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  • More South Korean tidal flats listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites
    More South Korean tidal flats listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - More getbol, or tidal flats in South Korea have been added to or expanded as UNESCO World Heritage sites at the global body's annual gathering in Busan over the weekend, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said on Monday. The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which kicked off last week and runs through Wednesday at BEXCO in the southeastern port city of Busan, marking the first time South Korea has hosted the gathering. The boundaries of existing wetlands in southern South Korea including those in Boseong, Gochang and Suncheon were expanded, while tidal flats in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and Yeosu, Goheung and Muan in South Jeolla Province were newly listed, after the committee decided they met criteria for outstanding biodiversity and the conservation of threatened species. The committee also recognized them as key habitats for internationally important migratory waterbirds and diverse marine life. First listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2021, these tidal flats are home to more than 2,400 species, including numerous endangered wildlife, with the latest decision expanding their geographic boundaries and recognizing their ecological value. KHS administrator Huh Min expressed gratitude to the committee, saying the expansion would "help strengthen international cooperation to protect them." With the latest expansion, South Korea now has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. 2026-07-27 14:57:03
  • Support for Takaiichi Cabinet Plummets to Below 50%
    Support for Takaiichi Cabinet Plummets to Below 50% Support for the Takaiichi Cabinet has dropped by more than 10 percentage points in a month, falling below 50%. For the first time, responses from those without party affiliation indicating they do not support the Cabinet outnumbered those who do. The decline in support appears to be influenced by dissatisfaction with explanations regarding key policies, such as the amendment of the royal family law, and concerns over inflation measures.In a nationwide survey conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun from July 24 to 26, the Takaiichi Cabinet's approval rating was recorded at 57%, a 12-point drop from June, marking the lowest level since the Cabinet's inception in October of last year. Conversely, the percentage of respondents who do not support the Cabinet rose from 21% to 34%, an increase of 13 points.Similarly, a survey by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) and TV Tokyo during the same period showed a 10-point decline in support to 58%. The percentage of those who do not support the Cabinet increased by 10 points to 37%. This was the first time the approval rating fell below 60% since the Cabinet was formed.Both surveys highlighted a significant shift among those without party affiliation. In the Yomiuri survey, support among this group dropped from 54% to 41%, while the percentage of those who do not support the Cabinet surged from 30% to 47%, surpassing those who do support it. The Nikkei survey also showed a decline in support from 52% to 36%, with those indicating they do not support the Cabinet rising from 36% to 51%.Support declined across all demographics. In the Yomiuri survey, support among women fell from 65% to 51%, while support among men dropped from 73% to 63%. By age group, support among those aged 18-39 decreased from 71% to 64%, among those aged 40-59 from 72% to 58%, and among those aged 60 and older from 66% to 52%.The Yomiuri Shimbun identified a lack of adequate explanations regarding key legislation and policies, including the royal family law, as a major factor in the decline in support. A significant 62% of respondents felt that Prime Minister Takaiichi was not providing sufficient explanations, more than double the 29% who believed he was. In the Nikkei survey, 49% of respondents evaluated the proposed amendment positively, while 41% did not. Notably, among those without party affiliation, 46% did not evaluate the amendment positively, compared to 39% who did.There was overwhelming support for allowing a female emperor in the proposed amendment to the royal family law. In the Yomiuri survey, 85% supported the idea, while only 8% opposed it. The Nikkei survey also found that 59% believed both a female emperor and a female line of succession should be recognized, while 25% supported recognizing a female emperor but not a female line of succession. Combined, this indicates that 84% are in favor of allowing a female emperor.Conversely, opinions were divided on the proposal to accept male heirs from former royal families who left the royal family after World War II. In the Yomiuri survey, 45% viewed this positively, while 40% viewed it negatively. Regarding the proposal to grant succession rights to the sons of these adopted males, the results varied. The Yomiuri survey showed 52% in favor, while the Nikkei survey indicated 42% found it appropriate, and 45% did not.Parliament