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  • Doosan Enerbility to Supply Key Materials for Chinas Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6
    Doosan Enerbility to Supply Key Materials for China's Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6 Doosan Enerbility announced that it has signed a contract with DEI and DFHM, subsidiaries of Dongfang Electric Group, to supply large forgings for steam generators at the Laiyang Nuclear Power Plant Units 5 and 6 in Shandong Province, China. Under this contract, Doosan Enerbility will sequentially supply a total of eight large forgings, including four channel heads and four tube sheets for the steam generators, by 2029. The forgings to be supplied are large products with a diameter of 5 meters and a maximum weight of 130 tons, serving as key materials for the nuclear power plant's steam generators. Doosan Enerbility manufactures core equipment for nuclear power plants based on its world-class 17,000-ton press and large forging technology, supplying to the global nuclear market. Laiyang Units 5 and 6 will utilize the CAP1400 model, a next-generation nuclear power plant design with a capacity of 1,400 MW. Doosan Enerbility has previously secured contracts for large forgings for the steam generators of Laiyang Units 3 and 4, marking a continuation of its success in this sector. Kim Jong-du, CEO of Doosan Enerbility, stated, "We are honored to have our technology and quality recognized once again in the Chinese nuclear market with the supply contract for the core materials for Units 5 and 6, following Units 3 and 4. We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness in the global nuclear supply chain based on our accumulated manufacturing experience and large forging technology." China is actively pursuing new nuclear power plant construction as part of its expansion policy, aiming to become the world's largest nuclear power holder by 2035. With this contract, Doosan Enerbility plans to enhance its collaboration in the Chinese nuclear market and continue to expand its supply of core equipment in the global nuclear supply chain. Meanwhile, Doosan Enerbility is also working to expand its global market presence, having signed a construction contract for the Duqm gas combined cycle power plant in Oman with a consortium led by Korea Western Power last month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:48:00
  • Joint Investigation Team Expands Probe into Election Commission Vote Count Alterations
    Joint Investigation Team Expands Probe into Election Commission Vote Count Alterations A total of 72 instances of altered voter counts were reported by election commissions across the country on the day of the June 3 local elections. The joint investigation team has identified signs of inflated voter counts being redistributed among different polling places and is continuing its investigation into the Central Election Commission (CEC).According to legal sources on July 27, the joint investigation team, led by Kim Tae-hoon, deputy chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, resumed its search of the CEC. The team is analyzing data obtained from the CEC's servers and internal messaging systems.On July 23, the team named one staff member each from the CEC and the Gyeonggi Province Election Commission as suspects on charges of forgery of public electronic records and obstruction of public duty.The investigation team has reportedly confirmed instances of false voter counts in two locations in Gyeonggi Province and one in Chungcheong Province on the day of the local elections. At one polling place in Gyeonggi, the actual number of voters was in the hundreds, but it was recorded as thousands, maintaining this incorrect count for about four hours.The joint investigation team suspects that staff members from the Gyeonggi Province Election Commission redistributed the inflated voter counts to nearby polling places, and that a CEC staff member may have directed these adjustments. This was allegedly done to conceal abnormally high voter turnout at specific polling places by redistributing the excess counts.Clues for the investigation emerged during a previous inquiry into a ballot shortage incident. The team reportedly discovered evidence of voter count adjustments in Gyeonggi and Chungcheong regions while analyzing computers and internal messages seized from election commission employees.According to a report submitted by the People Power Party's Kim Eun-hye to the CEC, 72 modification reports were filed by 56 local election commissions nationwide on the day of the elections.To change the data entered into the election management system, specific reasons for the modifications must be documented and verified by the provincial election commission. However, many of the reports cited vague reasons such as 'input error,' 'omission,' and 'change in voter count' without clear explanations.In Incheon’s Geomdan District, the reported voter count was initially 54,665 at 4 p.m. but was later revised to 61,276, an increase of 6,611. The reason given was that the total voter count did not match the aggregated reports from each polling place.In Cheongju’s Sangdang District, the voter count was changed from 51,833 to 56,081 at 5 p.m., with the explanation that the earlier figure had been incorrectly entered. Similarly, Hongseong County in Chungcheong Province adjusted its count from 28,092 to 29,863 for the same reason.There were also instances of late corrections. Gunpo City in Gyeonggi corrected an input error that occurred in the morning at 7 p.m., after voting had concluded. Jincheon County in Chungcheong Province also changed its reported figure from the 6 p.m. report to a new count at 9 p.m.The joint investigation team is currently working to distinguish between simple input errors and intentional false adjustments among the 72 reported cases. They plan to expand the investigation to determine if similar adjustments occurred in other regions or past elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:48:00
