expansions of collaboration with Broadcom are also an extension of this strategy, reflecting a commitment to evolve into an AI supply chain company that integrates design, production, and packaging.While the investment directions of the two companies differ, the conclusion is the same: without building factories now, they risk losing market share in the next cycle.It's Not Just South Korea in the RaceTime is not solely on South Korea's side.The United States is expanding its AI semiconductor ecosystem centered around Nvidia, while Taiwan's TSMC is establishing itself as a key player in global AI chip production with its advanced process competitiveness. China is also accelerating its push for memory independence, backed by massive capital and a domestic market.In particular, China's largest DRAM manufacturer, CXMT, is using funds secured through its recent IPO to expand production capacity and invest in technology development, chasing after Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. While there is currently a technology gap in the advanced HBM market, analysts suggest that CXMT is pursuing a phased strategy to secure a market base through expanded production of general-purpose DRAM before moving up to high-spec HBM.Lee Jong-hwan, a professor of system semiconductor engineering at Sangmyung University, stated, "If CXMT increases its DRAM production through expanded investment, it could pose a burden on Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which have maintained profitability based on supply shortages." He added, "The extent of the threat will depend on how quickly CXMT moves to expand investment and production."Professor Lee assessed the technology gap between CXMT and domestic companies as one to two years for general-purpose DRAM and about three years for HBM. However, he noted that as general-purpose DRAM competitiveness increases, CXMT could sequentially secure technologies for HBM DRAM and post-process packaging, potentially accelerating its catch-up speed.He emphasized, "Semiconductor investments take two to three years to yield actual production effects, so they must be made proactively. Both research and development and securing mass production and yield are essential for real corporate competitiveness." He further stated, "Korean companies must continue investing to maintain or widen the technology gap, as delaying investments could quickly narrow the gap with China."Ultimately, the competition in AI semiconductors has transformed into a race where South Korea, the United States, Taiwan, and China are simultaneously expanding their technology and production capacities. The current advantage in HBM will not automatically carry over. The ability to build factories on time, pass customer certifications, and secure stable mass production yields will likely determine the market winners in the future.AI is Changing Not Just Performance but the LandscapeAs I toured Pyeongtaek and Yongin, what struck me most was not the size of the factories but the fact that cities are being built around semiconductor plants.New roads are being laid, substations are being established, and industrial water supply networks are being connected. Partner companies and logistics firms are gathering, and restaurants and accommodation facilities are emerging, shifting people's living areas.AI is not merely an industry that changes the performance of semiconductor companies. It is creating cities, moving people, and redrawing the industrial map of the nation.The South Korean semiconductor industry, once concentrated in the capital region, is now expanding into Chungcheong and Honam. This change is not just about regional development; it is a strategic choice to survive in the global supply chain competition of the AI era.The semiconductor industry has long experienced cycles of boom and bust. No one can guarantee that the current large-scale investments will lead to success a decade from now. If the pace of AI infrastructure investment slows, the massive production capacity could become a burden.Nevertheless, the reasons South Korea finds it difficult to slow down investments are clear.In the AI era, factories must be built proactively, as waiting for confirmed demand to begin construction is too late. It takes years for a factory to be completed, pass customer certifications, and enter mass production. Anticipating future demand and securing production capacity in advance is the survival strategy for this industry.The 'Chip Republic' is no longer a vision for the future.It is already becoming a reality in the construction sites of Pyeongtaek and Yongin, in the packaging strategies of Chungcheong, and in the plans for new clusters in Honam.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:28:00
  • Justice Ministry Launches Virtual Reality Therapy in 11 Correctional Facilities
    Justice Ministry Launches Virtual Reality Therapy in 11 Correctional Facilities A next-generation psychological therapy program that helps inmates reflect on their criminal actions and the situations of their victims through virtual reality (VR) will be officially implemented in correctional facilities nationwide.On July 30, the Justice Ministry announced the successful completion of a pilot operation for its VR-based psychological therapy program, developed to improve cognitive distortions and reduce aggression among inmates. The program will begin full operation in 11 correctional facilities across the country starting at the end of July.The newly introduced VR therapy utilizes content tailored to the characteristics of different types of crimes. Inmates will enter virtual environments that simulate the scenes of their offenses, allowing them to experience the fear and pain felt by their victims in a realistic manner. This approach aims to help them objectively recognize and improve their erroneous thoughts and behaviors.The