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South Korea and Brazil Collaborate on Next-Generation Aircraft Development Domestic companies are moving beyond supplying aircraft parts to participate in the joint development of next-generation commercial aircraft. Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand its cooperation into green energy sectors such as hydrogen and small modular reactors (SMRs) based on local production capabilities. At a Korea-Brazil business roundtable held in São Paulo on July 28, seven memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed in areas including aerospace, critical minerals, and AI healthcare. The most notable focus was on next-generation commercial aircraft. Brazilian company Embraer is considering expanding its business from existing 70-120 seat regional aircraft to 150-200 seat mid-size aircraft. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air discussed the possibility of joint development with Embraer through separate negotiations. KAI also signed an MOU with Embraer for cooperation in the commercial aircraft and aerospace sectors. KAI currently supplies wing structures for commercial aircraft and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, while Korean Air provides fuselage and components. Both companies plan to expand their roles beyond parts supply to include participation from the design and development stages. Kim Yong-beom, head of the presidential office's policy office, held a briefing at the press center in São Paulo, stating, "Although this is an initial stage, discussions are much more concrete than previous parts supply cooperation," adding, "Our companies are also showing substantial interest." However, the method and scale of participation will likely be finalized after economic feasibility studies and negotiations between companies. Hyundai Motor, which is on track to achieve annual sales of 200,000 units in Brazil for the third consecutive year, has proposed green vehicles and energy as new pillars of cooperation. Since starting local production in Brazil in 2012, Hyundai has grown to become the fourth-largest automaker in the country with ten subsidiaries. Before the event, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun responded to questions from reporters about the progress of the Brazilian business, saying, "There is still a long way to go," and noted that "China is also aggressively marketing here." This suggests a need to enhance market competitiveness amid increasing pressure from Chinese companies. In the critical minerals sector, POSCO Group announced plans to utilize Brazil not just as a source of raw materials but as a hub for supply chain development. POSCO International signed an MOU for rare earth supply chain cooperation with Brazilian mineral company Meteoric Resources. POSCO plans to expand its existing cooperation, which is centered on iron ore, to include strategic minerals like rare earths. SK Biopharm will collaborate with Brazilian pharmaceutical company Eurofarma on AI-based digital healthcare. The two companies plan to expand their business scope to include digital therapeutics and the use of medical data following their collaboration on epilepsy treatments. Naver is exploring AI care service cooperation with the Brazilian government and aims to establish Brazil as a hub for AI business in Latin America. Local production investments are also ongoing. LG Electronics began mass production at its refrigerator factory in Paraná this month, while Samsung Electronics plans to strengthen digital transformation cooperation based on its local workforce of about 5,000. Hanwha Ocean aims to expand cooperation with local shipyards and equipment companies based on its experience in participating in Petrobras's floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) projects. K-beauty companies are also accelerating their efforts in the Brazilian market. According to Amorepacific, the import value of Korean cosmetics in Brazil increased nearly fivefold compared to three years ago. Amorepacific, A.P. Group, Gudai Global, and Silicon Two plan to expand their product lines and sales channels based on local subsidiaries and distribution networks. Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association, expressed hope in his opening remarks that this event would mark the launch of a Korea-Brazil "one team," stating, "I hope that companies from both countries will work together as one team in investment, production, and supply chains to advance into the global market together." 2026-07-29 16:03:10 -
