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Korea's big chip week begins as SK hynix, Samsung face AI boom reality check SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korea's technology sector enters its most closely watched week of the earnings season as memory giant SK hynix reports second-quarter results on Wednesday, followed by Samsung Electronics' full earnings on Thursday, with investors looking beyond record profits for clues on whether the AI-driven semiconductor boom still has room to run. The two companies now sit at the center of the global AI infrastructure cycle, and their earnings conference calls are expected to shape investor sentiment toward semiconductor stocks worldwide as markets debate whether the industry's extraordinary profitability has further upside or is approaching its peak. Consensus forecasts compiled from 14 domestic brokerages project SK hynix will post record quarterly revenue of 84.1 trillion won ($60.7 billion) and operating profit of 64.1 trillion won, extending the unprecedented earnings surge driven by high-bandwidth memory (HBM), AI DRAM and enterprise solid-state drives. If realized, SK hynix's quarterly operating profit alone would exceed the company's entire 2025 annual operating profit of 47.2 trillion won by nearly 17 trillion won. Combined with first-quarter operating profit of 37.6 trillion won, the chipmaker would surpass 100 trillion won in operating profit during the first half of this year. Samsung Electronics, which earlier this month reported preliminary second-quarter operating profit of 89.4 trillion won on revenue of 171 trillion won, is expected to disclose detailed divisional results on July 30. Investors will focus on the performance of its Device Solutions semiconductor division and management's outlook for AI memory demand. Should SK hynix meet market expectations, the combined second-quarter operating profit of the two Korean chipmakers would exceed 150 trillion won, underscoring the industry's dominant role in powering the AI investment cycle. Analysts attribute the record earnings to the extension of the memory supercycle that began in the second half of last year. HBM shipments continued to expand during the April-June period while conventional DRAM prices remained firm. Strong capital spending by North American cloud service providers on AI data centers also lifted demand for enterprise SSDs, supporting a recovery in NAND flash prices. "The expansion of HBM production will continue to limit supply of conventional memory products," said Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities. "Long-term supply agreements are increasing, and sales to global big tech companies and AI data centers are expected to account for around 70 percent of revenue." The earnings boom has also pushed profitability to levels rarely seen in manufacturing. Brokerages estimate SK hynix's second-quarter operating margin at 75 to 77 percent, up from 72 percent in the previous quarter, meaning the company would generate more than 7,500 won in operating profit for every 10,000 won of products sold. If achieved, SK hynix would outperform Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in operating margin for a third consecutive quarter. TSMC, widely regarded as one of the semiconductor industry's most profitable companies, reported a 60.3 percent operating margin for the second quarter. SK hynix first surpassed TSMC in profitability in the fourth quarter of last year, posting a 58 percent operating margin compared with TSMC's 54 percent. The gap is expected to widen to as much as 15 to 17 percentage points this quarter. The company's balance sheet has strengthened alongside its earnings. SK hynix returned to a net cash position in the third quarter of last year for the first time since 2019 and expanded net cash holdings to 35 trillion won at the end of the first quarter. Analysts expect cash reserves to increase further after another quarter of record earnings. Despite the blockbuster numbers, investors are expected to focus less on the reported results than on management's outlook for the second half. Key questions include whether HBM supply can keep pace with surging AI demand, whether pricing power in conventional memory can be sustained, how quickly major cloud providers will expand AI infrastructure spending, and whether the current AI investment cycle is entering a more mature phase. With semiconductor stocks accounting for a substantial share of South Korea's benchmark indexes, the guidance from SK hynix and Samsung Electronics next week will likely to influence not only domestic equities but also broader sentiment across global AI-related technology stocks. 2026-07-26 13:21:50 -
