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  • Upstage Unveils Agent-Specific AI Solar Open2 for Enhanced User Experience
    Upstage Unveils Agent-Specific AI 'Solar Open2' for Enhanced User Experience Upstage has unveiled its self-developed open-weight large language model (LLM) 'Solar Open2,' focusing on creating AI agents capable of performing actual tasks beyond simple question-and-answer interactions. The company plans to apply this technology to the portal 'Daum' and public services, aiming to provide AI services that citizens can experience in their daily lives.On July 22, Upstage held a developer conference titled 'Solar Open Weight Day,' where it presented the Solar Open2 model along with a technical report detailing its learning methodology.The standout feature of Solar Open2 is its optimization for AI agents that can execute tasks such as document creation, Excel analysis, and presentation preparation based on user instructions. The model is designed to focus on completing actual work rather than merely answering questions.Kim Sung-hoon, CEO of Upstage, stated, "These days, it's not enough to just have a good conversation. We focused on developing a model that can carry out tasks to completion when given instructions."The model boasts a total of 250 billion parameters. However, it employs a mixture of experts (MoE) structure, activating only 15 billion parameters during the inference process. This allows the AI agent to maintain high performance while reducing inference costs, even when handling large token workloads.Document processing capabilities have also been enhanced, with the ability to handle contexts of up to 1 million tokens, enabling the analysis of extensive documents like contracts and reports in one go. With quantization applied, it can run on just two NVIDIA H200 GPUs, lowering the cost burden for companies looking to integrate it into their infrastructure.In the code generation performance evaluation known as 'LiveCodeBench,' Solar Open2 scored 92.4, surpassing the comparison models DeepSeek V4-Flash (92.3) and Mistral Medium 3.5 (84.9). Its performance in Korean also ranks highly compared to OpenAI's GPT-5.4 Mini and Anthropic Claude Haiku 4.5.Upstage plans to expand services that allow citizens to experience AI in their daily lives through Solar Open2. Initially, it will implement a conversational AI agent on the portal 'Daum' to provide various functions such as search, information exploration, document summarization, and schedule management. Additionally, it aims to support local governments across the country in easily adopting AI agents based on its recently acquired platform, 'Timely.'Furthermore, the company intends to expand specialized AI agents in sectors such as finance, law, healthcare, and defense through a consortium. Kim emphasized, "The most important aspect domestically is the virtuous cycle of the AI ecosystem, and our goal is for Solar Open2 to be widely utilized in real work environments." 2026-07-23 11:20:00
  • Kia to Launch Remote Driving Service for PV5 by Year-End
    Kia to Launch Remote Driving Service for PV5 by Year-End Kia is set to commercialize remote driving technology for its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) PV5 by the end of the year, allowing vehicles to be controlled without a driver from an external control center.On July 23, Kia announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KT and SUM at its headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, to promote the commercialization of remote driving technology.This agreement follows Kia's successful demonstration of remote driving on public roads using the PV5 last November, marking the first such trial in South Korea.Remote driving technology enables real-time control of unmanned vehicles via 4G and 5G networks. Users can remotely move vehicles to desired locations or park them in designated areas after exiting, which is expected to alleviate urban parking issues and enhance mobility convenience.The technology can also serve as an auxiliary system to safely relocate autonomous vehicles in case of malfunctions, and it can be applied to public services such as mobile unmanned marts and libraries.The companies aim to collaborate on launching the PV5-based remote driving service within the year. Kia will focus on vehicle and technology development, KT will manage communication infrastructure and network quality, and SUM will oversee remote driving technology and control system operations.Additionally, they plan to enhance autonomous driving technology using data collected during remote service operations, while also exploring use cases for remote driving technology, improving regulations, and conducting joint promotions to foster an unmanned mobility ecosystem.Kang Joo-yeop, Senior Vice President of Kia's New Business Planning Division, stated, "This agreement is significant in establishing a collaborative foundation to accelerate the commercialization of remote driving technology."Meanwhile, the Kia PV5, the company's first purpose-built vehicle launched in June last year, sold 8,500 units in its first year. This year, Kia aims to sell 54,000 units through a global rollout.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:16:00
  • Oh Se-hoon Appeals Election Invalidity Ruling Over Polling Payment Scandal
