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Exploring Choices in 'Dead Poets Society' Stage Adaptation On July 21, a press call for the play 'Dead Poets Society' was held at NOL Theater in Daehangno, Seoul, where cast members demonstrated key scenes. "Both Nolan and Keating are important. Their roles change depending on the situation and events," said director Jo Kwang-hwa. This statement may be hard for fans of the 1989 film adaptation to accept, as Keating, who taught freedom, is seen as a captain, while Principal Nolan, who emphasized discipline, symbolizes authority. However, Jo does not divide the two characters into good and evil. He believes that everyone possesses both Keating's and Nolan's traits. He stated, "The essence of this work is to live your life by your own choices. It’s not about avoiding medicine or law; what matters is whether the path you take is your own choice." The stage adaptation, based on the film, focuses on the iconic phrase 'Carpe Diem' and the fundamental questions the work raises. In a reality that pressures students toward exams and social success, teacher John Keating encourages students to write their own 'poetry' rather than conforming to others' expectations. In contrast, Principal Nolan prioritizes discipline and achievement, presenting admission to prestigious universities as the standard for a successful life. Jo does not interpret their relationship as a simple conflict. He warns that while Keating tells students to 'live your life,' he does not mean to destroy it. "Schools symbolize oppression and discipline, but they also provide golden opportunities. It is because of principals like Nolan that many students can attend Ivy League schools, which is also a significant value," he explained. He emphasized that both medicine and law, as well as dreams and romance, are important, but ultimately, what matters is whether one follows a path of their own choosing. Jo also clarified that the work should not be read solely as a critique of South Korea's educational reality. He explained, "In schools, there are teachers and students, and in society, there are bosses and new employees. The military has seniors and juniors, and in life, there are those who have walked the path before us." He described the play as addressing universal relationships between people. Park Ji-il, who plays both Principal Nolan and Neil's father, Perry, in a dual role, also finds the message of the play in human relationships. Both characters love their students and children but impose their beliefs about the right way to live onto them. Park stated, "Their ways of loving lack compassion, dignity, and subjectivity. This work makes us reflect on how much we care for and respect those around us." Rather than designing others' lives, the goal is to support them in finding their own paths. Cha In-pyo, who plays Keating in a triple cast, interprets Keating as someone who embodies this approach. "Regardless of age, we all dream of change and want to break free from constraints. If we are alive, we all have such hopes. I aim to portray Keating as a colleague who reminds us that it is okay to have such hopes and that there are many frameworks in the world," he said. The play will run until September 13 at NOL Theater in Daehangno.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 19:00:00
South Korea's Economic Team Marks One Year with Growth and Inflation Management As South Korea's economic team, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, marks its first anniversary, key achievements include economic recovery and inflation stabilization. However, analysts note that the growth is heavily reliant on the semiconductor boom, and the ability to adjust policies following the reorganization of economic ministries remains a challenge.According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 21, the government implemented policies to stimulate consumption and stabilize livelihoods in response to economic contraction caused by the initial martial law and increased external uncertainties. By distributing consumer recovery coupons and expanding fiscal spending, the government supported domestic demand, resulting in a 3.6% economic growth rate in the first quarter of this year. This growth rate is the highest among major OECD countries, with a quarter-on-quarter increase of 1.7%.The government also assessed that the recovery in growth has improved its tax revenue base. The increase in corporate performance due to the recovery in growth has led to higher tax revenues, thereby expanding fiscal capacity. Domestic research institutions and foreign investment banks have subsequently revised their growth forecasts for this year upward, projecting a mid-2% range.Managing consumer prices has also been highlighted as a significant achievement. The government implemented a maximum price system for oil for the first time in 29 years and reduced fuel taxes, which helped lower the rate of consumer price increases. The government analyzed that this led to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in consumer prices in March and a 1.2 percentage point decrease in April.Additionally, a special task force led by the Deputy Prime Minister focused on managing essential living costs, including school uniforms, management fees, academy fees, and communication expenses. As a result, prices for certain processed foods, such as cooking oil, flour, and sugar, have shown a downward trend.Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to present a '3-4-5 Vision' for the second half of the year, aiming for a potential growth rate of 3%, becoming the world's fourth-largest exporter, and achieving a national income of $50,000. The government has identified semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, and physical AI as three major mega-projects to secure future growth drivers and enhance industrial competitiveness.However, there are significant challenges ahead regarding economic policy. Concerns have been raised that this year's growth improvement is largely attributed to the strong performance of semiconductor exports rather than the effectiveness of government policies. There are fears that a slowdown in the semiconductor market could weaken growth again.Unresolved issues such as high exchange rates and instability in the real estate market are also seen as potential risks. Fluctuations in raw material prices and exchange rates may increase due to changes in international circumstances, and ongoing regional disparities and price instability in the real estate market could hinder economic recovery.The ability to coordinate policies following the reorganization of economic ministries will also be a key factor in future performance. There have been ongoing concerns that the separation of the Ministry of Economy and Finance into the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Budget has weakened policy connectivity. Therefore, how effectively Deputy Prime Minister Koo can coordinate policies between ministries will likely be a major evaluation criterion for the economic team in its second year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:52:00
Kim Jeong-gwan Leads Trade Negotiations and Export Records Amid Economic Challenges Kim Jeong-gwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, has focused on reducing external uncertainties over the past year, responding to U.S. tariff pressures and the energy supply crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. This effort coincided with a boom in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, leading to record exports.According to relevant ministries on July 21, Minister Kim took the lead in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations shortly after taking office last year. During this process, he held several face-to-face and virtual meetings with his counterpart, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. A notable moment in the negotiations occurred when Secretary Raimondo traveled from Washington, D.C., to New York and then to Scotland, before returning to the U.S., marking a pivotal point in the last-minute talks.As a result of the negotiations, the U.S. agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs applicable to South Korea and reduced the Section 232 tariffs on automobiles and parts to 15%. The agreement also ensured that South Korea would not face unfavorable treatment compared to major competitors regarding future semiconductor tariffs. This significantly alleviated uncertainties for South Korean exporters.With the reduction of tariff uncertainties and the AI semiconductor boom, exports have reached new heights. Last month, South Korea's monthly export figures surpassed $100 billion for the first time, with first-half export performance nearing $50 billion. If the current trend continues, annual exports are projected to exceed $1 trillion for the first time.In response to the energy crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict, the government has managed to maintain relative stability. In light of the U.S.-Iran tensions and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, efforts have focused on securing alternative crude oil supplies. The government introduced a strategic oil swap to supply its reserves first when private companies confirm alternative oil shipments, and implemented a maximum price system for petroleum products to stabilize supply and demand.The M.AX initiative, touted as a future growth driver for South Korea, is expanding beyond its initial participation phase into investment and commercialization. Launched in September last year by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in collaboration with over 1,000 companies, universities, and research institutions, the M.AX Alliance now includes more than 1,300 participants. This month, the Ministry and the Financial Services Commission also initiated the 'M.AX Frontier Project.'However, addressing export concentration remains a challenge. With semiconductors accounting for nearly 40% of total exports, any downturn in AI investment or memory market conditions could destabilize overall export performance.Connecting the $350 billion strategic investment in the U.S. to actual business operations is expected to influence the second-year results. It is crucial to ensure that the first investment projects secure commercial viability and the potential for principal and interest recovery, leading to domestic companies winning contracts and entering supply chains. Responding to additional U.S. tariffs and non-tariff barriers also remains a task ahead.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:52:00
