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Apartment Construction Drops 25% While Transactions Rise 18% in Seoul Housing Market In the Seoul housing market, indicators predicting future supply have declined, while demand for home purchases is on the rise, creating a notable mismatch. Concerns are growing that the decrease in available housing could lead to long-term supply issues, as current demand for purchases is increasing despite rising home prices.According to housing statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of housing permits in Seoul from January to May this year was 19,052 units, a 1.4% decrease compared to the same period last year. Permits are considered a leading indicator of future supply, occurring before actual construction begins.The number of housing starts has seen a more significant decline. During the same period, housing starts in Seoul totaled 9,630 units, down 10.7% from the previous year. Among these, apartment construction fell to 6,615 units, a 25.3% decrease, more than double the decline of overall housing starts.The number of completed units, which indicates immediate availability, has also sharply decreased. From January to May this year, housing completions in Seoul were 13,111 units, a 41.6% drop compared to the same period last year. Apartment completions were 10,690 units, down 48.4%, effectively halving the previous year's figures.All stages of the supply process—permits, starts, and completions—are simultaneously contracting. A reduction in permits leads to fewer new projects, and a decrease in starts will result in a reduction of completions and available units in the coming years. Given the current sharp decline in completions, a slow recovery in starts could make it difficult to resolve the supply shortage in Seoul in the short term.In contrast, housing transactions have increased. From January to May this year, the volume of housing sales in Seoul reached 56,938 transactions, a 17.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This trend is in stark contrast to the declining supply indicators.Recent months have seen an even stronger buying trend. In May, housing transactions in Seoul totaled 14,145, an 11.0% increase from the previous month. Among these, apartment transactions rose to 8,946, an 18.9% increase in just one month, indicating a recovery centered around apartments.The gap between recovering demand and decreasing supply is also reflected in prices. According to the Korea Real Estate Agency's June national housing price trend survey, the average sale price of apartments in Seoul rose by 1.21% compared to the previous month. The price increases have spread beyond the northern districts, such as Seongbuk-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu, to areas with relatively lower-priced housing, including Guro-gu and Gangseo-gu.The increase in rental prices has outpaced that of sale prices. In June, the average rent for apartments in Seoul rose by 1.37% from the previous month, exceeding the sale price increase by 0.16 percentage points. The monthly increase in rental prices rose from 1.15% in May to 1.37% in June.Concerns about supply shortages are likely to first materialize in the rental market. As the number of available units decreases, the supply of rental properties entering the market will also decline. In areas with high demand for new rental properties, such as those undergoing redevelopment or where newlyweds and families with children are concentrated, competition among tenants may intensify. If rental prices continue to rise, some tenants unable to bear the burden of increased deposits may shift to purchasing lower-priced homes, further stimulating demand in the sales market.A real estate industry insider stated, “The uncertainties in the Seoul housing market are not limited to the current price increases. While more people are looking to buy homes now, the number of new homes expected to enter the market in 2 to 3 years is decreasing.” He added, “If the increase in transactions continues alongside a decrease in construction starts, the potential for long-term market instability due to difficulties in moving in, rental shortages, and the scarcity of new apartments is likely to grow.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 07:04:00 -