  • SK hynix tops Samsung as students employer of choice
    SK hynix tops Samsung as students' employer of choice SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - SK hynix has retained its position as the company South Korean university students most want to work for, outpacing Samsung Electronics for a second straight year as the memory chipmaker continues to benefit from strong demand for AI semiconductors. The chipmaker ranked first with 14.2 percent of respondents in a survey of 1,811 university students conducted by recruitment platform Incruit. Samsung Electronics followed with 8.0 percent, while CJ Olive Young, Naver and Samsung Biologics rounded out the top five. The survey covered 150 major companies, including affiliates of South Korea's 20 largest business groups and listed firms with large market capitalizations. Among respondents who selected SK hynix, 57.0 percet cited its compensation and rewards system as the primary reason, followed by company reputation and opportunities for professional growth. Samsung Electronics also ranked highest for its compensation and benefits, with 37.2 percent of respondents choosing the company for that reason. CJ Olive Young ranked third with 6.6 percent, followed by Naver at 5.1 percent, Samsung Biologics at 3.6 percent, CJ ENM at 2.7 percent, Hyundai Motor at 2.6 percent, Kakao at 2.0 percent, CJ CheilJedang at 1.8 percent and Samsung C&T at 1.7 percent. 2026-07-27 10:45:49
  • SK nears call on SK Siltron sale as AI lifts valuations
    SK nears call on SK Siltron sale as AI lifts valuations SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - SK Group will decide this week on whether to proceed with the sale of semiconductor wafer maker SK Siltron after surging semiconductor demand prompted a reassessment of the deal. The group's board is scheduled to discuss the proposed sale on Friday, industry sources said. The meeting comes more than seven months after Doosan was named the preferred bidder, with negotiations yet to be finalized. The prolonged negotiations have raised questions about whether the deal will ultimately go through. SK Siltron is South Korea's sole dedicated semiconductor wafer producer and the world's third-largest supplier of 12-inch silicon wafers, a core material used in semiconductor manufacturing. The proposed deal covers SK Corp.'s 70.6 percent stake in SK Siltron, including shares held through a total return swap (TRS) agreement. Negotiations over Chairman Chey Tae-won's separate 29.4 percent stake are expected to follow once the sale of SK Corp.'s holdings is completed. Shares of SK Corp. were 0.95 percent lower at 624,000 won. Since naming Doosan as the preferred bidder on Dec. 17, the group has repeatedly delayed a final decision, saying only that the terms of the deal would be finalized through ongoing negotiations. Much has changed since then. The AI-driven semiconductor boom has increased the value and strategic importance of wafer makers like SK Siltron, raising questions over whether the group should still proceed with the sale. The shift has also intensified debate over whether divesting the company fits SK's broader AI ambitions. Chey has pledged to double the group's memory chip production capacity within five years and recently described the global race for semiconductor supply as "chaos" amid soaring AI demand. At the same time, its restructuring efforts have eased pressure to dispose of assets. The holding company's first-quarter operating profit surged 760 percent from a year earlier to 3.67 trillion won, while the number of group affiliates has fallen from 219 to 151 over the past two years as part of its rebalancing program. Still, industry observers say the group is unlikely to abandon the deal altogether. Backing out after naming Doosan as the preferred bidder without a major change in circumstances could hurt the group's credibility and strain its relationship with Doosan. Funding needs may also keep the deal on track. The group continues to face funding needs for its overseas AI expansion, including a planned 400 billion won investment in an AI company established by SK hynix in the United States. Last week's court ruling ordering Chey to pay 944 billion won in property division has further fueled speculation that asset sales could continue. However, shares of major global wafer makers have climbed sharply this year, with Japan's Shin-Etsu Chemical up about 40 percent and Taiwan's GlobalWafers gaining more than 200 percent, raising expectations that SK Siltron's value could be revised before the deal is finalized. Industry officials expect the deal to be finalized once both sides agree on a new valuation reflecting today’s chip market. 2026-07-27 10:43:05
  • Exchange Rate Fluctuates in the 1460 Won Range Amid Easing Middle East Tensions
    Exchange Rate Fluctuates in the 1460 Won Range Amid Easing Middle East Tensions The won-dollar exchange rate is fluctuating in the 1460 won range.In the Seoul foreign exchange market, the exchange rate for the won against the U.S. dollar was 1,464.6 won as of 10:22 a.m. The rate opened at 1,459.9 won, down 6.7 won from the previous day's closing price.International oil prices have fallen as tensions in the Middle East ease. As of 10:29 a.m., September futures for Brent crude were trading at $92.60, down 4.18% from the previous day's close, while September futures for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) were at $85.25, down 4.06%.At the same time, the dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, was at 101.19, showing a decline from the previous day's 101.47.The easing of uncertainty in the Middle East appears to be influenced by the United States refraining from additional attacks on Iran since the night of July 24, following 13 days of airstrikes, and Iran's military announcing a halt to retaliatory strikes.However, foreign investors are showing a selling trend in the domestic stock market, with net sales of 1.2647 trillion won in the securities market.The exchange rate is expected to decline due to month-end supply and demand. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "The exchange rate is expected to fall, reflecting the positive impact of the decline in international oil prices following the resumption of U.S.-Iran negotiations."He added, "However, actual demand for dollars from importers and residents investing in overseas stocks will support the lower end, and while the exchange rate is declining, exporters are responding with a steady low-price buying strategy rather than waiting for further declines."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:40:00
