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  • U.S. Big Tech Earnings Season Begins: Focus on AI Investment Outcomes
    U.S. Big Tech Earnings Season Begins: Focus on AI Investment Outcomes As U.S. big tech companies prepare to announce their earnings, market attention is shifting from earnings per share (EPS) to the tangible results of artificial intelligence (AI) investments.On July 20, Danish investment bank Saxo Bank highlighted five key indicators for investors to watch as Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon prepare to report their earnings this week: revenue growth, capital investment, profit margins, free cash flow, and future earnings outlook.Alphabet is set to release its earnings on July 22, followed by Microsoft and Meta on July 29, and Apple and Amazon on July 30.Saxo Bank noted that simply exceeding market expectations for EPS may not be sufficient for a positive assessment. Even if net income surpasses forecasts, a decline in cash flow, lower profit margins, or an increase in capital investment plans could lead to negative market reactions.The bank emphasized the need to first confirm whether AI demand is translating into actual revenue growth. Key metrics include the growth rates of Microsoft’s Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud. For Meta, the focus is on the increase in advertising revenue, while Apple’s performance will hinge on whether AI can boost device sales and service revenue.In terms of capital investment, Saxo Bank advised that the focus should not solely be on the scale of investment but rather on the rate of spending increases compared to actual demand and revenue growth. If companies raise capital investment plans without increasing revenue forecasts, concerns about investment burdens may grow.Profit margins and free cash flow were also highlighted as critical indicators. It is essential to assess whether companies can maintain profit margins amid rising costs in semiconductors, memory, data centers, and depreciation. The stability of free cash flow, which reflects the cash remaining after AI infrastructure investments, is also crucial.Saxo Bank pointed out that while big tech has been viewed as companies with low asset burdens and high cash generation, the expansion of AI investments is gradually making their business structures more capital-intensive. Therefore, even if accounting profits increase, a continued decline in free cash flow could highlight investment burdens.Looking ahead, Saxo Bank stressed the importance of demonstrating whether the number of paying customers for AI products is increasing, whether infrastructure shortages in data centers are easing, and whether the pace of investment growth is slowing or efficiency is improving.The bank concluded that big tech could receive positive evaluations this earnings season if they can prove improvements in revenue, profit margins, and cash flow, regardless of whether they reduce AI investments. The focus will be on how effectively they can leverage their established AI infrastructure to generate stable profits.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:36:00
  • Vietnams Bac Ninh Province Expands Citizen Surveillance on Roads
    Vietnam's Bac Ninh Province Expands Citizen Surveillance on Roads In Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, a network of citizen surveillance is expanding beyond police oversight, utilizing smartphones and automated cameras. Reports of illegal parking, unlicensed driving, and reckless behavior are being identified through citizen submissions, with 541 speeding violations recorded by automated enforcement in just the past week. The perception that "it's okay if the police aren't around" among drivers is changing.According to the Bac Ninh Provincial Traffic Police Department, as of July 20, officers have been actively verifying traffic violation photos and videos submitted by citizens this year. When citizens send violation footage via Facebook, Zalo, or other social media platforms, the relevant department categorizes the submissions and forwards them to the appropriate teams for fact-checking.These citizen reports are leading to actual administrative actions. Since the beginning of the year, the Bac Ninh Provincial Traffic Police Department has received approximately 800 photos and videos from citizens. After verification, about 250 cases have resulted in violation reports, with fines estimated at around 12 billion dong (approximately $673,000).On July 16, a resident of Bac Ninh, identified as A, appeared before the traffic police department after a citizen-submitted video confirmed that he had parked improperly on Nguyen Van Men Road. A acknowledged the violation and signed the report.Reckless and unlicensed driving have also come under scrutiny from vigilant citizens. Earlier this month, two men were identified by the traffic police and public security after photos of them riding a motorcycle without a license plate and without helmets were posted on social media. A driver who was seen lifting the front wheel of his motorcycle on National Route 1 was also identified by the traffic police team, resulting in a fine of 4 million dong (about $22,450) and the confiscation of the vehicle.Notably, citizens are motivated to report violations not out of personal grievances but due to safety concerns. B, who reported a dangerous overtaking maneuver by a passenger transport vehicle on a road passing through the Quang Chau Industrial Park, explained, "I sent the report not because of dissatisfaction with the driver or personal conflict, but because the risk of an accident was very high." He added, "Having seen similar situations multiple times, I hoped that sending the photos would help ensure drivers follow the rules." This reflects a shared understanding that the goal is not