Jung Cheong-rae Calls for Investigation into Shincheonji Allegations Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, has urged the party to thoroughly investigate allegations of Shincheonji involvement that have emerged within the party.In a Facebook post on the 26th, Jung stated, "These allegations lack accurate evidence based on the six-question principle." He emphasized that such claims could potentially bankrupt the party and called for severe disciplinary measures to restore order.He added, "It seems that this party convention will turn into a negative event due to the 'Shincheonji controversy.' The individual who has thrown the party into chaos should apologize to the members, and I await the party's serious action."Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok recently raised allegations regarding Shincheonji's involvement. Jung's camp has labeled these claims as fake news and has threatened legal action. Kim maintains that his comments were not aimed at any specific candidate but were intended to highlight issues within the party.Alongside Jung and Kim, Song Young-gil has also advanced to the final round of the party convention. Candidates Go Min-jeong and Kim Bo-mi, who advocated for generational change, were cut off.This party convention has thus narrowed down to a contest between factions loyal to former leaders and those aligned with the current leadership. The winner will be determined through a preferential voting system without a runoff.On the same day, Jung appealed for support on Facebook, stating, "This time, the party's will shall prevail. The 1.6 million eligible party members will overcome 160 lawmakers. Party members have the weapon of one vote each." 2026-07-26 13:20:00 -
President Lee and First Lady Visit San Francisco's Pier 39, Engage with Visitors President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited Pier 39 in San Francisco on July 25, meeting local residents and tourists from around the world. Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong stated in a written briefing that the couple took time to greet and interact with citizens and visitors at Pier 39. Pier 39 is a mixed-use cultural and commercial space that features a sea lion habitat, restaurants, shops, and street performances. It is regarded as a model of urban regeneration, transforming a former industrial pier into a tourist attraction, drawing approximately 15 million visitors annually. During the busy weekend at Pier 39, the presidential couple received insights from Im Jeong-taek, the Consul General in San Francisco, about the urban regeneration process and local marine ecology. After exploring the shops and street scenes, the couple moved to the waterfront to observe sea lions resting on rocks and floating docks. As they appeared, they were greeted with shouts of “Welcome” and “Nice to meet you.” Visitors called out “Mr. President” and “South Korea’s President,” with some even greeting them in Korean. The couple waved back, exchanged handshakes and high-fives, and readily posed for photos, asking visitors where they were from and what brought them to San Francisco. One foreign tourist expressed interest in Korea, mentioning that her daughter hopes to study there. The couple happily took a photo with her and greeted other tourists who identified themselves as being from Korea. After their visit to Pier 39, the couple moved to Scoma's, a long-established restaurant in San Francisco, where they enjoyed local dishes such as clam chowder and pasta, wrapping up their U.S. visit. Deputy Spokesperson Ahn noted, “This visit was designed to step away from formal official events and naturally engage with local citizens and directly communicate with tourists from around the world,” adding that the warm reception from citizens and the couple's responses deepened the friendship between the two nations. 2026-07-26 12:56:00
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South Korea and U.S. Tech Giants Form $1.4 Trillion AI Alliance The announcement of a $1.4 trillion semiconductor and AI alliance between South Korean and U.S. tech giants is a welcome development for South Korea's struggling economy. Major South Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver, have secured significant investments by partnering with global tech leaders like NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Anthropic. This achievement is attributed to a combination of advanced technology, fierce survival efforts from the private sector, and government support. As the global tech power struggle intensifies, South Korea has demonstrated its role as a key player in the global AI supply chain, moving beyond being merely a semiconductor supplier. Notably, the government and President Lee Jae-myung have pledged to act as a strong 'administrative accelerator' to support this massive opportunity created by the private sector. President Lee emphasized that he would ensure the swift processing of administrative procedures and national support in line with the companies' large-scale collaboration plans. When global tech leaders requested expedited approvals and rapid policy implementation, the President responded, "When it comes to administration, speed is always my top priority." This statement is crucial, as the greatest fear for global tech companies is not the absence of technology but delays in time. The commitment from the highest levels of government to prioritize administrative speed has alleviated uncertainties for businesses. The key now is 'execution.' To ensure that the long-term cooperation and investment promises, amounting to 1.4 trillion won, do not remain mere flashy events, a 'public-private one team' system must be operational. The government must immediately implement comprehensive support measures, including a fast-track for AI data center approvals, securing a stable power grid, and easing regulations to build a physical AI reference platform. Companies