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  • U.S. Plans Airstrikes on Irans Gokgangisan Nuclear Site, Informs Israel
    U.S. Plans Airstrikes on Iran's 'Gokgangisan' Nuclear Site, Informs Israel The United States has informed Israel that it plans to escalate airstrikes against Iran, targeting the underground nuclear facility known as 'Gokgangisan' within days, according to a report by Israeli public broadcaster Kan on July 22. According to Kan, the U.S. intends to deploy heavy bombers to intensify its offensive against Iran, with Gokgangisan, located near the Natanz nuclear facility, identified as a primary target. Gokgangisan is an underground site approximately 2 kilometers from Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. While its exact purpose remains unconfirmed, Iran announced plans in 2020 to construct advanced centrifuge-related facilities there. U.S. President Donald Trump has also recently hinted at an impending attack on Gokgangisan, stating, “We will strike that area very hard soon,” and adding, “If there is any place that raises even a slight suspicion regarding nuclear activities, we will attack very strongly.” Kan reported that the U.S. shared its attack plans in advance to prepare for the possibility of Iranian retaliation, such as missile strikes against Israel. Following the notification from the U.S., Israel is said to be maintaining a high level of readiness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 06:28:00
  • Houthi Rebels Warn Ships in Red Sea, Target Saudi Vessels
    Houthi Rebels Warn Ships in Red Sea, Target Saudi Vessels The Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen has issued a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and sent direct warnings to vessels traversing the Red Sea.According to AFP on July 22, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) confirmed that the Houthis transmitted warning messages to ships in the region.The maritime security firm Neptune P2P Group reported that the warning was captured by a vessel passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on July 20.The Houthis warned via the VHF channel 16, used for international distress and safety communications, that “Saudi vessels are prohibited from operating” and that failure to comply could result in being targeted.While the Houthis declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, they did not specify how it would be enforced. So far, there have been no confirmed instances of actual attacks on vessels related to this blockade.Some ships have altered their routes, but traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains largely unaffected. According to maritime logistics tracking firm Kpler, 44 vessels passed through the strait on the day the blockade was announced, and 29 on the following day. In the five days prior to the blockade announcement, daily traffic ranged from 30 to 53 vessels.However, if the Houthis do carry out attacks, it could significantly disrupt oil and cargo transport through the Red Sea. With traffic through the Strait of Hormuz already constrained, Saudi Arabia is utilizing the western port of Yanbu as an alternative export route.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 06:20:00
  • Trump Plans Strong Strike on Irans Gokgyeongisan Nuclear Facility
    Trump Plans Strong Strike on Iran's 'Gokgyeongisan' Nuclear Facility President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will soon launch a strong strike against Iran's underground nuclear facility known as 'Gokgyeongisan.' However, analysts suggest that the facility's deep construction within a mountain may make it difficult to completely destroy, even with the U.S. military's most powerful conventional bunker buster.According to reports from AP and CNN on July 22, Gokgyeongisan is located about 2 kilometers from Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.Iran announced plans to build the facility in the mountains as a replacement after the destruction of its centrifuge assembly plant in Natanz in 2020. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not been able to verify the facility's internal operations, leaving its exact purpose unclear. The U.S. and Israel suspect that Iran may be using the site for its nuclear program.If the U.S. military proceeds with an attack, there is speculation that it may deploy the massive GBU-57 penetrating bomb, which was used in last year's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. At that time, the U.S. dropped 14 GBU-57 bombs on the Fordow and Natanz sites using B-2 stealth bombers.However, it is believed that the core facilities at Gokgyeongisan may be located even deeper than those at Fordow. The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) estimates that the facility is built at least 100 meters underground. While the exact penetration capability of the GBU-57 is not publicly disclosed, there are doubts about its ability to directly destroy the core facilities at Gokgyeongisan.James Acton, co-director of the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated, "While a bunker buster attack could collapse the tunnel entrance, it would be difficult to bring down the core facilities deep underground."Instead, there are discussions about focusing attacks on tunnel entrances, ventilation shafts, and power supply facilities to disrupt operations. ISIS believes that since the internal facilities at Gokgyeongisan require power, ventilation, heating, cooling, and the movement of personnel and materials, exposed facilities on the surface could be targeted.However, this approach may only prevent access and operations without destroying the underground facility itself. If the entrances are repaired or alternative routes are established, the facility could be used again.ISIS suggests that to ensure the facility's complete destruction, ground operations involving troops may be more effective than airstrikes. However, Gokgyeongisan is located deep within Iranian territory, posing significant risks of exposure to missile and drone attacks during the entry and exit of special forces.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 06:12:00