Six in Ten Young South Koreans Predict Deteriorating Conditions in 20 Years Six out of ten young South Koreans believe that the country's economic and social conditions will worsen in the next 20 years. Both the general public and the youth identified real estate and housing instability as the most pressing issues currently facing the nation.The Ministry of Economy and Finance held a Future Strategy Advisory Meeting on July 29 at the Conference House Dalgaebi in Jung-gu, Seoul, where Minister Park Hong-keun revealed the results of a survey conducted among the general public and young people.The survey, conducted from June 23 to 29, involved 1,000 adults aged 19 and older and 500 young people aged 19 to 34, using an online questionnaire. The ministry plans to use the findings to inform a long-term national development strategy and key initiatives for the 'Great Transformation of Korea.'When asked about the most serious issues facing the economy and society, 25.7% of the general public and 27.8% of young people cited real estate and housing instability. This indicates a widespread recognition across generations of the urgency of housing issues.However, the specific factors contributing to this anxiety differed between the two groups. Among the general public, 24.0% identified housing costs and living expenses as the primary source of concern. In contrast, 36.4% of young people pointed to job and business instability, reflecting greater worries about employment and economic security.Young people's outlook on the future was notably more pessimistic than that of the general public. While 43.6% of the general public believed that the overall economic and social situation would worsen in 20 years, this figure rose to 61.6% among young people.Only 28.9% of the general public expected improvements, compared to just 12.6% of young people. The belief that conditions would remain the same was reported by 27.5% of the general public and 25.8% of young people.When asked about the biggest uncertainties that will shape South Korea over the next 20 years, 47.8% of the general public and 43.8% of young people pointed to demographic changes. This reflects a shared understanding that low birth rates, aging, and population decline are critical factors affecting the nation's sustainability.In terms of how to respond to demographic changes, a higher percentage of respondents favored practical adjustments to the economic and social systems in line with population decline, rather than actively promoting higher birth rates and workforce expansion. The preference for practical responses was 57.3% among the general public and 63.8% among young people. Both groups identified reforming welfare and financial systems as urgent priorities.In terms of core values that should be included in the long-term national development strategy, the policy needs of different generations diverged. The general public prioritized enhancing stability and happiness in people's lives, with 27.2% selecting this option, while 31.6% of young people emphasized economic growth and strengthening industrial competitiveness.In the labor market, 33.2% of the general public highlighted the need to strengthen the social safety net, while 31.4% of young people prioritized creating new jobs. In the technology and industry sector, the general public focused on reducing disparities between industries and fostering a cooperative growth environment (35.5%), while young people emphasized expanding support for research and development that tolerates failure (34.6%).Both groups agreed that future financial investments should prioritize fostering growth engines, and they identified enhancing transparency in budget utilization and performance management as key financial innovation tasks. In the welfare sector, addressing social isolation issues, such as the plight of reclusive youth and middle-aged individuals facing loneliness, was highlighted as a major task.Minister Park stated, “Future strategies must not be determined unilaterally by the government; they gain significance only when they incorporate diverse perspectives from the public and experts. We will carefully design the direction for South Korea in 20 years based on the expectations and concerns of the general public, especially the youth and the next generation.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:03:00
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President Lee's 'Empathy Diplomacy' Resonates During Brazil Visit 이재명 대통령이 상대국 정상과 현지 동포의 삶을 직접 살피는 ‘공감외교’로 브라질 국빈 방문의 의미를 더했다. 노동자 출신인 루이스 이나시우 룰라 다 시우바 대통령의 정치적 뿌리를 찾고 동포들의 애로사항을 들으며 양국 간 정서적 접점을 넓혔다. 이 대통령은 28일(현지시간) 룰라 대통령의 노동운동 근거지인 상파울루 ABC 금속노동조합을 방문했다. ABC는 산투안드레와 상베르나르두두캄푸, 상카에타누두술 등 공업도시 3곳을 일컫는 말로, 룰라 대통령이 금속노조위원장을 지낸 뒤 노동자당 창당을 주도한 정치적 출발점이다. 이 대통령은 룰라 대통령이 노조위원장 시절 사용했던 집무실을 둘러보며 당시 전화기와 자료집, 노동운동 사진 등을 살펴봤다. 룰라 대통령이 쓰던 의자에 앉아 옛 전화기를 들고 같은 자세로 기념사진도 촬영했다. 웰링턴 다마스세누 노조위원장이 과거 어떤 일을 했느냐고 묻자 이 대통령은 “나는 시계를 만들었다”고 답했다. 어린 시절 공장에서 일한 ‘소년공’ 이 대통령과 금속노동자 출신인 룰라 대통령의 공통된 삶의 궤적이 고스란히 드러났다. 이 대통령은 전날 한·브라질 정상회담 후 공동 언론발표에서도 “룰라 대통령과 노동자의 정체성을 잃지 않고 더 많은 사람의 더 나은 삶을 위해 함께 노력하고 싶다”고 밝힌 바 있다. 앞서 이 대통령은 상파울루에서 브라질 동포 약 200명과 오찬 간담회를 열어 현지 생활의 어려움과 정부에 바라는 점을 들었다. 이 대통령은 “국가는 여러분의 어려움을 해결하고 도움을 주기 위해 존재한다”며 재외공관에 동포들을 많이 만나고 의견을 들으라는 지침을 내렸다고 밝혔다. 현지 정부나 제도와 관련된 애로사항에는 외교 경로를 적극 활용하겠다고 약속했다. 이 대통령은 “직접 민원을 제기하는 것보다 외교 경로로 시정을 요청하면 문제가 더 효과적으로 해결되거나 완화될 수 있다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 전쟁포로로 브라질에 정착한 동포와 독립유공자 후손, 1세대 농업이민 동포들에게 감사패도 전달했다. 이어 “동포들이 조국을 자랑스럽게 여길 수 있도록 더욱 노력하겠다”며 “늘 희망을 품고 행복한 삶을 이어가기를 바란다”고 당부했다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 “이 대통령은 참석자들의 기념촬영 요청에도 응했다”며 “간담회는 오찬과 자유로운 의견 청취, 문화공연 등을 포함해 약 1시간 40분 동안 진행됐다”고 설명했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:03:00