Operations and Inflation Issues Add to ChallengesThe Yomiuri Shimbun analyzed that the rigid operation of the National Diet has also contributed to the loss of support. During the legislative process for the proposed secondary capital plan, the ruling party proceeded with deliberations in the House of Representatives at one point without the participation of the opposition. In a survey conducted by the Yomiuri in February, 88% of respondents identified inflation measures as the top priority for the Takaiichi Cabinet, while only 38% prioritized the secondary capital plan.Concerns about inflation have become more pronounced. The percentage of respondents dissatisfied with the government's inflation measures rose by 15 points to 71% compared to June, while those who viewed the measures positively fell from 35% to 21%. Among supporters of the Takaiichi Cabinet, negative evaluations exceeded half at 56%, and among Liberal Democratic Party supporters, it reached 50%.Opinions were evenly split regarding the proposed reduction of the consumption tax on food products. This plan aims to lower the consumption tax rate on food to 1% for two years and provide cash payments equivalent to 1% of the consumption tax to low- and middle-income households, effectively eliminating their tax burden. In the Yomiuri survey, 48% supported the proposal, while 41% opposed it. The Nikkei survey showed similar results, with 48% in favor and 44% against. The proposed implementation date is set for April 2027, with cash payments being considered for the fall of the same year.Prime Minister Takaiichi has stated that a decision on the tax reduction policy will be made by early August. A senior government official emphasized the need to ensure the implementation of the tax reduction, stating, "We will make this summer a 'season of inflation measures.'" However, the Yomiuri noted that the tax reduction could lead to further depreciation of the yen and rising interest rates, making it difficult to predict its impact on support recovery.Meanwhile, on July 27, during a meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, Prime Minister Takaiichi commented on the reasons for the sharp decline in support, saying, "It is difficult for me to analyze," and noted that he would use the survey results as a reference to gauge public sentiment. In response to calls for the establishment of a new expert committee to discuss remaining succession issues, including a female emperor and a female line of succession, he stated, "The government has no immediate plans to establish one," and emphasized the need to prepare for the implementation of the amended royal family law.Despite the decline, the Takaiichi Cabinet's approval rating remains in the high 50s. However, indicators reflecting the stability of the administration have also shown signs of instability. The Yomiuri survey indicated that support for the Liberal Democratic Party fell from 39% to 31%, a drop of 8 points. The Yomiuri suggested that growing dissatisfaction within the party regarding governance could lead to changes in the internal atmosphere if the decline in support continues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:56:00
  • Taiwan Faces Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Vaccine Shortages Reported
    Taiwan Faces Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Vaccine Shortages Reported As COVID-19 cases surge in Taiwan, some medical facilities in the capital city of Taipei are running out of vaccine supplies, preventing citizens from receiving their shots.According to the China Times, the number of COVID-19 outpatient and emergency room visits has increased for six consecutive weeks. With a spike in vaccine demand, some healthcare institutions in Taipei have reported a lack of available doses.The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that from July 12 to 18, there were 4,766 COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits, a 66.5% increase from the previous week. Authorities have indicated that Taiwan has entered a significant phase of COVID-19 transmission.On July 23, Taipei's health authorities initially requested 1,900 vaccine doses, but due to the surge in demand, they applied for an additional 4,100 doses the following day. The total needed rose to 6,000 doses, leading to delays in supply from the central government.The CDC has coordinated with other local governments to prioritize the distribution of 300 doses to Taipei. An additional 6,000 doses are expected to be supplied and allocated to healthcare facilities on July 27 and 28.The CDC stated that there are currently about 440,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses available across Taiwan, ensuring that overall supply remains stable. However, they noted that it takes about three days to transition vaccines from frozen to refrigerated storage for delivery, which hindered their ability to respond immediately to the sudden increase in demand.Last week, approximately 2,500 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered, doubling the number from the previous week. Authorities anticipate that the demand for vaccinations may increase by another twofold in the near future.CDC Deputy Director Chuang Jen-hsiang projected that the COVID-19 outbreak could peak in mid to late August, with cases potentially rising to as many as 50,000.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:56:00