Trump: Serious Talks with Iran, Ready for Immediate Military Action President Donald Trump stated that the United States is engaged in serious discussions with Iran, but warned that if no agreement is reached, he is prepared to take immediate military action. On July 24, during a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump responded to questions about a potential exit strategy from the conflict with Iran, saying there are two paths: a "military exit strategy" and a "more prudent strategy of reaching an agreement." He added, "One option is to continue what we are doing now (airstrikes), and if we want, we can escalate it to a much higher level. We are ready to launch and can act immediately." In an interview with Axios the previous day, Trump mentioned, "I am considering a large-scale attack, one that would be bigger than anything we have done before. I am on the verge of making a decision. We are fully prepared." However, Trump emphasized, "Right now, at this moment, we are talking to them. I have always preferred that alternative (a resolution through dialogue)." He noted, "I will watch to see what results come from the discussions, and I believe this is the most serious they have been so far." Trump acknowledged, "They clearly want an agreement," but expressed skepticism, stating, "I don’t think they are ready to agree yet."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:08:00
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Phoenix Snow Park Launches Early Bird Season Pass for 2026/27 Phoenix Snow Park has begun selling its super early bird season passes for the 2026/27 season from July 23. To prepare customers for the winter season ahead of schedule, the park is offering benefits worth approximately 600,000 won, including water park tickets and accommodation vouchers.The super early bird season pass will be available for one week until July 29. This early purchase option is being offered earlier than the usual launch in early September. The basic season pass can be purchased for around 500,000 won, while the premium season pass will be available starting August 27.With the purchase of a basic season pass, customers can register up to two children under the age of 19 for an additional fee. Basic benefits include free equipment rental and complimentary access to the Blue Canyon Water Park for the pass holder and registered children during the season.Phoenix is continuously expanding its family-oriented offerings. Customers who purchase the super early bird pass will receive three Blue Canyon tickets (one adult and two child tickets) valid from September 1 to November 30, before the ski season opens, as well as a weekday accommodation voucher for a standard room valid from the season opening until March 1, 2027. Additional charges will apply for weekend and peak season stays or room type changes.Last year, Phoenix Snow Park was the first ski resort in the country to open. If weather conditions permit, it plans to open on November 27 and operate until March 14, 2027.A representative from Phoenix stated, "For the 2026/27 season, we plan to enhance slope quality and safety management by continuously monitoring snowmaking and grooming conditions to reduce inconveniences for visitors."The 2026/27 super early bird season pass can be purchased on the official website of Phoenix Hotel and Resort, where detailed benefits and terms can also be found.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
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Dyson's FluffyCones: A Fun and Slim Cleaning Experience James Dyson's long-awaited lightweight and ergonomically designed vacuum, the FluffyCones, features a sleek 38mm diameter that fits comfortably in one hand. This unique vacuum makes cleaning an enjoyable task, even for those who typically dislike it.The first impression is its appealing design. Unlike traditional cordless vacuums, the main body is not bulky at the top. Instead, the motor, battery, and dust bin are housed within a slender bar. The product measures 226×38×1160mm and weighs 1.8kg, making it look more like an object of art than a vacuum when stored in a living room.Despite its slim profile, the FluffyCones is not a simple product. Dyson has integrated a 28mm Hyperdimium 140k motor within the 38mm handle, capable of spinning at up to 140,000 RPM. This innovative design required a complete rethinking of the motor and dust separation structure.Once the power button is activated, the vacuum's true capabilities become apparent. The four conical rollers on the FluffyCones head spin energetically, producing a refreshing operational sound. The alternating red and blue rollers also provide aesthetic satisfaction.The vacuum glides smoothly over the floor, with the front and rear rollers rotating in opposite directions to gently push debris along. This offers a distinctly different tactile experience compared to traditional vacuums.It easily fits under low furniture, as the body can lie flat, allowing it to slide under sofas or cabinets effortlessly. Dyson states that the height when laid flat is about 95mm, making it easy to insert the head into low gaps without bending over excessively.One of the most satisfying features is the green