must also make bold technology investments and expand the domestic ecosystem to ensure these achievements benefit small and startup businesses across the industry. The success of the tech power era cannot be determined by companies or the government alone. The combination of businesses creating opportunities and the government backing them with innovative administration and policies is the ultimate weapon to dominate the global market. Additionally, addressing the chronic issues in the labor market remains a challenge. While focusing solely on growth is problematic, it is equally important not to neglect future investment potential by concentrating only on distribution. The public-private collaboration model showcased at the recent South Korea-U.S. AI summit could mark a turning point for the South Korean economy, transforming it from a fast follower to a first mover. It is hoped that this case, combining corporate ambition with government support, will establish a new standard for South Korea's growth. 2026-07-26 12:52:00
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HD Hyundai Samho secures crane project in US as part of MASGA SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) -South Korea's Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) initiative recorded its first visible commercial milestone after HD Hyundai secured a contract to supply four port cranes for an HMM-operated terminal in the U.S., in a project combining Korean shipbuilding, steelmaking and port logistics. HD Hyundai said Sunday that HD Hyundai Samho signed an agreement with Washington United Terminals (WUT), the operator of HMM's container terminal at the Port of Tacoma in Washington state, to supply two ship-to-shore cranes and two rubber-tired gantry cranes. The project will replace two aging quay cranes originally supplied by HD Hyundai Samho in 1999 while adding two new yard cranes, expanding cargo-handling capacity and improving the terminal's ability to service larger container vessels. The equipment is scheduled for delivery by 2028 under a turnkey contract covering design, manufacturing, transportation, installation and commissioning. The cranes will be built using premium steel produced by POSCO, making the project one of the first to integrate South Korea's shipbuilding, steel and logistics industries under the Korea-U.S. maritime cooperation framework. The contract is being viewed as the first tangible commercial outcome of MASGA, the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding partnership unveiled as part of Seoul's broader trade and industrial package with Washington. The initiative seeks to leverage South Korea's world-leading shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing capabilities to help revitalize the U.S. maritime industry while expanding bilateral industrial cooperation. The Tacoma project follows the recent launch of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington, which is expected to serve as a platform for joint shipbuilding, port modernization and maritime supply-chain projects. Industry officials said HD Hyundai Samho's long track record in the United States helped secure the order. Since entering the U.S. market in 1985, the company has supplied 20 port cranes to major American ports, including equipment currently operating at Tacoma. "Winning the Tacoma port crane project demonstrates the technological expertise and quality competitiveness we have built through numerous domestic and overseas projects," an HD Hyundai Samho official said. "We will continue developing environmentally friendly, high-efficiency port equipment to successfully support the MASGA initiative." HMM said the modernization of WUT would strengthen the terminal's operational efficiency and improve logistics services for global customers while supporting the company's broader investment in port infrastructure alongside fleet expansion. Separately, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering last week signed a definitive agreement with Siemens Digital Industries Software in Washington to develop an AI-powered next-generation marine platform and digital shipyard. The partnership aims to create an autonomous manufacturing system linking every stage of shipbuilding—from design and production to logistics, inspection and sea trials—through AI, digital twins and automation, further reinforcing Korea's role in modernizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry under the broader MASGA framework. 2026-07-26 12:49:47 -
Lee Kang-in returns to Spain as Atletico Madrid signs South Korean star SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in has completed a return to Spain after joining Atletico Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract, handing Diego Simeone one of Europe's most versatile attacking midfielders and giving South Korea another marquee presence in La Liga. Atletico announced Saturday that it had reached an agreement with PSG to sign the 25-year-old until June 30, 2031. While neither club disclosed financial terms, European media estimated the transfer fee at around 40 million euros ($46 million). Lee becomes Atletico's new No. 7 as the club looks to reinforce its attack following the departure of longtime talisman Antoine Griezmann. In his first message to supporters, delivered in