  • LG Innotek Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 245.8 Billion Won, Up 2057% Year-on-Year
    LG Innotek Reports 2nd Quarter Operating Profit of 245.8 Billion Won, Up 2057% Year-on-Year LG Innotek announced that its operating profit for the second quarter of this year reached 245.8 billion won, a staggering 2057% increase compared to the same period last year.Sales rose 41% year-on-year to 5.5272 trillion won, marking the highest quarterly figure in the company's history. Combined with first-quarter results, the total sales for the first half of the year reached 11.0621 trillion won, surpassing the 10 trillion won mark for the first time.A company official stated, "Despite the seasonal off-peak period, strong demand for mobile camera modules continued from the first quarter, and the supply of high-value semiconductor substrates such as RF-SiP, FC-CSP, and FC-BGA remains robust. Additionally, sales of mobility components, including vehicle cameras, communication, and lighting modules, contributed to revenue growth."LG Innotek is strengthening its high-profit business portfolio. The company is focusing on its core businesses, including optics and packaging, while also developing physical AI sectors such as autonomous driving and robotics. It is particularly emphasizing the expansion of its packaging solutions business, which has high profitability and growth potential.Chief Financial Officer Kyung Eun-guk noted, "In response to the surging demand amid a semiconductor boom, we have begun expanding our semiconductor substrate production facility in Vietnam and are considering additional investments. We aim to solidify the packaging solutions business as a core area through increased capital expenditures, differentiated technologies like Cu-post, and the application of AI in production processes."The optical solutions business recorded sales of 4.5179 trillion won, a 48% increase from the previous year. Strong demand for high-value camera modules for mobile devices persisted even during the off-peak season, and vehicle camera sales increased due to new model supplies to major clients.Sales in the packaging solutions business rose 20% year-on-year to 498.4 billion won. The demand for high-value substrates drove strong sales of semiconductor substrates like RF-SiP and FC-CSP, while FC-BGA also contributed to improved performance with increased product supply to global clients.The mobility solutions business recorded sales of 510.9 billion won, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Sales across all mobility component categories grew steadily, particularly for high-value vehicle lighting and communication modules. The mobility business aims to enhance profitability through an increased share of high-value products and resource efficiency while promoting revenue growth with new ventures such as vehicle AP modules.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:52:00
  • Heat Wave Alert Raised to Serious Level in South Korea
    Heat Wave Alert Raised to 'Serious' Level in South Korea The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has raised the heat wave disaster alert to 'serious' and activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.According to Yonhap News, as of 3 p.m. on July 27, the heat wave disaster alert has been elevated to 'serious' and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters has been mobilized.This decision comes as the monsoon season has ended, leading to heat wave warnings being issued across most regions of the country, with extreme heat and tropical nights expected to persist for the time being.Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung stated, "With the activation of the headquarters, I urge relevant agencies and local governments to prioritize the lives and safety of citizens and respond effectively on-site."He added, "We must enhance monitoring of vulnerable populations, such as residents of temporary housing and the homeless, and ensure that heat safety guidelines are being followed in outdoor workplaces and other heat-sensitive environments."Furthermore, he emphasized the need to assess the availability of cooling centers for everyone and to support the distribution of heat prevention facilities to livestock farms and aquaculture businesses.Meanwhile, extreme heat and tropical nights are expected to continue nationwide today.However, the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Province, and northern Chungbuk are forecasted to experience scattered showers from late night until evening.Expected rainfall amounts are 10 to 50 mm in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi, 5 to 20 mm in the five western islands, 10 to 60 mm in inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, 5 to 20 mm on the northern east coast of Gangwon, and 5 to 20 mm in northern Chungbuk.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:52:00
  • LG CNS Joins Global AI Materials Development Initiative with NVIDIA and Meta