light emitted from the front and back of the head, illuminating dust as it disappears, creating a unique sense of catharsis. Watching dust vanish as you clean makes the task enjoyable.The FluffyCones head minimizes hair tangling, a significant advantage of this product. The conical rollers direct hair toward the end, allowing it to be sucked back in without getting stuck. In practice, long hair was effectively captured without tangling or remaining inside the vacuum.Edge cleaning also exceeded expectations. The four soft conical rollers at the head's sides are designed to closely follow walls, reducing the need to twist the head multiple times in areas where dust accumulates, such as kitchen baseboards and corners.Emptying and maintaining the dust bin is surprisingly easy. Despite its slim design, the structure is not overly complicated, and removing and emptying the dust bin is straightforward. Dyson employs a compression system and a syringe-style dust emptying method, allowing dust to fall out easily when the case is pushed down, minimizing the need to scrape dust out by hand.Cleaning and reassembling the vacuum is also hassle-free. The transparent cover can be removed, and the four conical rollers can be rinsed with water. After drying, they can be reattached easily. The process of emptying the dust bin and cleaning it is not cumbersome, contrary to concerns that the slim design might complicate maintenance.However, the small size is both an advantage and a disadvantage. While the bar design is visually appealing and lightweight, the dust bin has a limited capacity of 0.08L. Dyson claims that the compression structure compensates for the actual storage capacity, but it is not designed to hold a large amount of dust at once. In homes with a lot of hair and dust, users may need to empty the dust bin frequently during or after cleaning.The battery life follows a similar pattern. In eco mode, it lasts up to 30 minutes, while medium mode offers about 20 minutes, and boost mode lasts around 5 minutes. According to domestic product specifications, the handheld mode shows 30 minutes in normal and 5.5 minutes in boost. Given that the motor and battery are both housed within the bar, it is not a vacuum designed for prolonged cleaning in high-power modes.Considering its intended use, these drawbacks are somewhat acceptable. The FluffyCones is more suited for quick clean-ups of visible dust rather than deep cleaning an entire large home at once. It is also tailored for hard floor cleaning, aligning well with the typical housing styles in South Korea, which do not favor carpets or plush flooring.Users have reported that they habitually turn on the vacuum upon entering their homes, highlighting its well-crafted design. Some have noted that their routine involves cleaning visible dust with the vacuum before turning on the lights, effectively transforming cleaning into an enjoyable activity.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
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Next Week's Stock Market Outlook: AI Investment and FOMC Results in Focus Next week, the domestic stock market will focus on the sustainability of AI investments by major U.S. tech companies and the results of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The market experienced a sharp decline due to the emergence of Chinese AI models and geopolitical risks in the Middle East, but sentiment around semiconductor investments partially recovered following Alphabet's announcement of increased capital expenditures (CAPEX). However, ongoing military tensions between the U.S. and Iran, along with concerns over high oil prices, are expected to keep volatility high in the near term.According to the Korea Exchange, on July 24, the KOSPI closed at 6,690.02, down 406.87 points (5.73%) from the previous trading day, while the KOSDAQ finished at 748.22, down 42.06 points (5.32%). Over the week from July 20 to 24, the KOSPI and KOSDAQ fell by 1.91% and 5.51%, respectively.Last week, the stock market was pressured by concerns over the semiconductor industry and geopolitical instability. The Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI unveiled its high-efficiency AI model 'Kimi K3,' raising fears of declining demand for GPUs and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Additionally, renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran led to rising international oil prices and market interest rates. This prompted profit-taking in the semiconductor sector, but Alphabet's upward revision of its 2026 CAPEX guidance, alongside cloud growth, alleviated some concerns about a slowdown in AI investment.Signs of recovery in supply and demand were also observed. As individual investors continued to liquidate