punishment but creating safer roads.However, police do not use all reports as grounds for punishment. A representative from the traffic police department noted that over 180 of the citizen-submitted materials did not indicate any violations, and about 100 cases were difficult to verify. Limitations arise when videos are reshared by others, or when the time and location are unclear, or if the violation occurred outside Bac Ninh Province. This indicates a careful verification process.The legal framework for utilizing citizen-submitted materials is also in place. Dao Xuan Huong, deputy head of the Bac Ninh Provincial Traffic Police Department, stated that the receipt and use of videos and photos are conducted in accordance with a government decree issued on February 13. He emphasized, "When citizens voluntarily provide traffic violation photos, the enforcement effect is significantly enhanced, as it creates an awareness that violations can be detected and addressed even in the absence of traffic police on the roads."Parallel Automated Enforcement SystemLocal authorities are also implementing an automated enforcement system. From July 6 to 12, the Bac Ninh Provincial Traffic Police Department detected 541 speeding violations through surveillance cameras and technical equipment. These vehicles have been placed on a list for fines, and police are advising owners to verify the violations and follow the necessary procedures.Penalties for speeding increase progressively based on the severity of the violation. According to the government decree, if a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 5 to 10 km/h, fines range from 800,000 to 1 million dong (approximately $45 to $56). For exceeding the limit by 10 to 20 km/h, fines range from 4 million to 6 million dong (about $224 to $336), along with a deduction of 2 points from the driver's license.For exceeding the limit by 20 to 35 km/h, fines range from 6 million to 8 million dong and a deduction of 4 points, while exceeding 35 km/h can result in fines of 12 million to 14 million dong and a deduction of 6 points. Causing an accident due to speeding can lead to fines of 20 million to 22 million dong and a deduction of 10 points.Motorcycle riders are not exempt from these penalties. Exceeding the speed limit by 5 to 10 km/h incurs fines of 400,000 to 600,000 dong, while exceeding by 10 to 20 km/h results in fines of 800,000 to 1 million dong, and exceeding by more than 20 km/h leads to fines of 6 million to 8 million dong.Meanwhile, police are urging vehicle owners to promptly check for any fines. Vehicle owners can verify fines by entering their license plate and required information on the traffic police department's website or through the VNeTraffic application.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:32:00
  • National Assembly to Hold Hearing on Football Association Issues
    National Assembly to Hold Hearing on Football Association Issues A National Assembly hearing to address the controversy surrounding the appointment of the national team coach and operational issues within the Korea Football Association (KFA) is scheduled for July 30. The hearing has been postponed by about a week from its original date, and key figures such as Chung Mong-kyu, former KFA president, and Hong Myung-bo, former national team coach, are expected to testify.On July 21, the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee approved changes to the hearing schedule and the list of witnesses and reference persons. The meeting took place amid difficulties in negotiations over the committee's composition, with members of the ruling People Power Party absent.Lee Jae-jung, chair of the committee from the Democratic Party, expressed relief that negotiations were progressing, stating, "I hope all committee members can work together to clarify public concerns and help normalize the KFA to contribute to the development of Korean football."The hearing is expected to focus on the appropriateness of the national team coach selection process and the overall transparency of the KFA's operations. To this end, the committee has selected a total of 15 witnesses, including Chung Mong-kyu and Hong Myung-bo, as well as Lee Im-sang, former technical director, and Jung Hae-sung, former head of the national team reinforcement committee, among others who held administrative responsibilities.Reference persons include Park Ji-sung, co-chair of the K-Football Innovation Committee, Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, and commentators Lee Young-pyo and Lee Joo-ho.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:32:00
  • China and Philippines Foreign Ministers Meet Amid South China Sea Tensions
    China and Philippines Foreign Ministers Meet Amid South China Sea Tensions As tensions escalate between China and the Philippines following physical clashes in the South China Sea, the foreign ministers of both countries are set to meet for the first time in two years, aiming to prevent further conflict.The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced that Wang Yi, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, will meet with Philippine Foreign Minister Teresa Lazaro during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila from July 21 to 23.This meeting marks the first encounter between the two foreign ministers since the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, in July 2024.Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Dominic Imperial stated, "This meeting will discuss not only bilateral relations but also the impact of regional dynamics on ASEAN. We consider it very important and have high expectations." The Chinese Foreign Ministry had previously confirmed Wang's attendance at the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting.With recent tensions between China and the Philippines on the rise, there is keen interest in what solutions may emerge from this meeting.Just a day before the talks, on July 20, both nations publicly condemned each other following a clash near the Second Thomas Shoal (known as Ren'ai Jiao in China and Ayungin in the Philippines). The Philippine Coast Guard claimed that a rubber boat carrying eight Chinese coast guard members approached a grounded Philippine vessel to take photos. When the Philippines attempted to drive them away, the Chinese allegedly assaulted Philippine sailors with wooden batons, resulting in one injury and damage to a rubber boat.Conversely, China accused the Philippines of initiating provocation and aggression. The Chinese coast guard stated, "The Philippines is distorting the facts and slandering China," asserting that they maintained stable control of the situation and responded in a restrained manner. On the same day, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to lodge a strong protest regarding the South China Sea incident.Recent tensions over the South China Sea have intensified. On July 12, both countries clashed over the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the South China Sea. The Philippines, alongside the United States, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement reaffirming the PCA's ruling, declaring China's claims in the South China Sea as baseless. In contrast, China dismissed the PCA ruling as illegal and void, calling it a mere scrap of paper. Additionally, recent claims from Chinese academia asserting that the Philippines' Bataan Peninsula falls within China's sovereignty have drawn strong protests from the Philippines.Earlier in late May, when Japan and the Philippines began negotiations to delineate the continental shelf boundaries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between eastern Taiwan and northern Philippines, China expressed opposition, claiming it could infringe on its interests.China has been wary of the Philippines' recent strengthening of military and security cooperation with the United States and Japan, viewing it as a move to counter China.These issues are expected to be central topics during the upcoming foreign ministers' meeting.Jupeng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University, noted, "The willingness of the foreign ministers of China and the Philippines to meet is a positive signal, indicating that both sides hope to reduce the risk of conflict through diplomatic channels."Rai Liang Puk, a senior researcher at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, stated, "During this meeting, China is likely to express concerns about the Philippines strengthening its cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. As the ASEAN chair, it is also crucial for the Philippines to maintain communication with China to achieve results at this year's ASEAN meeting."However, there are predictions that reaching an agreement on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea may be challenging this year. The COC is a joint framework being developed by China and ASEAN to prevent accidental clashes in the South China Sea, and the Philippines has been striving for its conclusion as the ASEAN chair this year.Rai noted, "Given the Philippines' ongoing deepening of security cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, China's motivation to finalize the COC this year may be limited." He added, "In the short term, managing differences and preventing the escalation of maritime clashes may be a more realistic goal, as both sides may still find it difficult to avoid friction in the South China Sea."Meanwhile, there are also suggestions that Wang Yi may meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila. Professor Jupeng remarked, "Both China and the U.S. do not want regional tensions to escalate further, and enhancing diplomatic communication to manage potential conflicts serves the interests of both sides." 2026-07-21 16:28:00
  • Samsung creates CEO-led robotics office to speed humanoid push
    Samsung creates CEO-led robotics office to speed humanoid push SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled a new robotics unit reporting directly to Chief Executive No Tae-moon, centralizing development and business operations as it steps up efforts to expand its robotics business. The new RX (Robotics eXperience) Business Office, reporting directly to Vice Chairman and DX chief No Tae-moon, will oversee the company's robotics strategy, core technology development and commercialization under a unified structure. Samsung said it will consolidate robotics personnel at its Seoul R&D Campus in southern Seoul and build a data factory at its Gumi plant to strengthen robot data collection and deployment. It also plans to establish research hubs in the United States, China and Japan to expand its technology ecosystem and recruit global talent. Former Hyundai Motor Group executive Lee Dong-geon, who previously led robotics strategy at Boston Dynamics, was appointed head of the robotics strategy team. The company also said robotics experts Kim Hyun-jin of Seoul National University and Kim Eui-gyeom of Ajou University will join the new organization. The move follows Samsung's acquisition of Rainbow Robotics in late 2024 and is aimed at accelerating its humanoid robotics business while advancing its goal of converting all of its domestic and overseas manufacturing sites into AI-powered autonomous factories by 2030. 2026-07-21 16:26:05
  • BOK to plug 24-hour won settlement gap in latest MSCI push