    Oh Se-hoon Appeals Election Invalidity Ruling Over Polling Payment Scandal Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has filed an appeal after being sentenced to an election invalidity ruling for allegedly having a political broker, Myung Tae-kyun, conduct polling and pay a third party. According to legal sources on July 23, Oh submitted his appeal to the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22, which had imposed a fine of 10 million won for violating political funding laws. He filed the appeal on the same day the court issued its ruling. The court acknowledged that out of ten polling instances included in the charges against Oh, five involved his request for polling and the payment of 21 million won by Kim. The court stated, "Crimes involving the improper receipt of political funds are aimed at eliminating the influence of money in politics and are of a serious nature. Oh, having served as mayor, should have been well aware of the intent of the political funding law, yet he led the offenses and displayed an attitude of evading responsibility during the trial." Immediately after the ruling, Oh told reporters, "I cannot accept this. The ruling was based solely on the testimony of Mr. Myung and circumstantial evidence. I will contest this in the appeal." If the Supreme Court upholds this ruling, Oh will lose his position as mayor under the Public Election Act, raising the possibility of a by-election. Notably, this case was prosecuted by a special prosecutor, and the so-called '6-3-3 principle' applies, which, while not absolute, indicates that a first trial should conclude within six months, followed by three months for the second and third trials. If a fine of 100 million won or more is confirmed by the Supreme Court, a by-election for the mayoral position may be held.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:16:00
  • Alphabet Reports Strong Q2 Revenue Amid Increased AI Investment Costs
    Alphabet Reports Strong Q2 Revenue Amid Increased AI Investment Costs Alphabet, Google's parent company, reported second-quarter results that exceeded market expectations, driven by explosive growth in its cloud business. However, concerns are rising over the company's investments in artificial intelligence (AI), which led to its first-ever negative free cash flow (FCF).On July 22, Alphabet announced that its second-quarter revenue increased by 24% year-over-year to $119.8 billion (approximately 177 trillion won), surpassing the market forecast of $116.9 billion compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). This marks the 12th consecutive quarter of revenue growth for Alphabet.Notably, Google Cloud revenue surged by 82% to $24.8 billion, fueled by demand for AI model development and computing infrastructure. The cloud backlog also grew from $460 billion in the previous quarter to $514 billion. Revenue from search and YouTube ads reached $63.2 billion and $11.1 billion, respectively, continuing their double-digit growth.Net income nearly tripled from the previous year to $112.1 billion (about 166 trillion won), with earnings per share (EPS) significantly exceeding market expectations at $9.11, compared to the forecast of $2.89. However, this surge in net income included a one-time gain of approximately $98 billion (about 145 trillion won) due to the increased value of stakes in other companies held by Alphabet.Despite the strong earnings, market attention shifted to the burden of investment. Alphabet's capital expenditures (CapEx) for the second quarter reached $44.9 billion, nearly double the amount from the same period last year. CapEx, which was around $22 billion to $24 billion in the second and third quarters of last year, rose sharply to $28 billion in the fourth quarter and $36 billion in the first quarter of this year.Additionally, Anant Ashkenazi, Alphabet's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), raised the company's capital expenditure forecast for the year from $180 billion to $190 billion to a range of $195 billion to $205 billion. He noted that while the company has significantly expanded its capital capabilities over the past three years, demand continues to outpace investment levels. He also mentioned that the faster-than-expected supply of facilities influenced the upward revision of the CapEx forecast.As a result of these large investments, the second-quarter free cash flow (FCF) recorded a negative $5.86 billion. FCF, which exceeded $24 billion per quarter in the second half of last year, dropped to around $10 billion in the first quarter of this year before turning negative. According to Stansberry Research, this marks the first time Alphabet's quarterly FCF has been negative since its IPO in 2004.Concerns Over Excessive InvestmentWall Street views the annual CapEx exceeding $200 billion as a breach of a psychological barrier. Brian Mulberry, a portfolio manager at Jackson Investment Management, stated, "$200 billion should not be crossed," adding that the company has not sufficiently explained how such significant cash outflows will translate into future revenue growth.Yousef Squali, a senior analyst at Truist Securities, assessed that if the CapEx reaches $205 billion, it could raise significant concerns about future expenditures in 2027.Sundar Pichai, Alphabet's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), emphasized the necessity of expanding investments, stating, "AI investments are opening new possibilities across all business areas." He noted that about 90% of Fortune 100 companies are using the enterprise Gemini service, with the monthly active users (MAU) of the Gemini app reaching 950 million.However, concerns persist regarding the delay in the release of Gemini 3.5 Pro and the pace of model development compared to competitors. CEO Pichai acknowledged, "While many areas still maintain cutting-edge standards, there are areas that need improvement," and revealed that the company is testing Gemini 3.5 Pro while also beginning training for the next-generation model, Gemini 4.Alphabet's stock fell 1.46% during regular trading and dropped more than 4% in after-hours trading following the earnings announcement. This decline is attributed to the cost burden from large-scale AI investments, despite strong performance in the cloud and search businesses. 2026-07-23 11:16:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceutical Enhances Monitoring to Prevent Illegal Distribution of Nabota