leveraged positions, foreign investors began buying on dips as the KOSPI fell to the 6,400 level, creating a rebound opportunity. Analysts suggest that the recent adjustments are part of a normalization process rather than a reflection of deteriorating semiconductor conditions.Lee Jae-won, a researcher at Yuanta Securities, stated, "What collapsed in July was the excessively accumulated leveraged positions rather than semiconductor profits. Considering Alphabet's CAPEX expansion and customer demand, there is no confirmed change supporting the peak-out of AI investment and semiconductor highs." He added, "While passing the peak of forced selling does not necessarily indicate a trend reversal, prioritizing large-cap semiconductor stocks and expanding positions in oversold sectors could be a suitable strategy if supply and demand improvements spread."Looking ahead, global monetary policy and the performance of major tech companies are expected to be key variables influencing the stock market. Starting on July 29, the U.S. FOMC and SK Hynix's earnings report will be released, followed by the second-quarter GDP figures for the U.S. and Eurozone, as well as earnings from Microsoft, Meta, and Qualcomm on July 30. On July 31, the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting and earnings reports from Apple and Amazon are also scheduled.Economic indicators are likely to significantly impact investor sentiment. The market anticipates that the FOMC will keep interest rates steady, but attention will be on the Fed's messaging regarding future monetary policy direction. The U.S. second-quarter GDP, released on the same day, is expected to confirm robust consumer and investment trends, while South Korea's July exports, set to be announced on August 1, are projected to continue a strong upward trend, particularly in semiconductors. Stronger-than-expected growth and inflation indicators could dampen expectations for interest rate cuts, potentially weighing on the stock market. Conversely, if AI investment expansion and export growth are reaffirmed, investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector could improve significantly.Analysts predict that the market will remain in a range-bound phase as the earnings confirmation process continues. If major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon can simultaneously demonstrate both the expansion of AI investments and profitability, it could further restore investor sentiment in the semiconductor sector. However, there are also forecasts that prolonged geopolitical risks in the Middle East and rising international oil prices could lead to increased market volatility. 2026-07-25 06:04:00
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Veteran Actors So Ji-sub, Ji Sung, and Namgoong Min Dominate Weekend Dramas 역시 '구관이 명관'이고, 관록은 배신하지 않았다. 소지섭, 지성, 남궁민이 각기 다른 매력으로 주말 안방극장을 완벽히 점령했다. 이들은 현재 SBS '김부장', JTBC '아파트', KBS2 '결혼의 완성'을 이끌며 범람하는 신작들 사이에서도 굳건히 시청률 고공행진을 견인 중이다. 액션, 코미디, 스릴러 등 장르는 다르지만, 세 베테랑 배우는 세월로 축적된 연기 장악력을 무기 삼아 '배우의 이름이 곧 작품의 개연성'이 되는 마법을 증명해 내고 있다. 가장 눈에 띄는 작품은 SBS 금토드라마 '김부장'이다. 1회 9.5%에서 시작한 시청률은 4회 21.6%, 6회 22.3%까지 오른 뒤, 지난 18일 방송된 8회에서 전국 기준 23.1%를 기록하며 자체 최고 시청률을 경신했다. 수도권 시청률은 23.6%, 순간 최고 시청률은 26.2%에 달했다. 화제성의 핵심 지표인 2049 시청률 역시 최고 8.59%를 나타냈다. 글로벌 성과도 이어지고 있다. 넷플릭스 공식 사이트 투둠(Tudum)에 따르면 '김부장'은 비영어 TV쇼 부문 3주 연속 1위를 차지했다. 한국을 포함해 19개국에서 1위에 올랐으며, 총 73개국 톱10에 진입했다. 소지섭은 극 중 평범한 은행 직원으로 위장한 공작원 출신 '김부장' 역을 맡았다. 맨몸 격투와 카 체이싱 등 무기 액션이 주를 이루지만, 김부장이 움직이는 동력은 하나뿐인 딸을 되찾겠다는 부성애다. 소지섭은 인물의 과거와 현재, 아버지로서의 절박함을 과한 설명 없이 화면 안에 담아낸다. 이 같은 활약은 한국기업평판연구소가 발표한 7월 배우 브랜드평판 1위(지수 905만 6778) 기록으로도 확인된다. 배우 지성은 JTBC 토일드라마 '아파트'의 전직 조직 보스 '박해강'으로 나섰다. 4%대에서 시작한 시청률은 입소문을 타며 19일 방송된 4회 기준 전국 6.0%, 수도권 분당 최고 6.8%까지 상승했다. '아파트'는 아파트 내 숨겨진 돈을 찾기 위해 입주자대표회의장 선거에 출마한 전직 보스가 주민들과 함께 비리를 타파하는 생활 밀착형 드라마다. 지성은 거친 과거를 지닌 인물이 주민들과 부딪히며 선거판에 뛰어드는 과정을 섬세하게 그려낸다. 카리스마와 능청스러운 코미디 사이를 오가며, 무력 대신 눈빛과 대사의 속도 조절로 인물의 허세와 진심을 동시에 표현해 낸다. KBS2 토일 미니시리즈 '결혼의 완성'에서는 남궁민이 신경외과 전문의 '강태주'를 연기한다. 19일 방송된 6회는 전국 시청률 6%대, 분당 최고 8.8%를 기록해 지상파를 포함한 동시간대 드라마 시청률 1위를 차지했다. 디즈니+에서도 3주 연속 '오늘 한국의 톱10 시리즈' 1위를 유지 중이다. 강태주는 납치된 아내를 구해야 하는 동시에 유력한 용의자로 지목된 인물이다. 남궁민은 이를 단순한 피해자나 영웅으로 그리지 않고, 의사로서의 이성과 남편으로서의 절박함, 용의자의 불안이 한 인물 안에서 충돌하도록 만든다. 훈련된 요원이 아닌 평범한 의사의 생존형 액션을 통해 스릴러의 긴장감을 높이고 있다. 가족을 구하는 아버지, 선거판에 뛰어든 전직 보스, 납치 사건에 휘말린 남편이라는 설정 자체는 대중에게 낯설지 않다. 자칫 기시감을 줄 수 있는 장르적 문법도 베테랑 배우들의 내공과 만나면 단숨에 묵직한 설득력을 입는다. 시청자는 긴 부연 설명 없이도 극 중 인물이 움직이는 동기에 자연스럽게 동화되는 것이다. 빠른 호흡과 강렬한 사건 중심으로 전개되는 최근 드라마 시장에서 이들의 존재감은 더욱 뚜렷해진다. 거친 액션이 이어지는 와중에도 감정선은 흩어지지 않으며, 다소 과감한 설정조차 배우의 얼굴을 거치며 개연성을 획득한다. 소지섭, 지성, 남궁민이 각기 다른 주말극에서 증명해 낸 성과는 축적된 시간과 관록이 극의 완성도를 높이는 가장 견고한 축임을 시사한다. 하재근 문화평론가는 본지에 "과거에는 배우가 청춘의 시기를 지나면 삼촌이나 친척, 어른 역할로 이동하면서 주연을 맡기 어려운 경우가 많았다. 하지만 이제는 국민 연령대가 올라가고 연예인들의 활동 연령도 함께 길어지면서 중년 배우들도 젊은 시절 못지않게 작품의 중심에 설 수 있게 됐다"고 말했다. 이어 "소지섭, 지성, 남궁민 같은 배우들은 오랜 시간 쌓아온 연기력과 카리스마가 있고, 좋은 시나리오를 만났을 때 이를 작품의 힘으로 연결할 수 있는 배우들"이라며 "이들의 활약은 단순한 이름값이 아니라, 인물과 이야기를 설득하는 힘에서 나온다고 볼 수 있다"고 설명했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-25 05:04:00