Economic Growth Driven by Semiconductors Amid Inflation and Employment Challenges The economic team of President Lee Jae-myung marks its first anniversary, with evaluations indicating a sharp rebound in growth and export figures, largely driven by strong semiconductor exports. However, persistent high inflation, currency fluctuations, and employment challenges remain significant hurdles in translating these improvements into tangible economic recovery for the public.According to relevant ministries, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan held their inauguration ceremonies on July 21 last year, officially commencing their duties. Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan followed suit on July 22, and Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon took office on July 24.The first economic team faced numerous challenges amid domestic and international uncertainties, particularly due to prolonged domestic sluggishness and increasing tariff uncertainties from the United States. Concerns grew that the annual growth rate could remain around 0% after experiencing negative growth in the first quarter of last year.However, the government focused on economic recovery through supplementary budgets, increased investment in advanced industries, and export support. The surge in exports, particularly in semiconductors, fueled by expanded artificial intelligence (AI) investments, led to a notable improvement in the economic performance indicators.South Korea's real GDP growth rate was 1.0% last year, but it rebounded with a 1.8% growth in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter, largely due to increased exports in information technology (IT) products, including semiconductors. Reflecting this trend, the government recently revised its growth forecast for this year from 2.0% to 3.0%, an increase of one percentage point.Exports have been the key driver of economic recovery. According to the Korea Customs Service, last year's exports reached $709.47 billion, surpassing the $700 billion mark for the first time. In the first half of this year, exports also recorded a 48.3% increase year-on-year, totaling $496.35 billion, with semiconductor exports alone surging over 160% in the same period.However, the growth led by semiconductors has sparked debate, as the semiconductor sector accounted for nearly 40% of total exports in the first half of this year, indicating a concentration of growth in specific sectors. This has resulted in a lack of sufficient spillover effects on employment and overall domestic demand.Last month, the number of employed individuals increased by only 63,000 compared to a year earlier. Employment in the manufacturing sector decreased by 97,000, marking a 24-month consecutive decline, while the youth employment rate has shrunk for 26 months. In contrast, employment for those aged 60 and over increased by 211,000, raising concerns about the quality of jobs.Inflation and currency pressures remain significant. The consumer price index in June rose by 3.2% compared to a year earlier, marking the second consecutive month above 3%. The living cost index, which closely reflects consumer sentiment, increased by 3.4%, outpacing the overall inflation rate. Although the won-dollar exchange rate has stabilized slightly, it continues to hover around 1,470 to 1,480 won, exacerbating import prices and cost burdens for businesses.As the economic team enters its second year, its primary challenge will be to broaden the semiconductor-driven 'K-shaped recovery' to encompass domestic demand, regional development, small and medium-sized enterprises, and job creation. While the first year laid the groundwork for economic recovery, the focus now shifts to fostering growth across the economy through domestic demand and employment recovery, as well as investment outside the capital region.The government is expected to intensify its efforts on three major projects: semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers. Achieving this will require attracting significant private investment and ensuring the provision of essential infrastructure, including power supply, water resources, and suitable locations. Additionally, the government must manage external pressures such as U.S. tariff policies, high oil prices from the Middle East, currency fluctuations, real estate instability, and fiscal burdens.President Lee Jae-myung emphasized during a Cabinet meeting at the Blue House that now is the time to accelerate government initiatives as the administration enters its second year. He stated, "The first year was a preparatory phase, and now we must move forward with greater urgency in governance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:48:00
Bond Yields Rise Following Rate Hike, Increasing Loan Costs in Second Half Government bond yields in South Korea continue to rise, reflecting the Bank of Korea's shift to a tightening cycle and expectations for further interest rate hikes. This increase is expected to push loan interest rates into a significant upward trend in the second half of the year. As the central bank raises rates and the government maintains its stance on managing household debt, the financial burden on borrowers is likely to grow.According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, the yield on three-year government bonds closed at 3.867% on July 21, up 93.2 basis points from the end of last year (2.935%). Similarly, the yield on ten-year government bonds rose from 3.385% to 4.328%, an increase of 94.3 basis points during the same period.This rise in government bond yields has been driven by geopolitical risks in the Middle East, inflation concerns, and expectations of interest rate hikes. Notably, the Bank of Korea raised its benchmark rate from 2.50% to 2.75% on July 16 and hinted at the possibility of further increases, intensifying upward pressure on