  • Trump Threatens to Target Iranian Infrastructure in Response to Attacks
    Trump Threatens to Target Iranian Infrastructure in Response to Attacks President Donald Trump has declared that if Iran attacks commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. will retaliate by destroying one bridge or power plant in Iran for each incident. According to Axios on July 22, Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "From now on, whenever the Islamic Republic of Iran attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz with missiles, rockets, drones, or any other devices or weapons, the United States will bomb and destroy one bridge or power plant inside or near Tehran."This statement comes as the U.S. government considers various options, including a ceasefire and increased attacks on Iran. Initially, the U.S. emphasized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the freedom of navigation for commercial vessels in a memorandum of understanding with Iran. However, tensions escalated as Iran insisted on maintaining its control over the region. Axios reported that over the past three months, more than 30 commercial vessels have been attacked by Iran, and Trump has maintained that a ceasefire is only possible if Iran halts its attacks on these vessels and reopens the strait. The U.S. conducted airstrikes against Iran for 11 consecutive days until July 21, targeting key infrastructure such as railways and roads.The report noted that Trump's remarks come at a critical juncture for potential military intervention. However, it cautioned that targeting power plants in Tehran could further deteriorate U.S.-Iran relations, potentially provoking broader retaliation from Iran. Following Trump's warning, an Iranian official stated, "If Americans target Iran's bridges or power plants, Iran will respond immediately by bombing infrastructure or bridges in the region," according to CNN, citing local semi-official news agency Tasnim.Trump's warning also extended to the Houthi rebels, who, with Iranian support, control significant portions of Yemen and have recently threatened to blockade the Red Sea, affecting oil tankers. On July 21, the Houthis issued a statement declaring an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, based on the principle of "an eye for an eye" in response to what they termed crimes committed by Saudi adversaries. In response, Trump remarked, "Nothing like that has happened yet, and if it does, we will handle it."As military clashes continue in the Middle East, international oil prices are rising. Brent crude rose 4.12% to $94.76 per barrel, the highest in six weeks, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 4.35% to $88.01 per barrel. The National reported that Trump's dismissal of the possibility of talks with Iran and the threat from the Houthis have raised concerns about disruptions to the global energy supply chain, contributing to the price surge.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 05:04:00
  • Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z8 Series and AI Glasses at 2026 Galaxy Unpacked Event
    Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z8 Series and AI Glasses at 2026 Galaxy Unpacked Event "Most AI experiences start on smartphones. To realize the true value of AI, more people need to use it. We will integrate Galaxy AI into over 800 million devices this year," said Samsung Electronics' President, Roh Tae-moon, during the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event held on July 22 at Old Billingsgate in London.The event, lasting about 90 minutes, showcased new products including the Galaxy Z8 series and Galaxy Watch9, while outlining Samsung's vision for the future of mobile technology in the AI era. The stage featured product presentations, videos, and a surprise appearance by Spider-Man, creating an engaging atmosphere akin to a performance.Roh described AI as "an indispensable intangible infrastructure in daily life," stating, "AI will reduce the need for app switching and help users focus on what truly matters." He emphasized connectivity beyond smartphones, extending to watches and AI glasses, asserting that "Galaxy's agentic AI will move with users in their daily lives."The highlight of the event was the new foldable lineup. Samsung introduced the Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8, declaring, "We are now in an era of choice for foldables." Designed to be the thinnest and lightest yet, the devices incorporate 'Flex Titanium' technology for enhanced portability and durability. Roh expressed confidence, stating, "We have been making foldables thinner, lighter, and more robust for seven years. This product is the most powerful and flexible foldable yet."Choi Won-jun, Samsung's MX Business Development Head and COO, focused on the AI experience rather than hardware. He remarked, "AI is no longer a feature used occasionally; it is the foundation that drives the entire Galaxy ecosystem. We will usher in an era of 'AI OS' where users can simply speak their needs, and AI will navigate through various apps and services to perform necessary tasks." He also highlighted Samsung's commitment to openness, aiming to lower platform barriers by expanding data sharing between Android and iOS, as well as enhancing web-based sharing features and Smart Switch.The much-anticipated AI glasses were also unveiled. Choi introduced the collaboration with Gentle Monster, stating, "Our goal was to create glasses that are not only technologically advanced but also comfortable enough to wear all day." The AI glasses are designed to be significantly lighter than similar products and offer up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge. They allow users to take photos and videos with a single button and seamlessly integrate with the Galaxy ecosystem, including organizing meeting notes in Samsung Notes and connecting with Google Meet.Partners Google and Qualcomm also took the stage. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated, "Our nearly 30-year collaboration with Samsung will continue into the AI era. The 'Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 for Galaxy' is a key platform that achieves both on-device AI and power efficiency." He emphasized that Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm are redefining mobile technology for the age of AI agents.The event attracted a crowd of over 1,200, including influencers, YouTubers, and media personnel. Notable attendees included former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov and actor Jacob Batalon, who played Ned in the Spider-Man films. Batalon demonstrated the Fold8 Ultra's large-screen multitasking capabilities, showcasing the 'Spidey Tracker' feature, which allows users to view all information on one screen without switching apps. The audience was captivated when Spider-Man made a surprise appearance on stage.After the event, attendees flocked to the product experience area, with the Fold8 demonstration space being the most popular. The new product's 4:3 aspect ratio generated significant interest.Austin Evans, a tech YouTuber with 5.8 million subscribers, shared his thoughts, stating, "I loved the Flip for its compact form factor and portability, but the Fold has undergone significant changes since 2021. It used to feel too big and heavy, but the recent models are thin enough to feel like using a regular smartphone." He highlighted the Fold8 as the most impressive product, praising Samsung's new direction and noting that the wider form factor is likely to gain popularity among other brands, including Apple." 2026-07-23 04:08:00
  • National Assembly Committee Questions Necessity of Election Commission
    National Assembly Committee Questions Necessity of Election Commission The National Assembly's special committee investigating the mismanagement of ballots during the local elections criticized the Central Election Commission (CEC) during a hearing on July 22. The People Power Party argued that the investigation period should be extended as the facts have not yet been fully uncovered.During the second hearing, the committee focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding the infringement of voting rights and developing institutional remedies. Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Boo-nam stated, "Out of 2,162 polling places in Seoul, 310 reported 653 instances of double voting, and 104 ballot counting centers in Songpa have yet to be reviewed," questioning the necessity of the CEC's existence.People Power Party lawmaker Park Soo-min remarked, "The thick layer of dust accumulated over 65 years at the CEC is more frightening than any villain," asserting that the special investigation must reveal illegalities and that complacency should be addressed through reform.Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Yong-man highlighted issues of nepotism in hiring at the CEC, stating, "Children of former and current secretaries, as well as friends' children and future sons-in-law, were included in the irregular hiring practices," adding that only one of the high-ranking officials who passed on their positions faced any disciplinary action.Kim Eun-hye, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, claimed that the police are conducting a lackluster investigation into the CEC, noting, "I understand that the search warrant for former CEC Chairman Noh Tae-ak's phone was rejected," and pointed out that areas of concern have evaded scrutiny.With the conclusion of the second hearing, the scheduled activities of the special committee are set to wrap up. However, as the investigation report has not yet been adopted, a full meeting to approve it is expected to take place in the future.Members of the People Power Party are advocating for an extension of the committee's activities. The opposition's secretary, Seo Beom-soo, along with other opposition members, held a press conference, stating, "The necessary materials for uncovering the truth have not been adequately provided. Witness testimonies have been inconsistent," emphasizing that hastily concluding the investigation would sever the complementary relationship with the special investigation.Lawmaker Choi Bo-yoon added, "There is still much to uncover regarding the infringement of voting rights, and there is no reason to rush to conclude the investigation," urging the National Assembly to do its utmost to resolve any additional concerns raised by the public.Despite the People Power Party's assertions, the likelihood of extending the committee's activities appears slim. Democratic Party lawmakers expressed a negative stance on the extension during the committee meeting. The People Power Party plans to continue negotiations for an extension until the committee's activities conclude on August 1.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 00:08:00