program is designed to maximize therapeutic effects by combining immersive VR experiences with traditional group therapy, which previously relied on lectures and discussions.The Justice Ministry has developed specialized VR content for major crime types, including six types of sexual violence, four types of stalking, four types of child abuse, and four types of domestic violence. Following this, a pilot operation was conducted with 392 inmates across nine correctional facilities to compare the effectiveness of the new method with existing treatment approaches.Results from the pilot operation showed that the group of inmates who participated in VR therapy exhibited significant positive changes in key evaluation metrics compared to those who only received traditional group therapy.The improvement rate for cognitive distortions that justify criminal behavior was notably higher across all categories: 18.1% for sexual offenders (up from 9.0%), 17.2% for stalkers (up from 7.6%), and 17.1% for child abusers (up from 15.0%).Aggression and acceptance of violence also saw substantial reductions. The aggression reduction rate for sexual offenders was 14.2%, far exceeding the previous method's 2.4%, while child abusers showed an 11.2% decrease (up from 4.1%).There was also a significant increase in empathy. Inmates who had previously shown slight decreases in empathy during traditional group therapy—such as stalkers (-0.6%), child abusers (-0.2%), and domestic violence offenders (-2.2%)—demonstrated increases of 7.8%, 2.2%, and 4.4%, respectively, after participating in the VR program.One inmate remarked, "The scenes were so vivid that it felt like I was back on that day, and it was embarrassing and difficult to confront my past self."Another inmate convicted of child abuse expressed, "Experiencing the abuse scene made me feel deep remorse for how I treated my son and the fear he must have felt."Building on these results, the Justice Ministry will officially introduce VR psychological therapy in 11 correctional facilities at the end of July and will continue to analyze operational outcomes to further enhance content tailored to specific crime types.Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "VR-based psychological therapy is a new technique that allows inmates to objectively reflect on their distorted thinking and vividly experience the victim's perspective, leading to genuine behavioral change. We will continue to expand scientifically grounded psychological therapy programs to ensure the healthy reintegration of inmates into society and prevent recidivism." 2026-07-30 15:28:00
  • Microsoft Surges While Meta Struggles Amid AI Investment Outcomes
    Microsoft Surges While Meta Struggles Amid AI Investment Outcomes Microsoft and Meta both reported revenues that exceeded market expectations. However, while Microsoft absorbed the burden of significant artificial intelligence (AI) investments backed by strong cloud growth, Meta faced deteriorating profits and free cash flow due to soaring costs, leading to mixed market evaluations of their AI investment returns.On July 29, Reuters reported that Microsoft’s revenue for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year rose 18% year-over-year to $90 billion, surpassing the market estimate of $87.62 billion.The quarterly earnings per share (EPS) also exceeded expectations at $4.74, compared to the forecast of $4.24. However, this EPS figure included a $3.2 billion gain from its investment in AI company Anthropic.The cloud business drove the performance growth, with the Intelligent Cloud segment, including Azure, generating $39.31 billion, a 31.6% increase from the previous year. Azure's revenue growth rate increased from 40% in the previous quarter to 43%, and annual Azure revenue surpassed $100 billion for the first time. The number of paid users for the AI service 'MS 365 Copilot' also exceeded 30 million.Quarterly capital expenditures surged 69% year-over-year to $41 billion due to expanded AI infrastructure investments. Free cash flow decreased by 23% to $19.64 billion, but Azure's rapid growth and substantial profit flow alleviated concerns about investment burdens. Consequently, Microsoft’s stock rose more than 8% in after-hours trading.Meta also reported strong revenue figures. Its second-quarter revenue increased 28% year-over-year to $60.8 billion, exceeding the market estimate of $60.17 billion. However, expenses surged by over 55%, leading to an 8% decline in operating income to $18.78 billion and a 14% drop in net income to $15.85 billion. The EPS was $6.18, falling short of the expected $7.22.Notably, due to expanded AI infrastructure investments, free cash flow plummeted 91% from $8.55 billion a year earlier to $784 million. While revenue increased, Meta failed to demonstrate corresponding profits and cash generation, which weighed on its stock. As a result, Meta's shares fell by about 10% in after-hours trading.Mike Proulx, a senior analyst at Forrester, told Reuters, "Meta's AI investments were easy to view positively when profit margins were expanding, but now the cost burden is reflected in performance, making it harder to welcome these investments." This earnings report highlights that the ability to translate massive AI spending into revenue and profits is what differentiates market evaluations. Microsoft has proven the success of its AI investments by maintaining Azure's growth and high free cash flow despite significant expenditures. In contrast, Meta's rising revenue has not translated into profits and cash flow, raising concerns about the return on its investments.Stephen Evans, Chief Investment Officer at Fave Finance, told CNBC, "One company is making substantial investments while increasing profits, but the other is allowing AI investment costs to erode profitability. He added, "Microsoft's results show that concerns about growth slowing were overblown," and noted that while Meta's advertising business remains robust, it must demonstrate better cost control and consistent returns on AI investments to regain investor confidence. 2026-07-30 15:24:10