  • Netanyahu Accuses NYC Mayor of Inciting Hatred After War Criminal Label
    Netanyahu Accuses NYC Mayor of Inciting Hatred After War Criminal Label Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York City Mayor Jumaane Williams for labeling him a war criminal, accusing him of "inciting hatred."In an interview with Fox News on July 26, Netanyahu stated, "The mayor should represent all citizens, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. However, Williams is trying to pit one group against another."Despite the criticism from Mayor Williams, Netanyahu confirmed he will visit New York for the UN General Assembly in September.During his campaign, Williams had announced that if Netanyahu visited New York, he would execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, a recent legal review revealed that New York City does not have the authority to independently execute the warrant.Nevertheless, Williams continues to assert that Netanyahu is a war criminal and has called on the U.S. federal government to enforce the ICC arrest warrant.U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns, stating, "There is no way Netanyahu will be arrested in America."The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024, accusing him of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu and the Israeli government have categorically denied the allegations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:40:00
  • Special Prosecutor Investigates Delayed Military Coup Allegations
    Special Prosecutor Investigates Delayed Military Coup Allegations A public interest report alleging irregularities in the military command control system (C4I) during the emergency martial law period was submitted to the second special prosecutor team led by Kwon Chang-young shortly after its establishment in March. However, it was not until four months later that the incident was officially received. On the same day the whistleblower filed a formal complaint with the National Police Agency, the special prosecutor's office accepted the case and assigned it to a deputy special prosecutor.According to a report by Aju Economy on July 27, Kim Hyun-seok expressed his intention to submit related materials and requested an investigation into the alleged non-use of satellite positioning reporting equipment (PRE) and signs of deviation from the military command control system since the early days of the special prosecutor's office in March.The special prosecutor's office reportedly responded that they would discuss the report in a meeting with the deputy special prosecutors. However, as no further investigative procedures were initiated, Kim also shared the materials with some members of the Democratic Party and submitted similar allegations to the insurrection special prosecutor team led by Jo Eun-seok.On July 20, Kim visited the special prosecutor's office in Gyeonggi Province to submit evidence directly, but he was unable to do so due to confusion surrounding the submission process. The office informed him that the National Police Agency was already investigating the related matters, making it difficult to accept his submission, and his request to have a record of the submission was also denied.The special prosecutor's office later indicated that they would review the materials if submitted by mail, but even after the documents arrived via express delivery on July 21, the case was not immediately accepted.The situation changed on July 24, when Kim electronically submitted a complaint to the National Police Agency regarding rebellion charges against former President Yoon Suk Yeol and others. He requested an investigation based on evidence of the non-use of PRE, materials related to the Special Warfare Command, and communication records.That same day, around 5 p.m., the special prosecutor's office called Kim to request an explanation of the materials. After briefly explaining, Kim reiterated that he was the only one who could provide detailed information and expressed his desire to submit the materials and expedite the investigation.However, he was informed by the special prosecutor's office that there was no time and that Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Jung-min had not yet received the mail. Kim protested, stating, "I have been trying to submit materials since the early days, and you said it would be discussed in the deputy special prosecutor's meeting, didn't you?"About an hour later, the special prosecutor's office officially accepted the case and assigned it to Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Jung-min, who is responsible for military investigations.Kim, a civilian engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in military communication system development, claims to have obtained evidence from military officials indicating that some military personnel did not use PRE during the technical support process following the emergency martial law.Despite reporting this information to the National Assembly and the special prosecutor's office, Kim found himself under investigation for alleged violations of the Military Secret Protection Act, even facing a search and seizure.One member of the National Assembly forwarded Kim's evidence to the insurrection special prosecutor for review related to the insurrection case, but the special prosecutor was unable to complete the investigation before the deadline expired. Consequently, the evidence transferred to the National Police Agency resulted in Kim facing investigation instead.On July 23, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy held a press conference, requesting protective measures for Kim as a whistleblower from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and urging thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the non-use of PRE by the special prosecutor's office and the National Police Agency.Kim stated, "It has been nearly five months since I first offered to submit the materials, and I attempted to submit them in person, but the case was delayed. We must clarify why the military command system did not function properly at that time based on the relevant materials."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:40:00