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Iran Launches Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Forces Amid Escalating Tensions Iran has launched ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East. In response, the United States and Saudi Arabia have conducted airstrikes on pro-Iran militia positions in Iraq, escalating military tensions in the region.Iran Targets U.S. Facilities in Jordan; Five Missiles InterceptedThe U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations against Iran, reported on the 28th that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East.Central Command stated that all missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, and there have been no reports of casualties or damage to U.S. facilities.The Jordanian military announced early on the 29th that it intercepted five missiles from Iran using its air defense systems. However, the exact location of the targeted U.S. facilities was not disclosed.The IRGC claimed that the missiles were aimed at U.S. air bases and Central Command facilities in Jordan, warning that they would continue attacks as long as the U.S. threatens Iran or infringes on its interests.On the same day, U.S. and Saudi forces struck several weapon and logistics facilities belonging to pro-Iran militias in eastern Iraq.The U.S. clarified that the airstrikes in Iraq were not an immediate retaliation for the Iranian missile attacks, but rather a pre-planned operation in response to previous drone attacks.Central Command indicated that the targeted groups had been attacking U.S. and Saudi energy facilities under the direction of the IRGC, noting that pro-Iran forces had attempted over 30 drone attacks in the past 72 hours.Saudi Arabia reported that several drones launched from Iraq targeted its eastern oil facilities but were all intercepted. The Saudi Defense Ministry warned that while it does not seek escalation, it will respond to further attacks.Iran denied any involvement in the drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed militia coalition in Iraq, also denied responsibility for the attacks.The PMF claimed that the U.S. and Saudi airstrikes caused damage to several facilities in Iraq and resulted in casualties, although the exact extent of the damage has not been confirmed.However, the four-day lull in hostilities following Iran's direct targeting of U.S. forces and the U.S. strikes on pro-Iran groups has effectively ended.Renewed Hostilities After Four-Day Pause in Airstrikes Against IranThe U.S. had suspended airstrikes against Iran for four days, starting on the 24th, after conducting operations for 13 consecutive days. During this period, Iran also refrained from retaliating against U.S. bases in the region.This latest round of attacks coincided with a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.Prior to the meeting, President Trump emphasized that the U.S. was having “very good conversations” with Iran, highlighting the possibility of reaching an agreement. However, he warned that if negotiations fell through, military operations against Iran could resume.Iran has denied President Trump’s claims of ongoing direct negotiations with the U.S. While messages continue to be exchanged through intermediary countries, disagreements over control of the Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes remain unresolved.As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, international oil prices have surged. On the 29th, Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by approximately 4% in Asian markets compared to the previous trading day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 16:03:00
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Will August Bring Relief to the Stock Market? KOSPI Plummets for Two Consecutive Days The KOSPI index has dropped sharply for two consecutive days, prompting investors to focus on the stock market outlook for August.On July 29, the KOSPI closed at 5,663.24, down 360.42 points (5.98%) from the previous day. The KOSDAQ index also fell by 43.17 points (6.12%) to close at 662.68, following a significant drop of 7.72% the day before.During trading, the index experienced a decline of more than 8% for a minute, triggering a circuit breaker. This marked the first time that circuit breakers were activated on both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ for two consecutive days. When a circuit breaker is triggered, trading for all stocks is halted for 20 minutes.The sharp decline is primarily attributed to semiconductor stocks. On July 28, the KOSPI fell by 10.84% to close at 6,023.66, following news of a successful IPO by Chinese memory semiconductor company Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) and advancements in China's semiconductor equipment technology.