bond yields.The increase in market interest rates raises banks' funding costs, which in turn leads to higher loan interest rates. For instance, the yield on one-year bank bonds (AAA, unsecured) rose from 2.816% at the end of last year to 3.737% recently, an increase of 92.1 basis points. The one-year bank bond yield is a key indicator of banks' short-term funding costs, and rising costs can exert upward pressure on loan reference rates such as the COFIX.The key reference rate for mixed-rate (fixed-rate) mortgage loans, the five-year bank bond yield, also increased from 3.495% at the end of last year to 4.480%, while the three-year bank bond yield rose from 3.205% to 4.258%, a jump of 105.3 basis points.Loan interest rates are showing signs of rising again. According to the Bank of Korea, the interest rate on new household loans from deposit banks fell from 4.51% in March to 4.43% in April but rebounded to 4.46% in May. As market interest rates continue to rise and the benchmark rate is increased, upward pressure on loan interest rates is expected to intensify.In this context, the burden on borrowers is anticipated to increase. As of the end of May, the proportion of variable-rate loans among household loans was 75.4%, with variable-rate mortgages making up 58.4%. Variable-rate loans are structured to reflect changes in reference rates like COFIX relatively quickly, meaning that if the trend of rising benchmark rates continues, borrowers with variable rates are likely to face increased interest burdens.It is also expected that banks will raise their lending thresholds. The Bank of Korea indicated that the comprehensive index of banks' lending attitudes is projected to drop to -7 in the third quarter, down from -1 in the first quarter and -2 in the second quarter. A negative lending attitude index indicates a tightening of lending criteria. The index for household mortgage loans is expected to be -14, while the index for general household loans is projected at -11, with household credit risk remaining high. The Bank of Korea analyzed that the deterioration of repayment capacity among vulnerable borrowers and the government's household debt management policy will influence banks' tightening of lending standards.As loan interest rates rise and lending criteria tighten, the demand for funds among borrowers is expected to persist, while the conditions for securing funds will become increasingly challenging. The survey indicated that despite the tightening of lending standards, demand for credit loans for living expenses and stock market investments is expected to continue. In contrast, housing-related loans are projected to decline due to increased regulations and rising interest rates.Market analysts believe that the upward trend in bond yields will likely continue for the time being due to the shift to a tightening cycle. Hana Securities stated that if the second-quarter economic growth rate hovers around 0.4% compared to the previous quarter, there is a strong possibility that the Bank of Korea will implement consecutive interest rate hikes in August. Park Jun-woo, a researcher at Hana Securities, noted, "If expectations for further interest rate hikes persist, the yields on three-year and ten-year government bonds by the end of the year could rise to levels 10 to 20 basis points higher than the previous forecasts of 4.0% and 4.3%, respectively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:48:00
South Korea's Climate and Energy Minister Kim Sung-hwan Leads Integrated Policy Efforts South Korea's Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, Kim Sung-hwan, is entering the second year of his tenure leading the climate and energy team. He is credited with establishing a policy foundation through the launch of the integrated climate ministry, which combines climate, environmental, and energy functions.In this second year, the implementation of policies is expected to face significant challenges. Key tasks include the establishment of the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, expansion of renewable energy, and ensuring the supply of electricity and water for semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.According to government sources, Kim was appointed as Minister of Environment on July 22, 2025, and became the first Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment following a government reorganization on October 1 of the same year. He led the establishment of a system that consolidates climate, environmental, and energy policies under one ministry and transferred the climate response fund organization from the Ministry of Economy and Finance to facilitate the ministry's launch.Since its inception, the ministry has focused on clarifying the direction of carbon neutrality policies. At the end of last year, it confirmed a national greenhouse gas reduction target (NDC) for 2035, aiming for a 53-61% reduction compared to 2018 levels, and proposed sector-specific reduction strategies, including the expansion of paid emissions allowances in the power sector.In the energy sector, the ministry set a goal of deploying 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and plans to establish a 'Korean Green Transition (K-GX) Strategy' within the year. Efforts are also underway to build energy highways and expand renewable energy systems.To support three major mega-projects, including semiconductor and AI data centers, the ministry is accelerating the construction of transmission lines and substations and is working