  • Yoon Suk Yeols Verdict Today Could Force Return of 397 Billion Won in Election Funds
    Yoon Suk Yeol's Verdict Today Could Force Return of 397 Billion Won in Election Funds The first-instance verdict for Yoon Suk Yeol, charged with disseminating false information during his presidential campaign, is set to be announced today. If he is convicted of a fine exceeding 1 million won, the People Power Party will be required to return approximately 397 billion won in election funds received during the campaign, drawing significant attention from the legal and political communities.The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 21, presided over by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, will hold the verdict hearing at 2 p.m. The court has accepted requests from media outlets for live coverage, meaning the verdict will be broadcast in real-time on television and online.Yoon is accused of stating during a December 2021 discussion at the Kwanhun Club that he had never introduced a lawyer to Yoon Woo-jin, the former head of the Yongsan Tax Office, and claiming in January 2022 that he had been introduced to Jeon Seong-bae by party officials and had never met Kim Geon-hee. He was indicted last December.The special prosecutor's team, led by Min Jung-ki, has investigated these allegations and concluded that Yoon did indeed introduce a lawyer to Yoon and had maintained a relationship with Jeon for over ten years after being introduced by Kim.During the closing arguments last month, the special prosecutor's team argued that Yoon's dissemination of false information gave him an advantage in the election, seeking a two-year prison sentence. In contrast, Yoon's defense team contended that he merely answered questions based on his memory and did not intentionally spread falsehoods.Under the Public Election Act, if Yoon is convicted of a fine exceeding 1 million won, the People Power Party will have to return the 397 billion won in election funds received from the National Election Commission.As of February, the People Power Party's total assets were reported to exceed approximately 130 billion won, and returning 397 billion won would significantly impact the party's finances, potentially affecting its future viability.Meanwhile, the appeals trial for Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who are charged with sending drones to Pyongyang to build a justification for the December 3 coup, will begin on the 29th. The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 1, led by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, will hold the first hearing in the morning. However, the trial will be conducted behind closed doors to protect military secrets. The first-instance court had previously sentenced Yoon and Kim to 30 years in prison each.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 10:40:00
  • Kia to hire engineers in large-scale recruitment drive next month
    Kia to hire engineers in large-scale recruitment drive next month SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - Kia will launch a large-scale recruitment drive to hire engineers for the second half of this year, the automaker said on Monday. Those interested can apply for a two-week period starting from Aug. 10. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but there are no age or gender restrictions. Kia said it revamped its criteria for evaluating engineering candidates for the first time since 2014 to reflect changes in the manufacturing industry including electrification and digital transformation. The new criteria focus on three qualities: expertise, growth potential and trustworthiness, it added. The automaker also said it is looking for engineers with strong problem-solving skills, adaptability and collaboration abilities, qualities it says will be essential at future manufacturing sites. "We want to hire engineers with strong potential and technical capabilities to strengthen our competitiveness in future mobility," a Kia spokesman said. More details about the upcoming hiring process are available on Kia's website. 2026-07-27 10:30:55
  • Tariffs shouldnt define Korea-U.S. partnership: AMCHAM chief
    Tariffs shouldn't define Korea-U.S. partnership: AMCHAM chief SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - A fresh round of U.S. tariffs may cloud the Korea-U.S. economic relationship, but they should not define one of the world's deepest strategic business partnerships, according to James Kim, Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. With Seoul and Washington seeking closer cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing, Kim argued that sustained dialogue—not escalating trade measures—offers the best way to resolve disputes. "Direct engagement and constructive dialogue offer the best path to resolving complex trade issues," Kim said in an interview with AJP at AMCHAM Korea's office in Seoul. "Prolonged trade disputes or escalating trade measures can create unintended consequences for companies, workers, consumers and investors on both sides." Korean companies have become among the largest foreign investors in the United States across semiconductors, batteries, energy and manufacturing, while American companies increasingly view Korea as a strategic technology and production partner rather than simply a consumer market. Bilateral goods trade reached an estimated $194 billion in 2025, while the United States recorded an $11.3 billion surplus in services trade. "The U.S.