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical Enhances Monitoring to Prevent Illegal Distribution of Nabota Daewoong Pharmaceutical has strengthened its management system for the legal distribution of its botulinum toxin product, Nabota, to prevent illegal distribution and enhance patient safety. The company is implementing AI-based monitoring and a system that permanently halts transactions upon detection of illegal distribution, while also urging government support.On July 23, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that it operates a comprehensive management network for the legal distribution of its products, both online and offline. Since January, the company has introduced a system that immediately suspends transactions upon detection of illegal distribution. It has distributed notices to domestic hospitals and clinics and completed revisions to contracts aimed at preventing illegal distribution, while also collaborating with overseas regulatory agencies to block illegal sales.The company stated that it is responding strictly to unauthorized export cases. On July 10, it confirmed through a report from a local partner that two vials of Nabota intended for domestic use had been illegally exported. After tracing the manufacturing number, the company identified the medical institution involved and immediately suspended transactions.Additionally, Daewoong Pharmaceutical reported that it recently identified cases of import rejections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during its internal monitoring process. The company explained that the products were brought into the U.S. through illegal distribution channels that had not received FDA approval, emphasizing that officially exported products comply with FDA regulations and have no history of import rejections. Products imported through abnormal channels may be rejected for reasons such as 'lack of English labeling' or 'unapproved New Drug Application (NDA).'Daewoong Pharmaceutical stressed that proper management of legal distribution is directly linked to patient safety, as botulinum toxin must be stored according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended temperature range of 2-8°C.To ensure this, the company applies a cold chain system throughout the entire process from production to administration. It utilizes passive containers that maintain optimal temperatures for up to 168 hours and active containers equipped with self-cooling devices, while real-time temperature monitoring allows for immediate distribution halts in case of anomalies.Daewoong Pharmaceutical noted that efforts at the corporate level alone are insufficient to eradicate illegal distribution, emphasizing the need for cooperation from the government and related agencies. Earlier this year, the company reported seven domestic firms that received warning letters from the FDA regarding illegal distribution of botulinum toxin to the Korea Pharmaceutical Distribution Association, the National Petition Center, and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.Meanwhile, Daewoong Pharmaceutical announced that as of June 30, the cumulative sales of Nabota have surpassed 1 trillion won, marking a significant milestone since its domestic launch 12 years ago in 2014.Park Sung-soo, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated, "As Nabota's cumulative sales have exceeded 1 trillion won, its presence in the global market has increased, leading to a rise in attempts at illegal distribution. We are operating a robust distribution control network, including AI monitoring, and we request the attention and active support of government authorities to ensure patient safety."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:12:00
  • Recall of 53 Childrens Summer Products Due to Excessive Toxic Substances
    Recall of 53 Children's Summer Products Due to Excessive Toxic Substances Summer clothing and umbrellas for children, along with water play equipment, have been recalled due to excessive levels of harmful substances such as lead and phthalate-based plasticizers.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Technology and Standards announced on July 23 that it conducted safety investigations on 48 items and 1,117 products in high demand during the summer season, resulting in a recall order for 53 products that did not meet safety standards.The recall includes 39 children's products, 7 household items, and 7 electrical goods. Among the children's products, 15 textile items, 6 umbrellas, and 6 toys were found to be non-compliant with safety standards. Some products exceeded the limits for harmful substances such as lead and phthalate-based plasticizers.Household items included water play equipment and sports life jackets. Inflatable water toys did not meet thickness standards, while wearable swimming aids failed to pass load tests and valve locking criteria. Some sports life jackets were also found to have insufficient buoyancy.Electrical goods included plugs, sockets, batteries, built-in lamps, electric vehicle chargers, lighting converters, wrinkle removers, and direct current power supplies. Defects that could lead to fire or electric shock were identified, including failures in temperature rise, external short circuit tests, and leakage protection devices.Notably, several children's products showed significantly excessive levels. One children's raincoat had phthalate-based plasticizers detected at 504.1 times the allowable limit, while some children's umbrellas exceeded the limit by 600.1 times. Instances of lead and cadmium exceeding safety standards were also found in children's sunglasses.The National Institute of Technology and Standards has made product information public through the Product Safety Information Center and Consumer 24 to prevent the distribution of recalled items. The products have also been registered in a hazardous product sales blocking system linked to over 260,000 retail stores and online shopping malls nationwide.Kim Dae-ja, head of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, stated, "We will thoroughly check the compliance of recall actions by the businesses involved to ensure that these products do not circulate in the market. We will also announce the results of ongoing safety investigations on summer products purchased overseas in early August, as part of our commitment to product safety management during the summer season."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:12:00