    BOK to plug 24-hour won settlement gap in latest MSCI push SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea will pilot a round-the-clock international won payment network in September, seeking to fill a key settlement gap in its newly opened 24-hour foreign exchange market and strengthen its bid for developed-market status from MSCI. The Bank of Korea said Tuesday it had formally named the planned offshore settlement system the Bank of Korea Won International Wire Network, or BOK-WireInt. The network will allow foreign investors and financial institutions to complete won payments during their own business hours, regardless of the time difference with Seoul. KB Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank and Shinhan Bank will participate in the initial trial, with the central bank and the four lenders currently conducting system tests. The BOK plans to complete the introduction and revision of related payment-system regulations by August. BOK-WireInt will run for 24 hours on business days, from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. the following day, excluding weekends and public holidays. The system is intended to give overseas investors continuous access not only to won trading but also to the infrastructure needed to settle and manage the funds. South Korea moved its domestic foreign exchange market to 24-hour trading on July 6 as part of a broader drive to improve overseas access to the won. The change enabled investors to trade spot won-dollar and foreign exchange swap products during London and New York hours, but the expansion also increased the need for a payment network capable of supporting transactions beyond conventional domestic operating hours. The new network is designed to provide that missing link, allowing foreign institutions to complete won settlements during their local market hours rather than waiting for systems in Seoul to reopen. The BOK said the change should improve the convenience of using and managing won funds and widen foreign access to the country’s settlement infrastructure. The central bank also expects the project to contribute positively to South Korea’s efforts to join MSCI’s developed-market index. Restrictions surrounding offshore won trading and settlement have long been among the market-access issues facing South Korea, which remains classified as an emerging market by the global index provider. The September pilot will test whether the new network can support stable 24-hour settlements before participation is expanded more broadly. The won strengthened 5.0 won to close at 1,473.4 per dollar at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday - supported by the Bank of Korea’s July 16 rate increase and expectations that proceeds from SK Hynix’s U.S. ADR offering will add to dollar supply in the domestic foreign exchange market. 2026-07-21 16:23:21
  • Monami Sees Surge in Online Sales Amid Nationalist Support
    Monami Sees Surge in Online Sales Amid Nationalist Support Stationery company Monami, which faced the threat of delisting, has met the criteria for maintaining its stock listing thanks to a surge in purchases from so-called 'nationalist investors.' The company is also experiencing a rise in online sales.According to Monami, the order amount on its official online store from July 7 to July 13 increased by 90.8% compared to the previous week, from June 30 to July 6.The influx of new consumers is attributed to Monami being recognized as a 'patriotic company' on social media and online communities amid its delisting concerns.The Korea Exchange raised the market capitalization requirement for maintaining a listing on the KOSPI from 20 billion won to 30 billion won on July 1. As a result, Monami, which had a market capitalization of only around 25 billion won as of July 7, faced the possibility of being subject to delisting review.However, as news of Monami's support for Dokdo became known, both investment and consumer interest surged. In 2021, Monami launched the '153 Dokdo' writing instrument to commemorate 'Dokdo Day' on October 25. Since then, the company has donated 3% of the sales revenue from this product to the Dokdo Love Movement Headquarters each year. The donations are used for activities to protect Dokdo and for the Dokdo Love platform project.On July 16, the day of a customer appreciation event, which was held just before a trading halt due to a sharp rise in stock prices, orders surged to three times the previous day, causing delays in delivery as consumer enthusiasm continued.On the same day, Monami's stock price rose to 4,475 won during trading, surpassing the 4,000 won mark for the first time in nearly three years since August 2023.Support for Monami continues online. In a recent customer appreciation letter posted on the company's website and Instagram, CEO Song Jae-hwa received over 1,100 supportive comments, expressing messages of encouragement for the company.In the letter, Song stated, "Your belief and support for Monami during this challenging time, when delisting was a possibility, has been an invaluable source of strength. Thank you for proving that the 60 years Monami has walked have not been in vain." He added, "We will use this support as a stepping stone to provide better products and genuine quality. I sincerely thank you all."Following the release of the letter, netizens left comments such as 'We support the national company Monami' and 'Stay strong,' conveying their encouragement.Meanwhile, on the day trading resumed, Monami's stock closed at 2,615 won, down 29.89% from the previous trading day. Despite the sharp decline, the market capitalization reached 49.4 billion won, exceeding the listing maintenance criteria.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:20:00
  • Midfielder Hwang In-beom joins Portuguese club FC Porto