  • KAIST Develops Technology to Identify AI Vulnerabilities Seven Times More Effectively
    KAIST Develops Technology to Identify AI Vulnerabilities Seven Times More Effectively The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a safety verification technology that identifies hidden vulnerabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) systems with approximately seven times more diversity than existing methods.On July 30, KAIST announced that a research team led by Professor Kim Jun-mo of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has created a new framework called Stable-GFlowNet, which improves upon the limitations of red team technology used to verify the safety of large language models (LLMs).Red teaming is a safety verification technique that inputs attack prompts to generate AI responses that may be harmful or dangerous, thereby uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in the model. The ability to discover various types of attacks is crucial, as it allows for the preemptive elimination of more vulnerabilities, making both the success rate and diversity of attacks important evaluation factors.While existing red team technology, based on reinforcement learning, achieved high attack success rates, it faced limitations in identifying diverse attack types. In contrast, the generative flow network (GFlowNet) excelled in attack diversity but struggled with unstable learning. The research team successfully applied GFlowNet to LLMs, enhancing learning stability and effectively uncovering a variety of vulnerabilities.To address these challenges, the team developed three key technologies: 'Contrastive Trajectory Balancing (CTB)' to stabilize the learning process, 'Noise Gradient Pruning (NGP)' to eliminate unnecessary information, and 'Fluency Stabilization Device (MKS)' to assist in generating natural attack prompts.As a result, Stable-GFlowNet discovered 134 unique attack types, approximately seven times more than the 17 types identified by previous technologies, while maintaining a high attack success rate of 92%. The defense model trained with this technology effectively defended against various attacks in cross-attack evaluations using different techniques, demonstrating high generalization performance.The research team anticipates that this technology could also be applied in various AI generative fields, such as designing candidate drug molecules.Professor Kim stated, "This technology is significant in that it can reliably identify various vulnerabilities in AI, even in environments with limited data and high noise. It will serve as a foundational technology for developing safe and trustworthy AI by identifying and defending against a broader range of risks before deploying generative AI in real-world applications."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:24:00
  • Two Major Debates: Seeking Conclusions, Not Just Ideas
    Two Major Debates: Seeking Conclusions, Not Just Ideas The real estate market is difficult to navigate, and so are government policies.‘Only once in a lifetime.’ A proposal to limit the capital gains tax exemption for one household to a single instance emerged during a real estate debate. The concern is whether it is fair to continue enjoying tax benefits while profiting from each home sale. President Lee Jae-myung also expressed interest, suggesting that unlimited tax exemptions may pose issues.At first glance, this seems equitable. However, the idea of having only one tax exemption card for a lifetime means it is rational to save it until the largest profit opportunity arises. Those with smaller profits may hesitate to use the card, while those who could afford expensive homes may benefit significantly when they realize substantial gains. This paradox means that a system designed for fairness may inadvertently favor the wealthy. In the United States, capital gains tax exemptions are not limited to a single instance but can be applied repeatedly within certain limits.Kim Yoon-deok, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, expressed a desire to build homes even if it means releasing greenbelt land. However, the third new town project, which includes a significant amount of land released from greenbelt restrictions, has not seen timely construction. Despite being announced 7 to 8 years ago, delays in compensation, permits, construction costs, and financing have stalled groundbreaking and occupancy. If the bottleneck lies not in land but in the construction process, opening new land may not resolve the issue.The same applies to finance. The proposal to eliminate the stress debt service ratio (DSR) for local areas is valid in the context of addressing overheating in metropolitan areas and stagnation in rural regions. However, the stress interest rate margin applied in rural areas is already only a quarter of that in metropolitan areas. Removing safety measures that assess repayment ability could shift the issue of unsold properties to local household debt. Ideas must face counterarguments to become effective policies.That said, these proposals are not without merit. Ideas are inherently rough and can reveal contradictions in established systems, pushing discussions forward. The significance lies in prompting reevaluation of the scope of tax exemptions, the necessity for new land, and the appropriateness of regional financial regulations.All three proposals clearly identify issues. However, to transform these concerns into solutions, they must undergo scrutiny and validation. It is essential to calculate who benefits and who bears the costs, as well as the potential reactions when these policies intersect