  • Test Drive: 2026 Ford Expedition Offers Smooth Ride Despite Its Size
    Test Drive: 2026 Ford Expedition Offers Smooth Ride Despite Its Size "Overwhelming size, surprisingly smooth ride." The Ford Expedition, a leading American sports utility vehicle (SUV), has returned with a fully redesigned fifth generation. It showcases the appeal of a full-size American SUV with its hefty body and comfortable driving experience.On July 22, the all-new Ford Expedition was encountered at the Signiel parking lot in Songpa, Seoul. True to its name, it embodies the spirit of exploration. Its imposing size commanded attention, making the transition from the underground parking lot to the main road feel like an adventure.The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV measuring over 5 meters in length. Similar in size to the Cadillac Escalade, which was launched in South Korea last year, it presents a formidable presence.Upon taking the driver's seat, the first thing that stood out was the elevated front visibility. The steering wheel and pedal positions were adjustable to fit various body types. A 24-inch panoramic digital display was prominently positioned in front, allowing for seamless integration with smartphones to use familiar navigation apps like KakaoMap. The central display provided real-time information about the vehicle's surroundings and key situations.During an 80-kilometer round trip to Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, the interior remained quieter than expected despite the rain. Noise from the road and raindrops was not overly intrusive.On the highway, the power and strength typical of American cars were evident. The model is equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost high-output V6 engine that delivers 446 horsepower and 70.5 kg·m of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Pressing the accelerator made it easy to forget the vehicle's size as it accelerated powerfully.On downhill stretches, the hill descent control function maintained speed without frequent braking. The auto hold brake feature, uncommon in American vehicles, proved useful in congested urban driving.At the turnaround point, the Expedition's signature split gate caught the eye. When the trunk was opened, the upper door acted as a makeshift canopy to shield from the rain, while the lower door could be used as a bench or table. This design clearly considered outdoor activities like camping and car camping.Spacious interior space is another advantage. The seven-passenger model is well-suited for family travel and recreational activities. As one approaches the vehicle, the electric side steps automatically extend to assist with entry and exit.Having sold over 3 million units worldwide in its 30-year history, the Ford Expedition remains a best-seller. The fifth-generation model enhances its existing popularity and practicality while further improving recreational utility and driving convenience. Although the test drive was brief, it was sufficient to appreciate the unique comfort and appeal of an American full-size SUV.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-23 00:04:00
  • Skies weep as Ethiopias Kagnew Choir offered heavenly songs of remembrance
    Skies weep as Ethiopia's Kagnew Choir offered heavenly songs of remembrance SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) -The heavenly voices of Ethiopian children drifted across Gwanghwamun Square on Wednesday afternoon, transforming Seoul's Garden of Gratitude into a place of remembrance as the Kagnew Choir sang Korean folk songs in tribute to the veterans who fought in the Korean War 75 years ago. The cultural exchange performance, titled "The Courage of That Day, Today's Song," commemorated the 75th anniversary of Ethiopia's participation in the Korean War. Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, it brought together the Kagnew Choir — founded in 2018 and made up of descendants of Ethiopian Korean War veterans — and Seoul city arts ensembles before an audience of about 300, including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, veterans' affairs officials and cultural figures. The choir performed beloved Korean songs, including Spring in My Hometown and Alone Arirang, in fluent Korean, drawing warm applause from the audience. Their youthful voices carried special significance, representing a new generation preserving the legacy of the Ethiopian soldiers who fought on the Korean Peninsula. Ethiopia was the only African nation to send ground troops to fight under the U.N. Command during the Korean War. Its Kagnew Battalion earned a distinguished reputation on the battlefield without suffering a single captured soldier. The name "Kagnew," derived from Amharic, is commonly understood to mean "bringing order out of chaos" or "defeating the enemy." As the final notes faded beneath the summer sky, the performance served not only as a cultural exchange but also as a living tribute, linking the sacrifices of the wartime generation with the voices of their descendants seven decades later. Among the delegation was Tesfaye Asmamaw, 95, a veteran of the famed Kagnew Battalion, who traveled to Seoul alongside 34 choir members aged 8 to 16. The group arrived on June 22 for a 36-day visit marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's deployment during the Korean War. 2026-07-22 23:12:46
  • Samsung Collaborates with Tony Award-Winning Playwright for Galaxy Unpacked Event