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Anthropic CEO Discusses AI Collaboration with South Korea On July 24, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, expressed gratitude during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for the government's prioritization of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key area for collaboration. Amodei stated, "I believe there are many areas where we can work together."The meeting took place at a hotel in San Francisco, where President Lee was visiting as part of a tour of the U.S. and three South American countries. He noted, "You are very well-known in South Korea, and as the country plans to significantly increase its investment in AI, we expect Anthropic's special interest and contributions."In response, Amodei highlighted the company's ongoing collaborations with memory manufacturers, stating, "Korean memory companies have invested significantly in Anthropic, and we plan to cooperate in areas such as data centers and beyond." He added, "Finally, we have signed many MOUs regarding AI cooperation with the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, which has allowed us to conduct tests in AI security and the cyber industry. It is truly exciting to work with South Korea." Founded in 2021 by researchers from OpenAI, Anthropic is a U.S.-based AI startup headquartered in San Francisco. 2026-07-25 04:40:00
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President Lee Arrives in San Francisco, Set to Meet Tech Leaders 이재명 대통령이 24일(현지시간) 미국 샌프란시스코에 도착했다. 이 대통령과 김혜경 여사는 미국 샌프란시스코와 브라질·칠레·아르헨티나 등 남미 3국, 독일을 차례로 방문하는 7박 11일 일정의 순방길에 올랐다. 이 대통령 부부는 이날 오전 8시 23분 샌프란시스코 국제공항에 도착했다. 공항 도착 행사에는 샌프란시스코 대니얼 루리 시장과 강경화 주미대사, 임정택 주샌프란시스코 총영사 등이 참석했다. 루리 시장은 이 대통령에게 미국 프로야구 메이저리그(MLB) 샌프란시스코 자이언츠 소속 이정후 선수의 사인볼을 환영 선물로 전달했다. 이 대통령은 "감사하다"며 악수로 화답한 뒤 대기하던 차량에 탑승해 공항을 빠져나갔다. 이 대통령은 첫 일정으로 샌프란시스코 AI 서밋에 참석해 다리오 아모데이 앤트로픽 최고경영자(CEO), 샘 올트먼 오픈AI CEO, 젠슨 황 엔비디아 CEO, 혹 탄 브로드컴 사장 겸 CEO를 만난다. 서밋에는 이재용 삼성전자 회장, 최태원 SK그룹 회장, 정의선 현대차그룹 회장, 이해진 네이버 의장 등 국내 기업인과 글로벌 빅테크 기업 CEO, 국내외 AI 기업·연구자·스타트업·투자자 등 150여명이 함께한다. 이 자리에서 국내 기업과 빅테크 기업 간 업무협약(MOU) 등이 체결되며, 이 대통령은 이른바 '샌프란시스코 AI 선언'을 발표하고 토론에도 참여한다. 이후 이 대통령이 주최하는 만찬에서는 국내 기업과 빅테크 기업 대표들이 함께 자리한다. 오후에는 '실리콘밸리 벤처투자 밋업'에 참석한다. 앤드리슨 호로위츠, 제너럴 캐털리스트, 세콰이어 캐피탈, 코슬라 벤처스, 라이트스피드 벤처 파트너스, 뉴 엔터프라이즈 어소시에이츠 등 실리콘밸리 상위권 벤처캐피털(VC) 6개사 대표들과 만난다. 국민연금공단과 이들 VC 간 MOU 체결식에 이어 한·미 벤처 생태계 협력을 논의하는 라운드테이블이 열린다. 2026-07-25 00:52:00
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Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho Resigns Amid Controversy Over Prosecutorial Powers Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho has reportedly expressed his intention to resign from his position, following backlash against the Democratic Party's push to completely abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation and direct investigation powers. However, President Yoon Suk-yeol is said to have rejected the resignation.According to political sources on July 24, Jeong conveyed his resignation directly to President Yoon. The president reportedly urged him to remain in office until the establishment of the new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency.Jeong has consistently voiced concerns regarding the party's movement to abolish the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers. During a National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on July 15, he argued that if these powers were eliminated, alternatives such as a 'full case transfer' system, which would allow the prosecution to take over all police cases, would be necessary to prevent delays in case handling and abuse of police authority.Jeong has previously indicated his intention to resign multiple times during the legislative process for prosecutorial reform.Following the news of his resignation, some have raised questions about accountability. Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized Jeong's resignation on Facebook, stating, "Running away does not absolve one of responsibility. The Minister of Justice has an obligation to prevent the increase of manipulated and distorted investigations due to the Democratic Party's ban on supplementary investigations, which could harm the public."Han further stated, "As the minister responsible, Jeong should have clearly articulated his stance against the party's ban on supplementary investigations and opposed its adoption in the Democratic Party's general meeting, given his position as a ruling party lawmaker. However, he has not done so thus far." He urged Jeong, as a former Minister of Justice, to fulfill his duties now.Jeong, a five-term lawmaker and former lawyer, was appointed as the first Minister of Justice under President Yoon's administration in July 2022 and continues to serve as a lawmaker. He is considered a close ally of President Yoon, having attended law school with him, and is recognized as a leading figure in the pro-Myeong faction.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-24 21:56:00