to expand the power grid in a timely manner. Various measures are being considered to secure industrial water, including the construction of new dams, raising existing dams, utilizing surplus water resources, and supplying recycled wastewater.The government is pursuing an energy mix that considers both the expansion of renewable energy and stable power supply. The 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand will include consultations with experts and public discussions regarding the introduction of new nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs).Discussions on restructuring the functions of public power companies have also begun. The ministry has initiated talks to redefine the roles of the five major power companies in line with energy transition goals and plans to establish a restructuring plan by the end of the year.However, there are several challenges to address in the implementation of these policies. It is essential to resolve issues related to community acceptance of transmission network construction and system saturation, and to ensure timely supply of power and industrial water in line with the operational schedules of semiconductor national advanced industrial complexes and AI data centers. The 12th Basic Plan must also determine the appropriate balance between nuclear power and renewable energy, while addressing the need for realistic electricity and water rates and improving the financial structure of Korea Electric Power Corporation.In a recent interview with Aju Economy, Minister Kim emphasized, "Environment, industry, and energy are no longer opposing concepts but fields that must progress together," and stated, "We will achieve tangible results in green transition based on the consistency of climate and energy policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:48:00
Interest Rate Hikes Raise Concerns for Vulnerable Borrowers 한국은행이 기준금리 인상 기조로 전환한 데 이어 하반기 추가 금리 인상 가능성까지 높아지면서 저소득·저신용 차주를 중심으로 이자 부담이 확대될 것이라는 우려가 커지고 있다. 코로나19 이후 취약 부문의 부실이 충분히 해소되지 않은 상황에서 대출금리 상승이 이어지면 상환 부담이 한층 커질 수 있다는 분석이다.According to the Bank of Korea, the delinquency rate for household loans rose to 1.00% in the first quarter of this year, up from 0.92% in the fourth quarter of last year. While the overall delinquency rate remains within long-term averages, the central bank has noted signs of deteriorating financial health among vulnerable borrowers.The proportion of vulnerable borrowers, defined as low-income and low-credit households and self-employed individuals, increased from 6.4% at the end of the third quarter of last year to 6.7% at the end of the first quarter of this year. These borrowers, who typically have low income and credit scores and often hold debts from multiple financial institutions, are expected to be most affected by rising interest rates.Market analysts believe there is a high likelihood that the Bank of Korea will raise the benchmark interest rate at least once more this year. As the benchmark rate increases, it will eventually be reflected in loan rates, further increasing the repayment burden for vulnerable borrowers.In fact, rising interest rates directly lead to increased interest burdens for borrowers. According to data submitted by the Bank of Korea to lawmaker Lee Jong-wook of the People Power Party, a 0.25 percentage point increase in mortgage rates is estimated to raise the annual interest burden for all borrowers by approximately 1.8 trillion won. This translates to an additional burden of about 296,000 won per borrower annually. If further rate hikes occur, the interest burden could increase even more.The burden on vulnerable groups is already evident in statistics. According to the National Data Agency's household trend survey, the average monthly interest cost for all households in the first quarter of this year was 136,515 won, a 6.6% increase from the same period last year. In contrast, the interest costs for the lowest income 20% of households rose by 23.9% during the same period, more than three times the overall average increase. This indicates that the impact of rising interest rates is disproportionately affecting low-income households.Experts warn that if the tightening of monetary policy continues for an extended period, the repayment capacity of vulnerable borrowers could deteriorate rapidly. If income growth does not keep pace with rising interest burdens, delinquencies may increase, which could also pose risks to the financial sector's stability.Kim Sang-bong, a professor of economics at Hansung University, stated, "Market interest rates are already at a high level. If the benchmark rate is raised two more times, the repayment burden for vulnerable borrowers could increase sharply."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 18:48:00
Construction of Samsung's P5 fab presses on despite poor weather SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Construction of the P5 semiconductor fabrication plant continues at Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek campus in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on July 21, 2026. 2026-07-21 18:28:29