    LG CNS Joins Global AI Materials Development Initiative with NVIDIA and Meta LG CNS has become the only domestic IT company to join a global collaboration for AI materials development, which includes major tech firms like NVIDIA and Meta. This initiative aims to support domestic material companies in their AI transformation efforts. On July 27, LG CNS announced its selection as a founding member of the 'AI Materials Foundry,' a global consortium led by the UK-based AI startup CuspAI. The AI Materials Foundry is a global alliance of companies and research institutions in AI, chemistry, materials, and computing infrastructure, focused on driving innovation in new material development using AI. The consortium includes 48 global companies and research institutions, such as NVIDIA, Meta, and AMD, along with top firms in the new materials sector like 3M and Merck. CuspAI, headquartered in London, has developed a platform that combines AI and materials science to accelerate the new materials development process. Jeffrey Hinton, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics in 2024, serves as an advisor to the startup, which recently secured an investment of 680 billion won, valuing the company at 4 trillion won. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is among the key investors. LG CNS plans to utilize CuspAI's Agentic AI platform to support companies in advanced industries such as semiconductors, chemicals, and energy in discovering new materials. By inputting the desired conditions and properties of materials, the AI generates and validates candidate materials based on learned experimental data. Finnish chemical company Kemira has used this platform to reduce a development timeline from several years to just six months, exploring approximately 300 trillion molecular structures to identify 20 new material candidates. As a platform delivery partner, LG CNS will handle everything from material data processing to interpreting validation results, as well as platform operation and maintenance. This allows client companies to conduct new material development projects continuously without needing dedicated AI personnel. The CuspAI platform isolates and manages client data on dedicated servers, ensuring that it is not reused for AI model training, and clients retain ownership of any patents related to new materials. Jang Min-yong, head of LG CNS's Chemical and Battery Division, stated, "Enhancing cost and time efficiency in new material development is directly linked to a company's core competitiveness. We will fulfill our role as an AX partner to help domestic manufacturing and material companies leverage a world-class AI-based new material research ecosystem to achieve tangible business results early on."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:48:00
  • HLB Peptide Registers Vasopressin API with FDA, Aiming for Global Market Expansion
    HLB Peptide Registers Vasopressin API with FDA, Aiming for Global Market Expansion HLB Peptide has completed the registration of its vasopressin active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Master File (DMF). The company plans to accelerate its entry into the global market, including the United States, following this registration.HLB Peptide announced on July 27 that it had finalized the FDA DMF registration on July 22, following its achievement of being the first in South Korea to register vasopressin API with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in December of last year.The DMF is a system for registering and managing data related to the manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety of APIs with the FDA. This information is crucial for proving the quality and manufacturing reliability of raw materials when applying for approvals from finished pharmaceutical manufacturers.The FDA DMF registration is significant as it recognizes HLB Peptide's peptide synthesis technology and its quality management capabilities based on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.HLB Peptide plans to enhance its competitiveness in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector by expanding its portfolio of major peptide APIs, including vasopressin, in addition to leuprolide and ganirelix. The company also aims to accelerate the development of new peptide APIs, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, to continuously expand its high-value API portfolio.Shim Kyung-jae, CEO of HLB Peptide, stated, "By completing the FDA DMF registration following the first DMF registration for vasopressin in South Korea, we have established a crucial foundation for entering the global market. We will expand collaboration opportunities with global pharmaceutical companies and continue to strengthen our peptide API portfolio to enhance our competitiveness in the global CDMO business."HLB Peptide is the largest producer of peptide APIs in South Korea. Since being incorporated into the HLB Group last year, the company has been investing in facilities and advancing process automation to strengthen its CDMO competitiveness in peptide pharmaceuticals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:48:00
  • Nomura: CXMTs IPO Price Could Surge 13 Times, Competing with Samsung and SK Hynix