    Midfielder Hwang In-beom joins Portuguese club FC Porto SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Midfielder Hwang In-beom has transferred to Portugal's FC Porto, the club announced on Tuesday. FC Porto said they paid 4.5 million euros (US$5.14 million) to sign the midfielder on a three-year deal, with an option to extend the contract for another season. Hwang will wear the No. 16 jersey at FC Porto. Hwang's transfer from Dutch club Feyenoord marks another step in his international football career, which has taken him to several different countries since he made his professional debut with South Korean side Daejeon Hana Citizen FC in 2015. Hwang played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer from 2019 to 2020 before moving to clubs in Russia, Greece and Serbia and spending the past two years in the Netherlands with Feyenoord. "I am very excited to sign for FC Porto, one of the best clubs in the world," Hwang said in a statement released by the club. Hwang becomes the second South Korean player to join FC Porto in nearly a decade after Seok Hyun-jun of Yongin FC signed with the Portuguese club in January 2016. 2026-07-21 16:18:33
  • Korean Diplomat Data Breach: Up to 10,000 Records Exposed in Cyberattack
    Korean Diplomat Data Breach: Up to 10,000 Records Exposed in Cyberattack The online education system server of the National Diplomatic Academy, which trains diplomats and senior officials under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was hacked from April last year until early February this year, revealing that approximately 10,000 records were stored on the server.A Ministry official stated on July 21, "About 10,000 data entries were stored in the system." The Ministry announced the breach in a press release the previous day, revealing that an unidentified attacker gained access to the server of the online education system between April and May last year and maintained access until February this year.The official noted, "Sensitive personal information such as resident registration numbers, mobile phone numbers, and addresses were not stored on the server," adding that there may be some duplicate entries. The Ministry did not specify the number of times the attacker accessed the system, only stating that it occurred frequently.The system contained information about Ministry headquarters staff, officials at overseas missions, administrative personnel, and attachés. It reportedly included employees' names, IDs, emails, encrypted passwords, as well as their positions and department affiliations.Historically, the government has only partially disclosed information about high-ranking diplomats during personnel changes through press releases. There has never been a full disclosure of the list of diplomats or the status of personnel at overseas missions, which may have been compromised in this hacking incident.Since overseas missions employ not only diplomats but also personnel from other departments in information and security, it is likely that information about national intelligence officials was also leaked.The Ministry official stated that it is difficult to confirm whether all data stored in the education system was leaked, noting that the figure of 10,000 is an upper estimate. The official acknowledged, "We recognize this situation is not unrelated to national security." They also mentioned, "We need to assess whether there are duplicate entries among the 10,000 data points, but we assume that nearly all personnel from the Ministry headquarters are included."The official added, "Currently, there is insufficient technical analysis to definitively identify the perpetrator, and we are not ruling out any possibilities, including hacking organizations from other countries."The National Diplomatic Academy's online education system was established during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. Security checks have been conducted periodically since the system's launch.The Ministry explained that the attack exploited a zero-day vulnerability, which was not known to the software manufacturer at the time, allowing the attacker to access the system using legitimate software permissions. This made detection difficult, and there were no security updates available at that time to address the vulnerability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:16:00
  • Flood Warning Issued for Imjingang River in Yeoncheon
    Flood Warning Issued for Imjingang River in Yeoncheon As of 3:30 PM on July 21, a flood advisory for the Imjingang River area near Imjingyo in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, has been upgraded to a flood warning.According to Yonhap News and the Han River Flood Control Center, the water level at Imjingyo was recorded at 10.3 meters as of 3:20 PM.The Han River Flood Control Center anticipates that the water level will rise by 0.1 to 0.2 meters every 10 minutes, reaching the flood warning threshold of 10.8 meters around 4:30 PM.A flood advisory was also issued for the Biryong Bridge area at 3:40 PM, with the water level at Biryong Bridge nearing the flood advisory threshold of 11.5 meters, recorded at 10.5 meters as of 3:30 PM.The water level of the Imjingang River is rapidly increasing due to the release of water from the Hwanggang Dam in North Korea and heavy rainfall.The water level at Pilsung Bridge, located at the northernmost limit of the southern boundary, was recorded at 10.1 meters as of 3:20 PM, just 1.9 meters below the crisis response alert level of 12.0 meters for border areas.Additionally, the water level at the Gunam Dam downstream of Pilsung Bridge is at 34.8 meters, with an inflow of 7,298 tons per second, approaching the planned flood level of 40 meters.The Han River Flood Control Center and Yeoncheon County have sent disaster safety messages urging, "Due to the rising water levels of the Imjingang River, some bridges may be closed. We advise riverbank visitors, campers, fishermen, and residents to avoid the area and evacuate to safe locations."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 16:16:00