fluent Spanish through the club's social media channels, Lee said he was "very happy to join such a big club" and eager to begin "a new adventure" with Atletico before ending with the club's famous rallying cry, "Aupa Atleti." The move marks Lee's return to Spanish football three years after leaving Mallorca for PSG in 2023. Born in Incheon, Lee moved to Spain at age 10 to join Valencia's youth academy before making his senior debut in 2018. He later spent two seasons at Mallorca, where his performances established him as one of La Liga's most creative midfielders and earned him a move to the French champions. During three seasons in Paris, Lee made 124 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists. He helped PSG win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles as well as three Ligue 1 championships, two French Cups, two French Super Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Although he enjoyed considerable team success, Lee's playing time became less consistent under coach Luis Enrique, who often deployed him in multiple roles rather than as a regular starter. Lee also arrives at Atletico after representing South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he started all three group-stage matches despite the Taeguk Warriors' early elimination. One of South Korea's most accomplished players of his generation, Lee won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup after leading South Korea to a runner-up finish. He also captured a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games with South Korea's under-23 team, securing exemption from mandatory military service. Having spent most of his football career in Spain, Lee is expected to adapt quickly to Simeone's system as Atletico seek to challenge for domestic and European honours in the new season. 2026-07-26 12:35:53 -
YouTube Limits Revenue from AI-Generated Low-Quality Content YouTube has strengthened its revenue generation policy for content utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). The platform will limit revenue from factory-style and edited content, as well as from AI avatars providing advice in sensitive fields such as healthcare and law. This move aims to curb the spread of low-quality content produced in bulk by generative AI.According to the information and communications technology (ICT) industry on July 26, YouTube has revised the guidelines for its revenue generation program, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), to clarify the criteria for monetizing low-quality AI content.The new guidelines took effect on July 16. YouTube has restricted the use of AI to content that incorporates human creativity and plans to guide creators on how to adapt their use of AI tools in the future.The YPP guidelines were established in response to the surge of indiscriminate low-quality AI content on the platform. While the use of AI technology is not entirely banned, YouTube has outlined three types of content that will be disqualified from earning ad revenue.First, revenue generation will be limited for videos produced in a factory-like manner using AI, where the content is mechanically generated with little variation between videos. Second, content that is designed to provoke discomfort, such as staged animal rescue videos aimed at increasing views, will also be excluded from ad revenue eligibility, regardless of whether it is AI-generated.Lastly, the use of AI in sensitive fields such as healthcare, finance, and law has been restricted. Channels featuring AI avatars that provide medical diagnoses, financial advice, or legal consultations will no longer be able to monetize their content.Matt Halprin, YouTube's Vice President of Trust and Safety, stated, "While AI tools can assist creators in producing high-quality content, we will draw a strict line against automated channels that lack narrative structure and human creativity." In July of last year, YouTube redefined its YPP guidelines, changing the term 'repetitive content' to 'inauthentic content' to address the issue of template-based videos being repeatedly uploaded for views and ad revenue. This includes similar narration videos with only minor content changes and slideshows produced with the same narration and format. However, YouTube has not banned the use of AI outright; creators can still monetize content that features original commentary or possesses narrative, educational, or entertainment value, even if AI is utilized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:28:00
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Gangbuk Arisu Water Purification Center First in South Korea to Receive Hygiene Safety Certification The Gangbuk Arisu Water Purification Center in Seoul has become the first facility in South Korea to receive the 'Water Purification Hygiene Safety Certification.' This marks the first instance of such certification since the introduction of the system following the larva incident in tap water in 2020.