    Nomura: CXMT's IPO Price Could Surge 13 Times, Competing with Samsung and SK Hynix Chinese memory semiconductor company Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT) is rapidly increasing its production and market share, positioning itself to compete with Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and U.S. firm Micron. However, analysts warn that the lack of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment could hinder its ability to close the technology gap.On July 26, Bloomberg reported that Nomura Securities issued a buy recommendation for CXMT, setting a target price of 116 yuan, which is 1,239% higher than its initial public offering (IPO) price of 8.66 yuan.On its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, CXMT's shares surged to 55.03 yuan, a 535% increase from the IPO price. Nomura's target price is approximately 111% above the day's peak.Donny Teng, a Nomura analyst, stated, "In the coming years, global memory semiconductor supply will struggle to keep pace with demand, allowing CXMT to increase its market share more rapidly." He noted that the rise of 'agentic AI,' which can perform multiple tasks autonomously, is expected to drive global memory semiconductor usage up more than sevenfold by 2030.Nomura forecasts that CXMT's memory semiconductor production will grow by 40-45% annually through 2030, with its share of the global DRAM market expected to rise from about 10% to 18% by the end of 2028.The target price set by Nomura is based on anticipated profits for CXMT in 2028, suggesting that the company could achieve a valuation nearly double that of its U.S. competitor Micron.In contrast, Morningstar has set a fair value for CXMT at 14.90 yuan, which is only about one-eighth of Nomura's target and significantly lower than the stock's debut price.Morningstar analyst Jing Jie Wei identified the lack of EUV equipment as the biggest risk for CXMT. EUV technology is essential for creating smaller and more precise semiconductor circuits.Morningstar believes that without EUV equipment, CXMT will struggle to enhance DRAM performance using existing production methods. The company is currently at a technological disadvantage compared to Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, leading it to sell products at lower prices and with reduced profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:44:00
  • South Koreas Science Ministry Partners with AMD for AI Semiconductor Collaboration
    South Korea's Science Ministry Partners with AMD for AI Semiconductor Collaboration The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with American company AMD to collaborate in the fields of AI semiconductors and computing. The ministry announced on July 27 that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun met with AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su on July 23 in San Francisco during the 'AMD Advancing AI 2026' event to formalize the agreement. This MoU aims to establish a heterogeneous AI computing infrastructure that integrates AMD's CPU and GPU technologies with domestically produced AI semiconductors (NPU), while expanding the global collaboration framework for South Korea's AI semiconductor ecosystem. The two parties will initially focus on building and demonstrating the heterogeneous AI computing infrastructure that links AMD's CPU and GPU with domestic NPUs. They also plan to create an open AI computing ecosystem that includes not only AI semiconductor companies but also domestic firms involved in memory, DPU, CXL, networking, servers, and orchestration software. This initiative aims to secure practical benchmark models that will enable domestic AI semiconductors to participate in the global AI computing supply chain. Additionally, the two sides will promote research collaboration under the 'AI for Science' initiative, centered around the National AI Research Center (NAIS). AMD plans to provide high-performance computing resources, AI software, and specialized personnel to support AI-based research and challenging R&D in advanced scientific fields. AMD is also working to establish a center of excellence for AI in South Korea. This center will serve as a collaborative hub, supporting technology cooperation among domestic companies, universities, and research institutions, as well as facilitating AI semiconductor software development, computing technology validation, and joint research. Collaboration on talent development will also take place. AMD intends to support educational and research programs based on AI computing platforms at major universities and graduate schools in South Korea, providing opportunities for local students, professors, and researchers to experience the latest AI technologies and global development environments. Furthermore, joint research and technological collaboration in next-generation AI fields, such as physical AI, will be pursued. This collaboration was initiated during Lisa Su's visit to South Korea in March and has evolved into practical cooperation projects in AI computing infrastructure, AI research, and talent development, culminating in the MoU signing, which was hosted at Su's invitation. Baek Kyung-hun stated, "Global AI competition is shifting towards heterogeneous computing and open ecosystems that combine various computational resources such as CPU, GPU, and NPU. To elevate South Korea to a leading AI nation, it is crucial to secure a self-reliant yet open AI computing infrastructure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:44:00