  • KOTRA Presents Strategies for U.S. Tariffs and Chinas Export Controls
    KOTRA Presents Strategies for U.S. Tariffs and China's Export Controls KOTRA held a briefing on corporate strategies to respond to U.S. tariffs, China's export controls, and EU environmental regulations.According to industry sources, KOTRA hosted the 'July Trade Environment Response Strategy Briefing and Consultation' at its headquarters in Seoul. The event attracted over 200 participants from export companies and related organizations.This briefing was organized in light of the potential end of the U.S. global 10% tariff and the possibility of actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act. South Korea is included in investigations related to forced labor and structural overproduction.The session addressed U.S. tariff policies, responses to China's export controls, and the EU's deforestation regulation. Strategies for managing global currency volatility and exchange rate risks were also key topics of discussion.Experts advised that companies should not only focus on U.S. tariffs but also consider China's controls on rare earth elements and dual-use items, as well as the EU's supply chain due diligence obligations. With increased currency volatility, they emphasized the need for effective hedging and internal management systems.As trade regulations expand from tariffs to technology, supply chains, and environmental standards, corporate responses are shifting from customs departments to encompass purchasing, production, and finance sectors.KOTRA also provided one-on-one consultations with experts at the event. Customized consulting was offered on frequently asked topics such as U.S. tariff refund procedures and product classification.Kim Kwan-mook, KOTRA's Vice President, stated, "Technology, energy, and supply chain security have emerged as key variables in the trade order. We will support companies' practical responses by utilizing information from overseas sites."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:08:00
  • NHN Launches AI Go Training Era with Handol, Supporting Korea-China Exchange
    NHN Launches AI Go Training Era with 'Handol', Supporting Korea-China Exchange NHN is ushering in an era of AI-based Go training with its self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) program, 'Handol.' The company is leveraging the extensive game data accumulated from its Go services to enhance player development and expand its applications in sports education.On July 21, NHN provided the 'Handol' AI Go program during a joint training session for the Go event at the 19th Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange held in Iksan, South Korea.The Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange is an international initiative aimed at fostering friendship between middle school students from Korea and China through sports. This year, Go was added as a new event as part of the 'Future Generation Exchange Activation' agreed upon during the Korea-China summit in January.During the training, participating students engaged in matches against the AI using the 'Handol Challenge' and 'Handol Level Test.' The Handol Challenge allows users to compete against AI at a professional level, while the Handol Level Test enables players to select a difficulty level that matches their skill among nine tiers.By utilizing AI, participants can repeatedly play against opponents suited to their skill level and analyze their weaknesses.Handol is an AI Go program developed by NHN based on the vast user game data accumulated from 'HanGame Go,' which has been operational since 1999. In 2019, it demonstrated its capabilities by achieving two wins out of three matches against Go master Lee Sedol. Since then, it has continuously improved its performance through enhanced reading algorithms and ongoing learning.NHN explained that its support for the Korea-China Youth Sports Exchange showcases how AI technology can extend beyond gaming into education and sports training.Seo Hyung-seok, Deputy Director of the Korea Sports Council's Youth Sports Department, stated, 'Go has a more static nature compared to other sports, which posed challenges in developing training programs. The AI-based training program has come as a refreshing approach. I hope to see similar AI training programs introduced in other sports in the future.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:08:00
  • Finance Ministry: Annual Growth Rate of 3% More Likely, Per Capita GNI Expected to Reach $40,000