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix both saw their shares drop by over 14%. These two companies account for more than half of the KOSPI's market capitalization, causing the overall index to decline significantly. Foreign investors sold approximately 5 trillion won worth of stocks in the market that day.On July 29, the announcement of SK Hynix's earnings contributed to further declines. Although the company reported a significant increase in profits, it fell short of market expectations amid the AI boom, leading to a sharp drop in its stock price.The market is now questioning whether the current pace of AI investment can be sustained, beyond just focusing on current earnings. The excessive concentration of buying in some large semiconductor stocks, such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, has also exacerbated the decline.Looking ahead to August, both the potential for a rebound and the possibility of further volatility are being discussed.Domestic securities firms have noted that the KOSPI has fallen too rapidly in a short period. They argue that the speed of the decline has outpaced downward adjustments in corporate earnings forecasts.Market stabilization measures are expected to be a variable for the August stock market. Financial authorities have moved up the deadline for strengthening cash deposit requirements for individual investors in leveraged ETFs to July 31. Investors will need to maintain a minimum cash deposit of 30 million won to trade these products.However, the tightening of regulations could lead to increased selling pressure as investors may rush to liquidate leveraged positions in the short term. It remains uncertain whether these regulatory effects will stabilize the market or lead to further capital outflows.The earnings reports of major U.S. tech companies will also be a significant factor. The market is closely watching the performance and AI investment plans of major U.S. firms such as Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple.In particular, NVIDIA's earnings report scheduled for August 26 is seen as a key event that could influence investor sentiment in AI and semiconductor stocks. If the results and future outlook do not meet market expectations, there could be renewed selling pressure on Korean semiconductor stocks.Conversely, if there is confirmation of increased sales and orders related to AI, it could provide a catalyst for a rebound in the oversold semiconductor stocks.Additionally, U.S. monetary policy and international oil prices will need to be monitored.In August, key economic indicators such as the U.S. employment report and consumer price index will be released. From July 27 to 29, the annual economic policy symposium hosted by the Kansas City Federal Reserve will take place in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This event will be attended by officials from major global central banks, economists, and policymakers, and the remarks of key figures could lead to sensitive reactions in global financial markets.If geopolitical tensions in the Middle East cause international oil prices to rise again, it could heighten inflation concerns and weaken expectations for U.S. interest rate cuts. Rising interest rates and a stronger dollar could pose challenges for the Korean stock market, which has a high proportion of foreign investment. 2026-07-29 16:00:20
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LG Electronics Completes $1 Billion Share Buyback, Announces Interim Dividend LG Electronics has completed a share buyback worth 1 trillion won and plans to retire the acquired shares by the end of the year. The company also announced an interim dividend of 500 won per share, marking a significant step in its return to shareholders.In accordance with the 1 trillion won share buyback plan announced in January, LG Electronics recently finalized a trust agreement with NH Investment & Securities and disclosed the termination of the contract on July 29.The shares acquired through the trust agreement include 588,589 common shares and 141,840 preferred shares.The repurchased shares are set to be fully retired this year to enhance shareholder value. The retirement process will reduce the number of shares in circulation, thereby improving key earnings metrics such as earnings per share (EPS) and book value per share (BPS).This share buyback and retirement is part of LG Electronics' commitment to enhance corporate value, as outlined in a plan disclosed at the end of last year. The company has stated its intention to return a total of 2 trillion won to shareholders over the next two years, with an additional 1 trillion won in shareholder returns planned for next year.On the same day, LG Electronics' board of directors approved the schedule for this year's interim dividend. The record date is set for August 13, with the payment date scheduled for August 28. The total dividend amount is approximately 89.7 billion won, with both common and preferred shares receiving 500 won each.To ensure stable cash flow for shareholders and increase shareholder value, LG Electronics has set a minimum dividend of 1,000 won per share starting in 2024 and will continue to provide interim dividends.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:57:10
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Calls for Profit Sharing Fade as KOSPI Plummets The KOSPI index has seen a sharp decline, reigniting discussions around 'excess profit sharing' that had previously emerged in political and labor circles. As recent stock market downturns have led to significant investment losses, some online users have criticized, "Shouldn't we also discuss sharing excess losses now?"On July 29, a post titled 'The Disappearing Term Amid KOSPI's Plunge' circulated widely on major domestic online communities.The post included the phrase 'excess profits' and stated, "As the KOSPI collapses, those who were excitedly discussing it have all gone silent."This is interpreted as a reference to earlier discussions in the political arena regarding corporate excess profit