-Korea economic relationship is broader, deeper and more strategic than at any point in its history," Kim said. "Our economies are deeply integrated, our supply chains are increasingly interconnected, and our companies are creating value together across a much broader range of strategic sectors." That integration also means tariffs rarely stop at the border. Higher costs on Korean components ripple through American factories, investors and consumers, while prolonged uncertainty delays decisions on new factories, research centers and regional headquarters. "Trade frictions rarely affect only one side," Kim said. "The impact would be felt not only by Korean exporters, but also by American companies operating in Korea." Rather than focusing on individual trade disputes, Kim urged policymakers to keep sight of the broader partnership spanning AI, defense, energy, biotechnology, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing. "The goal should not be to determine who wins a trade dispute," he said. "It should be to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of both economies." Kim also expects bilateral communication to improve with Michelle Steel expected to arrive in Seoul as the first resident U.S. ambassador since Philip Goldberg departed in early 2025. Turning dialogue into access AMCHAM has increasingly positioned itself as a practical bridge between governments and businesses. Its annual Washington Doorknock program brings corporate leaders to meet U.S. administration officials and lawmakers. This year it expanded the initiative with K-Doorknock, giving Korean companies investing in America direct access to senior U.S. policymakers. From July 13 to 16, an 11-company delegation led by Kim held more than 30 meetings with White House officials, members of Congress, business organizations and policy institutions covering AI, semiconductors, shipbuilding, economic security and advanced manufacturing. "Our role is not to determine policy outcomes," Kim said. "Our role is to help ensure governments and businesses stay connected, communicate openly and work through issues before they become larger challenges." Early engagement is particularly valuable in disputes involving tariffs, digital regulation and national security, where policy misunderstandings can quickly escalate. "Many trade issues become more manageable when there is early engagement and a clear understanding of business realities," Kim said. Korea has strengths—but competition is intensifying Kim remains optimistic about Korea's long-term investment appeal, citing its skilled workforce, advanced digital infrastructure and globally competitive industrial base. "Korea is one of the world's most sophisticated and innovative economies," he said. Yet AMCHAM's 2026 Business Environment Survey also suggests Korea cannot afford to stand still. Korea slipped from second to third among preferred Asia-Pacific regional headquarters locations, behind Singapore and Hong Kong. Nearly 69 percent of respondents described the regulatory environment as restrictive or very restrictive. Kim views the findings as a roadmap rather than a setback. "The question today is not whether Korea is competitive, but how it can become even more competitive," he said. AMCHAM members identified labor-market flexibility, internationally aligned regulations and greater legal certainty as the top priorities for reform. "For businesses making long-term investment decisions, confidence in the policy environment is just as important as confidence in the market itself," Kim said. AI leadership requires global cooperation Kim believes artificial intelligence presents Korea's greatest opportunity. "Korea is exceptionally well positioned to become one of the world's leading AI economies," he said. "Few countries possess such a strong combination of technological capability, industrial depth and digital readiness." AMCHAM reinforced that message through its AI Forum earlier this month, where it launched the AMCHAM AI Leadership Council to promote cooperation on AI infrastructure, cross-border data flows, semiconductor supply chains and talent mobility. Kim also dismissed the notion that "sovereign AI" requires technological self-sufficiency. "The strongest AI ecosystems will combine robust domestic capabilities with open international collaboration," he said. That message comes as Washington continues to raise concerns over Korean proposals affecting digital platforms, cloud services and cross-border data transfers. Kim argued that regulation and innovation should reinforce—not undermine—each other. "I do not see fair competition and innovation as an either-or choice," he said. "A healthy digital economy depends on both." From trade to long-term investment Beyond trade, AMCHAM is working with both governments to translate ambitious investment commitments into tangible projects. Following Seoul's pledge to invest $350 billion in the United States under the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment Deal, AMCHAM has supported implementation through initiatives such as K-Doorknock, Buy America and its Doing Business in the U.S. Seminar. For Kim, those efforts reflect the evolution of the bilateral relationship. "My message would be simple: continue investing in the partnership," he said. "The U.S.-Korea relationship is one of the world's strongest and most dynamic economic partnerships. Today, our two countries are not only important trading partners, but also strategic partners in AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, biotechnology and the industries that will shape the future." Kim, a former chief executive of GM Korea and former president of Microsoft Korea, said AMCHAM will continue serving as "a trusted bridge" between the two governments and business communities as economic ties grow increasingly strategic. 2026-07-27 10:29:56