Increasing Role of Special Envoys in South Korea's Evolving Diplomacy As competition intensifies among nations over semiconductor and battery supply chains, defense exports, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals, the nature of diplomacy is rapidly changing. While traditional diplomacy focused on managing inter-state relations and formal negotiations, today’s overseas missions have evolved into complex forward bases that support market entry for domestic companies, identify supply chain disruptions, back large contracts, and ensure the safety of citizens abroad during wars and disasters.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has long operated meetings for economic security officers at overseas missions, emphasizing collaboration with local businesses and relevant organizations to resolve corporate challenges. In this context, Aju Economy examines the current status of domestic and international envoys to highlight the roles and significance of overseas missions. The increasing appointment of special envoys for specific diplomatic tasks is attributed to the changing dynamics of diplomacy. There is a growing trend of appointing private sector experts as special envoys abroad.According to Aju Economy's comprehensive reporting on July 21, diplomatic authorities are currently employing a strategy to secure key missions in areas such as defense, beauty and cosmetics, food, and nuclear energy. They are also focusing on enhancing the economic diplomacy function of overseas missions by transforming them into forward bases for exports and contracts.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself emphasized in a report last December that it would innovate the roles of overseas missions. It plans to designate specialized missions in areas such as cultural public diplomacy, export contracts, science and technology, and development cooperation. Earlier, in 2024, the ministry announced its goal to enhance expertise and expand openness by increasing the recruitment of diverse external personnel from various sectors. This has led to a rise in the deployment of special envoys tailored to the specific missions of each overseas mission.In this regard, Kim Jun-hyung, acting representative of the Justice Innovation Party and former head of the National Diplomatic Academy, explained in a conversation with Aju Economy, "In the past, when there were few summits, ambassadors played a larger role as professional diplomats representing the country in direct contacts. However, nowadays, direct summits are more common, expanding the public diplomatic character of these roles."As national leaders communicate directly to make significant policy decisions, it becomes strategically viable to send individuals who symbolize the country or possess strong local networks and infrastructure as heads of missions. However, he argues that even in such cases, appointments should be reasonable, with strong connections to the local area or recognized expertise.Lee Shin-hwa, a professor of political science and diplomacy at Korea University, positively assessed that special envoys who share the president's national philosophy can effectively and swiftly advance key diplomatic policies in the field.Professor Lee stated, "While traditional diplomats perform well, in specific areas such as defense, culture, and economics, the expertise and personal connections of private sector or other government professionals may surpass those of diplomats. The special envoy system is significant in terms of accommodating external expertise and breaking down the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 'pure blood' mentality."However, some express concerns that the special envoy system may be misused for patronage appointments, deviating from its intended purpose. Additionally, there are recommendations to simultaneously enhance the capabilities of diplomats while expanding the special envoy program to increase the pool of talent available for overseas missions. Given the ongoing global 'trade war,' the importance of diplomacy is growing, necessitating the development of diverse candidates for envoy positions.Kim Gun, a lawmaker from the People Power Party and a former diplomat, agrees on the need for strategic judgment in sending experts as special envoys but expressed concern, stating, "There is widespread public skepticism about whether some special envoys can effectively conduct diplomacy."In this context, Kim recently proposed a 'prevention of parachute appointments for envoys' law. He explained in a conversation with Aju Economy, "The aim is to submit materials related to the selection criteria and procedures for special envoys to the standing committee and to verify appointments of special envoys to important missions through a confirmation hearing in the National Assembly."Professor Lee also pointed out that appointing special envoys through patronage or alignment with specific codes could be problematic. He emphasized, "We cannot overlook the importance of experience on the diplomatic stage and the corresponding international networks. Non-experts or envoys who lack proficiency in English may struggle to respond effectively to economic security crises amid complex international circumstances."He added, "Discussions should also focus on revitalizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that capable diplomats can utilize their expertise. If we only rely on external expertise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is becoming increasingly important, may inevitably diminish." 2026-07-21 18:28:00
Construction of Samsung's P5 fab presses on despite poor weather SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Construction of the P5 semiconductor fabrication plant continues at Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek campus in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on July 21, 2026. 2026-07-21 18:27:28