with others. The moment a president or minister responds to a bright idea, the narrative shifts.Such calculations should already be complete. The two debates chaired by the president and the prime minister lasted nearly six hours. Prior discussions on supply, finance, and tax policy also took place, and as of July 27, 7,153 opinions had been submitted online.The government has gathered enough input to determine a direction. Conflicting options regarding property taxes, transaction taxes, loan regulations, protection for genuine buyers, and revitalization of redevelopment projects have all been presented. Now, the government must reveal its choices to the public. There is ample diagnosis and ideas; now the government must provide solutions.What the public seeks is not another diagnosis of why housing prices have risen. The explanations of supply shortages, capital flowing into real estate, and gaps in loans and tax systems are not new. What is needed is the government’s response regarding how to adjust property taxes, whether to lower transaction taxes simultaneously, how to tighten regulations on jeonse loans, and what steps to take first in terms of supply.Analysis and deliberation by experts and policymakers should have progressed further. They should have confirmed the assumptions and legal and practical feasibility of each proposal, considering the impacts on tax revenue, finances, housing prices, rental prices, transaction volumes, and construction and occupancy rates across various scenarios. The role of experts is to highlight the benefits, costs, and risks of each option, providing a basis for government decision-making. It is the government’s responsibility to choose priorities and determine which side effects to accept based on that foundation.As the government prepares to announce tax reforms and a comprehensive real estate policy, what is needed now is not to expand options further but to explain what has been chosen and why.The public is not waiting for a list of individual measures. If property taxes are increased, how will the issues of locked inventory and tenant burden be addressed? If jeonse loans are tightened, how will the burden on tenants and the decrease in non-apartment supply be mitigated? If redevelopment projects are expedited, where will the demand for pre-leases and monthly rents during the transition and demolition periods be absorbed? The combination and execution order of tax, finance, and supply that answers these questions constitute the solution.Supply must also show not only the quantity but also the order and timeline for deploying administrative power and support for existing public land and new land, as highlighted in the presentation on July 27, which suggested prioritizing the integration of finance, tax, and permits.The interests of renters seeking stable housing costs, homeowners worried about declining asset values, landlords receiving rent, and tenants wanting lower housing costs are inherently different.This is why the government exists. President Lee Jae-myung stated in the first debate that after confirming facts and reconciling interests, if gaps remain, it is the authority of public officials to reach a final conclusion. He also mentioned that accepting the resulting dissatisfaction and criticism is part of their responsibility.Prime Minister Han Seung-soo also noted that while individual cases must be examined carefully, standards must inevitably be established. Determining the criteria for one-homeowners and high-value residential properties is the responsibility of public officials. Conclusions are not answers but coordinates for policy.​​​​​​​This does not mean that all tax rates, loan limits, and supply quantities must be finalized at once. It means that the government must define what policy goals to pursue and the principles and order in which to act. Even if it is not a perfect answer, the government must provide coordinates that allow the public to judge and for the market and various departments to operate.What is needed is not a promise to reduce housing prices by a certain percentage. The public needs to know the direction of taxes, the extent of loan regulations, and what will be initiated and when in terms of supply to make decisions about selling, buying, applying for housing, or moving. During the second debate, concerns were raised that if only the possibility of increasing property taxes was mentioned without clarity on transaction tax direction, anxiety would grow, and a clear direction was requested.While the government’s clarification of direction may not immediately eliminate price instability, it can reduce the uncertainty that leads to speculation about the direction of tax, loan, and supply policies. Establishing a clear direction will also minimize the discord that arises when tax, finance, and supply measures undermine each other.Further discussions and on-site communication are necessary. However, the government should not come to the table empty-handed. It must first disclose the plans and the rationale behind its choices, and validate the anticipated impacts and execution errors. If a significant direction has already been set, the government must explain the basis for its choices. If the fundamental direction has not been established even before the announcement, the policy-making process must be reevaluated.With the two major debates concluded and the announcement of tax reforms and a comprehensive real estate policy imminent, the public has heard enough diagnoses and potential ideas. Now, the government must answer what solutions it will adopt and where it intends to go. What the public is waiting for is not an extension of discussions but solutions and conclusions that allow them to plan their lives again. It is time to put down the microphone and provide answers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-30 15:24:00