  • Private University Restructuring Law and Transparent University Information Disclosure
    Private University Restructuring Law and Transparent University Information Disclosure The 'Private University Restructuring Law' will take effect on August 15. The law aims to systematically manage the orderly exit and restructuring of private universities that have reached a critical point due to a significant decline in the school-age population. It is expected that universities facing financial difficulties or a sharp drop in enrollment will be the primary targets.However, there are differing perspectives. Yoo Won-jun, chairman of the Korean Association of Private University Professors, which leads the national coalition of private university faculty, presents an alternative view. He cautiously suggests that the universities most likely to be affected by restructuring are not those with low enrollment but rather those with rising real estate values, often referred to as 'lower-tier universities.'When asked about this reasoning, he explained that universities with increased asset values are more likely to exit first due to generational changes in management and practical calculations in private university operations. Many private universities in South Korea have transitioned to management by second and third generations. Unlike the first-generation founders, who had a strong sense of mission in education, the third-generation executives often view university management as a burdensome obligation, lacking significant experience outside academia.Furthermore, when considering the benefits of liquidation, the calculations become clear. Universities with minimal corporate assets find little benefit in liquidation. In contrast, those with rising real estate values can achieve significant economic gains by liquidating their assets while the market is favorable.Signs of movement are already being detected on the ground. Some universities are gradually closing specific departments, reducing student recruitment, and reallocating assets by selling off unused facilities or constructing revenue-generating buildings. While the education authorities apply a simplistic measure of 'financial difficulties,' private university corporations are calculating the value of their real estate assets and reconsidering the timing and method of their exit.This distorted restructuring trend is largely due to the failure of South Korea's higher education policy to prioritize 'transparent information disclosure' while pushing for 'punitive forced restructuring.' The Ministry of Education has long pressured universities to reduce enrollment and undergo diagnostic evaluations but has not succeeded. Universities cannot be forcibly reshaped like clay.More seriously, the statistics and information that should serve as benchmarks are often distorted or inadequate. The Korean Council for University Education, responsible for university information disclosure, is not free from the interests of private university corporations and thus shows limitations in transparently processing key information. The inability of the Ministry of Education's representative to provide clear answers about the precise per-student educational expenditure at Seoul National University during a presidential briefing last December also reflects the inadequacy of related statistics.The tuition structure is also inherently imbalanced. In a reality where tuition from humanities and social sciences subsidizes deficits in arts, physical education, and engineering, accurate cost calculations and detailed expenditure statistics remain obscured. The focus on superficial buildings and regulations without investing in capable faculty is also cited as a contributing factor.Ultimately, for the 'Private University Restructuring Law' to succeed, the paradigm must shift from 'forced measures' to 'thorough information disclosure.' Universities that perform well should be granted autonomy, while underperforming institutions should be encouraged to exit naturally through market mechanisms. To achieve this, a system for transparently disclosing hidden data, such as the utilization of university corporation reserves, faculty investment status, individual faculty research achievements, and scholarship distribution criteria by department, must be established. Accurate information disclosure will naturally curb attempts by underperforming private universities to liquidate assets through loopholes.The government and the Ministry of Education should focus on revealing the true capabilities of universities through verified data rather than acting as executioners tightening the noose around them. As the law's implementation approaches, whether it becomes a channel for cashing out private university assets or a healthy turning point for the higher education ecosystem hinges on the first step of 'transparent data and information disclosure.' 2026-07-27 14:40:00