    Finance Ministry: Annual Growth Rate of 3% More Likely, Per Capita GNI Expected to Reach $40,000 The Finance Ministry announced that the possibility of achieving an annual economic growth rate of 3% has increased, as the second quarter economic indicators exceeded market expectations. The ministry noted that considering the increase in real gross national income (GNI) due to improved trade conditions, the likelihood of reaching a per capita GNI of $40,000 has also grown.On July 23, the ministry stated that despite the high growth base from the previous quarter and the impact of the Middle East conflict, robust growth continued, supported by strong semiconductor exports and domestic recovery driven by government policies.According to the Bank of Korea, the real GDP growth rate for the second quarter was recorded at 0.6% compared to the previous quarter, significantly higher than the forecast of 0.2% made in May. After a rebound from -0.1% in the fourth quarter of last year to 1.8% in the first quarter of this year, the economy continued to grow in the second quarter.The ministry explained that the increase in exports due to the semiconductor boom and the rise in foreign tourist numbers have driven the growth, while government policies such as supplementary budgets and price controls have also contributed to a solid domestic economy.It added that the significant increase in real GNI has improved corporate investment capacity and household purchasing power, and this improvement in income conditions is expected to support domestic recovery in the second half of the year.However, the ministry identified geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and U.S. tariff policies as major downside risks for the economy in the latter half of the year.The ministry emphasized that the government will closely monitor external risks while implementing key policy tasks for the economic growth strategy in the second half to maintain growth momentum. It will also maintain an emergency response system for the Middle East and focus on stabilizing livelihoods by supporting vulnerable groups affected by rising prices, exchange rates, and interest rates, as well as expanding job opportunities for youth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 11:08:00
  • Joint Investigation Team Uncovers Evidence of Voting Data Manipulation
    Joint Investigation Team Uncovers Evidence of Voting Data Manipulation The joint investigation team probing the voting paper shortage during the June 3 local elections has uncovered evidence suggesting manipulation of voting statistics by officials at the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Gyeonggi Province Election Commission. The team believes that staff members at the election commission incorrectly entered the number of voters and subsequently altered the figures without reporting to superiors.On July 23, the joint investigation team, led by Kim Tae-hoon, deputy chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, conducted searches at the NEC in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, and election offices in Seoul's Songpa, Gangnam, and Seocho districts.The searches aimed to gather additional evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the shortage of voting papers on election day, as well as to confirm allegations of false voter turnout entries by NEC and Gyeonggi election officials.The search warrants reportedly included charges of falsifying public electronic records and obstructing official duties. Falsifying public electronic records applies when a public official or office alters or creates electronic records with the intent to mislead.During the analysis of materials obtained in previous searches and interviews with related individuals, the investigation team found indications that election commission staff had incorrectly entered the number of voters and then arbitrarily modified the figures in the system.According to legal sources, some employees entered the number of voters as thousands instead of hundreds, bypassing normal reporting and approval procedures. When an error occurs, it should be reported to superiors for correction, but it appears that staff changed the numbers on their own.The investigation team has also reportedly secured messenger conversations in which election commission employees discussed the need to engage in so-called 'number matching' without reporting the erroneous entries. The team is focusing on determining whether these were simple input errors or deliberate alterations to conceal mistakes.This search is aimed at confirming both the voting paper shortage and the allegations of data manipulation. The searches at the Songpa, Gangnam, and Seocho election offices are expected to yield additional information on the circumstances of the voting paper shortage and the response on election day, while the focus on the NEC and Gyeonggi election officials is to identify those involved in the false voter turnout entries.The joint investigation team was established on June 9, following President Lee Jae-myung's directive for a swift investigation into the voting paper shortage. Just two days after its formation, on June 11, the team conducted its first searches at seven locations, including the NEC and the Seoul Election Commission. On June 24, they carried out additional searches at the offices of 12 individuals associated with the Seoul and Songpa election offices.The investigation is set to expand beyond local election commission staff to include higher-ups at the NEC involved in reducing the printing ratio of voting papers and communication regarding the issue.Once the analysis of the seized materials is complete, the team plans to summon election commission officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the erroneous voter entries and any prior discussions among staff, as well as whether there was any reporting or approval from superiors.If the investigation confirms intentional manipulation of statistics, it could extend beyond the voting paper shortage to encompass broader issues of election data management. However, the current findings are still at the circumstantial stage, and the actual extent of manipulation and involvement will need to be clarified in future investigations.The joint investigation team also interrogated the head of the Gwangjin District Election Commission, who is under suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act and neglect of duty. During the investigation, statements were reportedly obtained indicating that the voting paper shortage stemmed from inadequate communication by the NEC. 2026-07-23 11:08:00