sharing and recovery. As the stock market weakens and individual investors face increasing losses, criticisms have arisen that while profit sharing was discussed, losses are being ignored.Online users reacted with comments such as, "Isn't it time to talk about sharing excess losses?"; "Shouldn't the government compensate for losses in leveraged ETFs?"; "It's surprising that people with such ideas are running the country"; and "It reminds me of the saying about having a government that matches the level of its citizens". Others noted, "Once things settle down, they will bring up excess profits again."Some criticized the entire political landscape. One user remarked, "No matter how many mistakes the conservative government makes, politics ultimately has to compete among conservatives," adding that "the logic of recovering excess profits does not align with market principles in a capitalist system."Meanwhile, the domestic stock market is undergoing significant adjustments due to weakness in the semiconductor sector and a decline in global investor sentiment. Consequently, the discussions around corporate profit sharing that had emerged in the political sphere are once again at the forefront of online public opinion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:54:00
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LG Electronics offers interim dividend and completes buyback SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Wednesday its board had approved an interim cash dividend of 500 won per common and preferred share and completed a previously announced 100 billion won share buyback as part of its shareholder return policy. The company set Aug. 13 as the record date for the interim dividend, with payments scheduled for Aug. 28. The total dividend payout amounts to about 89.7 billion won. LG Electronics said it has maintained a minimum annual dividend of 1,000 won per share since 2024 and introduced interim dividends to provide shareholders with more stable cash returns. The company also said it had completed the repurchase of 100 billion won worth of treasury shares announced in January, acquiring 588,589 common shares and 141,840 preferred shares. The repurchased shares will be cancelled within this year to enhance shareholder value. The measures are part of LG Electronics' shareholder return plan announced late last year, under which the company pledged to return a total of 200 billion won to shareholders over two years. It plans to implement an additional 100 billion won shareholder return program next year. 2026-07-29 15:53:15 -
Bank of Korea Governor Signals Continued Tightening Amid Economic Growth Bank of Korea Governor Shin Hyun-song stated on July 29 that he believes it is necessary to continue the trend of interest rate hikes. This reaffirms the bank's commitment to maintaining a tightening stance after raising the benchmark rate for the first time in three and a half years earlier this month.During a report to the National Assembly's Economic Committee, Governor Shin said, "The timing and pace of any further increases will be determined by comprehensively assessing inflationary pressures, the pace of economic recovery, and financial stability conditions."He projected that the South Korean economy would continue to show solid growth, particularly driven by the semiconductor sector. "The global spread of artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded growth in the semiconductor sector," he noted, adding that the favorable conditions in the semiconductor market are expected to persist and gradually influence other sectors, sustaining robust growth.Shin's outlook is supported by recent economic growth rates that exceeded expectations. With strong semiconductor exports and a gradual recovery in domestic demand, the growth trajectory is better than initially anticipated. The Bank of Korea expects this export-driven growth to continue, with consumption and investment improving modestly.Regarding inflation, he forecasted that it would remain above target levels for an extended period. "Given the uncertainties surrounding international oil prices due to the situation in the Middle East, the impact of rising costs and exchange rates, and increasing demand pressures from income improvements, inflation is likely to exceed target levels for a considerable time," he said.He emphasized the need to closely monitor inflation trends due to the significant uncertainties surrounding external variables like international oil prices and exchange rates. It is interpreted that if cost-push inflation pressures are not fully resolved and demand pressures from economic recovery are added, achieving price stability may take longer than expected.The domestic financial system remains generally stable, supported by the expanding growth of the real economy and the resilience of financial institutions. However, concerns about financial imbalances persist as housing prices in the metropolitan area continue to rise and household borrowing for investment increases. Governor Shin warned that the high volatility in financial and foreign exchange markets, along with the rising housing prices in the metropolitan area, pose potential risks for financial imbalances.Market analysts interpret Governor Shin's reiteration of the tightening stance following the recent interest rate hike as a clear indication that there will be no immediate changes to the monetary policy direction. Attention is now focused on whether the Monetary Policy Committee will implement consecutive rate hikes next month. Following a stronger-than-expected GDP growth rate in the first quarter, the second quarter also exceeded market expectations, supporting the case for tightening. If the consumer price index for July, to be released next month, remains high, there is speculation that the Bank of Korea may pursue back-to-back interest rate hikes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 15:51:00