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Kim Yong-beom: Samsung and SK Hynix to Announce Major Supply Contracts with U.S. Tech Giants The visit of President Yoon Suk-yeol to San Francisco is expected to lead to the announcement of large-scale long-term supply contracts for memory semiconductors between domestic companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix and global tech giants, as well as investment agreements for artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC).The government aims to position South Korea as a stable supply base for AI semiconductors and a testing ground for global AI services.On July 24, Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, outlined this vision during a press briefing with foreign media. He stated, "It seems that the long-term contracts and strategic investments that Samsung, SK Hynix, and Naver have been discussing will be announced all at once during this visit. We expect to see very large and significant figures."President Yoon will hold individual meetings with the CEOs of four major U.S. tech companies: Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, and Hock Tan of Broadcom. Following these meetings, a summit involving representatives from these companies and Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and Naver will discuss the future of the AI industry and collaboration for about an hour.The event will kick off with President Yoon's 'San Francisco AI Declaration,' which will outline plans for South Korea to ensure a steady supply of memory semiconductors essential for the AI revolution and to become a reliable market and testing ground for global AI companies.The government plans to establish a second semiconductor cluster in the Honam region, in addition to the existing one in the capital area, to enhance supply capacity. It also aims to develop a 'Everyone's AI' platform that all citizens can utilize, going beyond just developing independent foundational models.Additionally, the government will support the AI transition in developing countries through official development assistance (ODA) and will work on building a global AI hub in collaboration with international organizations.The key outcomes expected to be announced include long-term contracts for memory semiconductors and investments in AIDC. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are set to enter new contracts for the long-term supply of specific semiconductors, and the global demand and investment companies for the AIDC to be built in South Korea have been specifically confirmed. These contracts will support the government's previously announced 'Three Mega Projects for South Korea's Great Leap,' which involve an investment plan of 4,700 trillion won.Kim emphasized that the expansion of domestic semiconductor factories is not in opposition to U.S. investments. He noted, "80-90% of related orders come from the U.S.," explaining that the expansion of domestic production facilities is also a response to the explosive demand from U.S. tech giants. For these companies, the critical factor is the reliable supply of memory at the needed time, and government support for infrastructure is essential.However, he also expressed concerns about the shadows cast by AI-driven growth. Kim referred to the sharp decline in youth employment, describing it as 'K-shaped growth,' and stated, "AI is eliminating the very pathways through which intelligence enters society."The government plans to allocate a portion of the increased corporate and income taxes resulting from AI growth to a future response fund, focusing on youth, future, regional, and educational investments. The fund is expected to exceed several trillion won.To address the rising energy demand while achieving carbon neutrality goals, the government will also expand energy investments. It will broadly review offshore wind, solar power, pumped storage, energy storage systems (ESS), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and small modular reactors (SMR), providing necessary funding over the next five years. A separate announcement regarding the national vision and goals for next-generation energy, including hydrogen, is expected in August. 2026-07-24 20:12:00