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced on the 26th that it will hold a plaque ceremony for the country's first water purification hygiene safety certification at the Gangbuk Arisu Water Purification Center on the afternoon of the 27th.The 'Water Purification Hygiene Safety Certification System' evaluates the hygiene and safety management levels throughout the entire process of tap water production, from water intake to filtration and purification, granting certification to facilities that meet the standards. Certified facilities receive certain benefits. The Korea Water and Wastewater Association operates and manages the system under the enforcement decree of the 'Water Supply Act.'The Gangbuk Arisu Water Purification Center, which has a daily processing capacity of 1 million cubic meters, began the review of its hygiene and safety management plan in December of last year, followed by document evaluation, on-site assessment, and a certification review committee inspection. The facility employs barriers, insect traps, and microfiltration devices to prevent the entry of small organisms into its intake facilities, coagulation and sedimentation tanks, filtration tanks, activated carbon tanks, and purification tanks.In light of the establishment of the first certified water purification facility, the ministry plans to promote the certification system nationwide by providing policy consulting to general water supply operators across the country. This initiative aims to enhance the overall hygiene and safety standards of water purification facilities in South Korea.Kim Ho-eun, Director of Water Use Policy at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated, "This first certification is a significant achievement created through collaboration between the government and local authorities. We will work closely with local governments to create conditions for a reliable supply of tap water that citizens can drink with confidence."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:08:00
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Korea Fair Trade Commission Fines Companies 870 Million Won for Bid Rigging 한국전력공사가 발주한 전력케이블 보호용 플라스틱관 구매 입찰에서 담합한 조합과 업체들이 공정당국에 적발됐다. 공정거래위원회는 2017년 11월부터 2023년 1월까지 한전이 발주한 394건의 파형관 구매 입찰에서 담합한 3개 조합과 7개 사업자에 대해 총 8억6800만원의 과징금을 부과하기로 결정했다고 26일 밝혔다. 이들은 입찰 전에 낙찰예정자와 물량비율을 합의했다.파형관은 전력케이블을 감싸 보호하는 주름진 형태의 플라스틱관이다. 당시 중소기업자 간 경쟁제품으로 지정돼 공공입찰에는 중소기업이나 이들을 대신해 입찰에 참여하는 적격조합만 참가할 수 있었다.이번에 적발된 한국합성수지파형관사업협동조합과 한국플라스틱기술연구사업협동조합, 한국피이관공업협동조합은 회원사를 대신해 입찰에 참가한 뒤 낙찰받은 물량을 회원사에 배분하는 적격조합이다.이들은 품목과 입찰 방식에 따라 역할을 나눠 담합을 실행했다. 파형관조합과 플라스틱조합은 2018년 6월부터 2023년 1월까지 진행된 원형 파형관 전국·지역제한 입찰 384건에서 낙찰 순번을 미리 정하고 합의한 내용에 따라 투찰했다. 그 결과 파형관조합은 204건, 플라스틱조합은 175건을 낙찰받았다.나선형 파형관 지역제한 입찰에서는 3개 조합이 2017년 11월부터 2022년 12월까지 진행된 10건의 입찰에서 회원사 수에 비례해 낙찰물량을 나누기로 합의했다. 해당 입찰은 낮은 공급단가를 제시한 사업자부터 물량을 배분하는 방식이었지만 실제로는 합의한 비율과 유사하게 물량이 배분됐다.파형관조합 소속 7개 회원사도 원형 파형관 전국입찰에서 조합 간 담합 사실을 알면서 들러리로 투찰하거나 조합을 통해 입찰에 참여한 것으로 조사됐다.공정위는 이들의 행위를 불법 담합으로 보고 시정명령과 함께 과징금을 내렸다. 과징금은 플라스틱조합 2억5200만원, 피이관조합 1억4100만원, 파형관조합 1억2800만원, 영진산업 7000만원 등 총 8억6800만원이다.공정위 관계자는 "중소기업을 지원하기 위한 적격조합이라 하더라도 입찰담합을 벌일 경우 예외 없이 엄중 제재한다는 점을 명확히 했다"며 "향후 유사한 법 위반 행위가 적발될 경우 최근 상향된 과징금 기준을 적용해 더욱 엄정하게 대응할 계획"이라고 강조했다. 2026-07-26 12:08:00
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National Park Service Enhances Safety Measures for Summer Water Activities The government is intensifying patrols and access controls in national parks to prevent water-related accidents during the summer vacation season. The National Park Service, under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced on July 26 that it will focus on managing high-risk water areas in national parks across the country until August 31. As of May, the agency assessed safety management at 249 water activity sites nationwide. Since last month, it has been enhancing safety facilities and deploying additional safety personnel to patrol and educate visitors in areas prone to accidents. In mountainous national parks, the agency is managing 110 designated areas where water activities are temporarily allowed and 103 areas where access is prohibited. They have installed 86 intelligent closed-circuit TVs, 210 life rings, and 55 safety nets, along with posting banners indicating restricted access. To address the high risk of drowning between noon and 6 p.m., 470 safety personnel will be deployed for intensified patrols. In coastal and marine national parks, local governments and maritime police are operating a safety council. They have deployed 311 pieces of rescue equipment, including life jackets, and 170 dedicated safety personnel, while implementing access controls in hazardous areas and operating tide warning systems, along with on-site announcements. The agency is also installing banners and information signs at valleys and beaches, and providing safety guidelines through its website and 267 electronic message boards. Key safety tips include proper warm-up exercises before entering the water, wetting the body, ensuring children are accompanied by guardians, prohibiting entry after consuming alcohol, and wearing safety gear such as life jackets and shoes. Visitors are advised to avoid risky behaviors like diving and to only engage in water activities at designated locations. Joo Dae-young, the director of the National Park Service, stated, "As we enter the peak summer vacation season, it is crucial to explore national parks safely. Adhering to basic safety rules is the most effective way to prevent water-related accidents, and I urge the public to participate and cooperate voluntarily." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-26 12:08:00