    Samsung Collaborates with Tony Award-Winning Playwright for Galaxy Unpacked Event Samsung Electronics is set to present a unique storytelling stage at this year's Unpacked event. Park Chun-hyu, the first Korean to win a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, is participating as a creative partner, weaving together artificial intelligence (AI) and foldable technology into a cohesive narrative.On July 22, during the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event held in London, Samsung announced that Park Chun-hyu collaborated on the overall narrative design and storytelling for the event.Park is known for his work on the musical 'Maybe Happy Ending,' which won six awards, including Best Musical and Best Book, at the 78th Tony Awards, making him the first Korean to receive the Tony Award for Best Book.This collaboration aims to move away from the traditional product announcement format that merely introduces features, instead conveying the open innovation philosophy and foldable technology of Galaxy in a way that audiences can easily understand.Park designed the narrative to ensure that the entire presentation flows as a single emotional journey. Each product announcement is interconnected, focusing on translating technology-centered messages about AI and foldable devices into relatable everyday experiences for users.The new foldable products emphasize how to enhance user experience rather than just showcasing design changes or performance improvements. Park also contributed to the narrative video and stage direction shown during the event, proposing a connection between AI, human relationships, emotions, and daily experiences. The presentation, video, and product unveilings were structured to create an immersive performance atmosphere.A Samsung representative stated, "We incorporated the sensibilities of a performance writer who meticulously calculates audience reactions and stage dynamics to maximize the live event experience. This collaboration with an external creator will help convey Samsung's advanced technology messages in a more relatable and accessible language to a global audience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 22:56:00
  • Samsung Display CEO: Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8 Series Showcases Dominant Technology
    Samsung Display CEO: Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8 Series Showcases Dominant Technology "The foldable panels in the Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8 series are a core area where Samsung Display maintains a significant technological edge. Our recent announcement of large-scale investments in the Chungcheong region will proceed without any issues as planned."Lee Cheong, CEO of Samsung Display, expressed strong confidence in the company's panel innovation capabilities and regional investment commitments during a press conference at the '2026 Korea Display Industry Exhibition' held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, on July 22.Ahead of the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event taking place in London, Lee commented on the competitive strength of the new foldable phone's display, stating, "If I were not confident, I wouldn't be launching the product. We are overwhelmingly ahead of competitors in quality, durability, and overall display characteristics, ensuring we maintain our market dominance."Addressing recent concerns regarding the three major mega projects in the Chungcheong region, Lee dismissed any doubts, stating, "We are currently collaborating with local governments to prepare thoroughly. As promised to the public, we will proceed without delay."The 2026 Korea Display Industry Exhibition, which opened on this day, showcased a shift in the display industry from merely providing screens to embracing intelligent interfaces that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation mobility.Upon entering the Samsung Display exhibition, the standout feature was the 'Big Hole' display, which redefines future vehicle interiors. It features an 80mm diameter hole in the center, seamlessly integrating gear mechanisms and air conditioning vents with digital screens and physical components.A vertically expanding slider OLED vividly illustrated the future of autonomous driving, guided by an AI assistant.Across from Samsung's exhibit, LG Display's booth, themed 'Window of Communication,' was filled with innovations in form factors that spanned everyday life and various industries. Notably, the humanoid plastic OLED (P-OLED), unveiled for the first time in Korea, showcased its impressive durability, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, proving its value as a key component in the industrial robot ecosystem.The '27-inch 5K OLED' experience zone, which received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award, and the 'Gaming OLED' zone, achieving the world's highest refresh rate of 540Hz, attracted large crowds of experts and visitors.Industry analysts believe that the next-generation display market will not only expand quantitatively but will also rely on high-profit OLED technologies centered around AI and automotive applications. While global market growth is slowing, demand for premium displays is increasing as AI devices proliferate and the transition to future vehicles accelerates.LG Display is also preparing to shift its business structure towards OLED and target the premium market in response to these market changes.Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Display, emphasized, "We are preparing to expand our tandem OLED technology, known for its longevity and performance, beyond TVs and automotive applications to include smartphones and other mobile devices. We are also developing technologies related to smart glass and various application solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 22:20:00