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NASA Identifies South Korea as Key Partner in Moon Base Development The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recognized South Korea as a key partner in the construction of a Moon base, stating that various opportunities for participation are available not only for the government but also for domestic companies and research institutions. NASA expressed that the process of building the Moon base could create a new space economy, allowing South Korea to enhance its human exploration technology and advanced industrial competitiveness.Carlos Garcia-Galan, head of NASA's Moon Base Program, emphasized during a press briefing on July 29 at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul, "We are reviewing which countries to collaborate with in various areas, including habitation modules and transportation systems. South Korea is a partner with both interest and capability."The briefing was held ahead of the 'Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)-NASA Artemis Workshop' scheduled for July 30. The two sides plan to discuss specific areas of collaboration in Moon base construction, including landers, lunar communication, surface mobility, and scientific exploration.Galan noted, "The very fact that we are discussing this collaboration with KASA is a positive signal," adding that a more detailed schedule and collaboration items are expected within three months.NASA highlighted that various collaboration opportunities are open not only to the South Korean government but also to domestic companies and research institutions. Nujood Merancy, deputy director of NASA's Moon Base Program, stated, "We have analyzed South Korea's capabilities and potential areas for collaboration internally at NASA and have completed our review. We believe there are possibilities for collaboration in several areas, including landers, lunar surface mobility, scientific equipment, cargo transport, and containers."Eric Meyer, head of international cooperation at NASA, mentioned that discussions are currently focused on government-to-government (G2G) cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea, but he also indicated that various opportunities will open up for the private sector in the future. Galan expressed hope that universities and companies will contribute diverse ideas to the Artemis ecosystem.NASA views the construction of the Moon base not merely as an exploration project but as a process to establish a new space economy. Galan explained, "New technologies and industries emerged during the Apollo program, the International Space Station (ISS), and Mars exploration. Just as a new economic ecosystem was created with private sector participation in low Earth orbit, we aim to extend this economic model to the Moon."As a result, NASA anticipates that South Korea can secure new industrial opportunities in various fields such as space mobility, energy, communications, and robotics, moving beyond merely supplying components to actively participating in the lunar exploration ecosystem.Galan stressed the importance of South Korea developing technologies with human space exploration in mind in the long term. He stated, "While robotic technology will be key in the early stages of Moon base construction, all systems are ultimately developed with the assumption that humans will use them. It is crucial for South Korea to accumulate technology with human exploration in mind, regardless of the field of participation."NASA is advancing its Artemis program, which aims to validate rendezvous and docking technology for commercial lunar landers and crewed spacecraft by 2027, and to land astronauts at the lunar South Pole by 2028. Following that, in 2029, NASA plans to deploy unmanned rovers and scientific equipment to investigate local resources such as water and ice at the lunar South Pole. By 2032, the agency aims to gradually establish habitation, power, communication, and mobility systems, ultimately operating a Moon base where astronauts can stay for extended periods to conduct exploration and technology demonstrations.The Moon base envisioned by NASA is designed to resemble a small city similar to a polar research station, aiming to be a self-sufficient base equipped with living quarters, power and communication infrastructure, scientific facilities, and industrial facilities for producing propellant and oxygen. Galan stated, "Our goal is not just to go to the Moon but to establish a forward base where humanity can reside for extended periods, laying the groundwork for exploration from the Moon to Mars and beyond into the solar system." 2026-07-29 15:51:00