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Samsung Electronics May Produce Some of Google's Next-Gen AI Chips Samsung Electronics is reportedly in discussions to take on part of the production for Google's next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chips. If Google becomes a customer alongside Tesla and Groq, it would further expand Samsung's foundry business in the AI chip sector. According to industry sources, Google is considering assigning the production of some key components for its 10th generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) 'Icefish' to Samsung's foundry. This chip is currently under development with a target for mass production in 2028. Google is exploring a strategy to divide the production of Icefish components between TSMC and Samsung. The main processor, which handles computations, is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 1.4-nanometer process, while Samsung is likely to produce the memory input/output die that connects the main processor to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) using a 2-nanometer process. The memory input/output die is responsible for data transfer between the computational units and HBM within the AI chip. As AI models grow larger, the efficiency of data transfer between memory and processors becomes increasingly critical, raising the importance of these connecting components. Samsung's candidacy is bolstered by its dual capabilities in both memory and foundry businesses. The company's expertise in memory technology, combined with advanced process and packaging techniques, is seen as a significant advantage. Industry analysts suggest that by pursuing contracts for Google TPU components, along with Tesla's AI6 and Groq's LPU, Samsung is strengthening its strategy to diversify its AI chip customer base beyond specific companies to include automotive, cloud, and AI startups. Should these discussions lead to a formal contract, it would represent a significant opportunity for Samsung's foundry, especially as demand for AI semiconductors surges and TSMC's advanced production capacity becomes constrained. Major tech companies are increasingly considering Samsung as an alternative in their supply chain diversification efforts. Samsung is currently establishing advanced production facilities in Taylor, Texas. Following its recent contract for Tesla's next-generation AI6 chip, the company is also expanding its orders related to AI semiconductors, including the production of Groq's language processing unit to be integrated into NVIDIA platforms. Google is reportedly collaborating with Taiwan's MediaTek on the design of Icefish and is also in negotiations with Intel for TPU production, indicating that the final production structure may change based on further discussions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:36:00 -
Eli's Remarriage Sparks Reflection on Past Relationship with Ji Yeon-soo Eli, a former member of U-KISS, announced his remarriage, prompting renewed interest in his past comments about reconciling with his ex-wife, Ji Yeon-soo. On June 11, Eli shared on his social media that he has found someone to spend the rest of his life with, expressing gratitude for the news. He noted, "The last five years have been the most challenging yet transformative time of my life." He praised his fiancée, stating, "Her patience and support helped me navigate through my toughest times and made the good moments even more meaningful." Eli expressed his excitement about starting this new chapter together, calling it a great blessing and looking forward to their future. He also thanked everyone who has supported him over the years. Previously, Eli married Ji Yeon-soo, a racing model 11 years his senior, in 2014, and they welcomed a son before divorcing in 2020. The couple appeared together on the reality show 'We Got Divorced 2' in 2022. At that time, Eli had shared his thoughts on the possibility of remarriage, saying, "I have thought about it, but I lack confidence. We had an unblessed marriage and childbirth, and if asked to do it again, I couldn't. I don't want to remarry. I'm happy as I am now."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:33:00 -
Cargo-handling robot wows at Seoul tech event SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - A robot demonstrates cargo-handling capabilities during Smart Tech Korea 2026 at COEX in Seoul on June 11, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-06-12 08:24:34 -
KOSPI Experiences Extreme Volatility, Surpassing COVID-19 and Lehman Crisis Levels ◆Aju Economy Major News ▷KOSPI fluctuates -8.29%, +8.18%, and -4.52% in June, with daily volatility reaching 5.30%. - The KOSPI index has experienced significant fluctuations this month, with declines of 8.29%, gains of 8.18%, and a recent drop of 4.52%. Daily volatility, measured by the standard deviation of daily price changes, has surged to 5.30%. - This level of volatility exceeds that seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 (4.21%) and the global financial crisis in October 2008 (5.15%). - Monthly daily volatility has expanded from 0.99% in January to 5.30% in June, more than five times the level at the start of the year. - Analysts attribute the recent increase in volatility to geopolitical risks in the Middle East, inflation concerns in the U.S., expectations of interest rate hikes in Japan, and profit-taking in the semiconductor sector. - Kim Sung-hwan, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp., describes the current market as being in the latter stages of a bull market driven by technological innovation, noting that the recent high volatility is typical of bubble and overshooting phases. ◆Major Reports ▷SpaceX Valuation Analysis - SpaceX is currently valued at $1.75 trillion based on its IPO price, with a price-to-sales ratio (PSR) of approximately 100. However, as it expands its data center, AI, and Starlink businesses, the PSR is expected to decrease to around 30 by the end of 2026. - The company’s data center leasing business targeting Google and Anthropic, along with the construction of orbital data centers (ODC), is emerging as a new growth driver, with significant revenue contributions anticipated starting in 2029. - The AI coding service 'Cursor' is experiencing rapid growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR), suggesting a high likelihood of SpaceX pursuing acquisitions worth around $60 billion post-IPO. - Starlink subscribers have surpassed 12 million and are expected to exceed 18 million by the end of this year, with a long-term goal of reaching hundreds of millions of customers. - There are strong indications that SpaceX may seek to acquire Tesla within 2026 to integrate AI, communications, and mobility ecosystems, and may consider acquiring a mobile network operator (MNO) thereafter. ◆Key Disclosures After Market Close (June 11) ▷CIS changes its name to 'SFA Nexel' ▷Lotte Shopping announces increased interim dividends for the second consecutive year ▷Ubion signs a 3 billion won contract with Samsung Electronics for service enhancement ▷Ecobolt to resume trading on June 16 ▷Padu grants stock options totaling 147,000 shares to 65 employees ▷Korea Electronic Certification decides to retire 1.9 billion won worth of treasury stock ▷Daedong Metal announces a decision to acquire and retire 1 billion won worth of treasury stock ▷IL adjusts its conversion price to 3,397 won ◆Fund Trends (as of June 10, excluding ETFs) ▷Domestic equity funds: +64.9 billion won ▷Overseas equity funds: +105.1 billion won ◆Key Economic Indicators Scheduled for June 12 ▷Germany: Consumer Price Index (May) ▷UK: Import and Export Trends (April), Industrial Production (April) ▷US: Consumer Sentiment Index (June) ▷Corporate: SpaceX IPO* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:24:00 -
Human-Like robotic hand unveiled in Seoul SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - A robotic hand designed to mimic human hand movements is demonstrated during Smart Tech Korea 2026 at COEX in Seoul on June 11, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-06-12 08:23:54 -
Dancing robots dazzle at COEX in Seoul SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Robots perform a dance demonstration at the AGIBOT booth during Smart Tech Korea 2026 at COEX in Seoul on June 11, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-06-12 08:23:38 -
Model Solution Supplies SpaceX Starlink Equipment Samples Model Solution, a subsidiary of Korea and Company listed on the KOSDAQ, has joined the "SpaceX value chain" by supplying samples of equipment related to SpaceX's low-orbit satellite internet service, Starlink. According to investment banking sources on June 12, Model Solution has recently completed the supply of initial mock-ups and prototypes of Starlink satellite terminals and Wi-Fi router equipment to SpaceX. These products have reportedly moved beyond the initial research and development stage to testing for actual production processes. Model Solution is currently undergoing full-scale production testing with SpaceX, and if successful, it is expected to be incorporated as an official supplier, potentially leading to large-scale production contracts. The Starlink satellite terminal kit is essential communication equipment for receiving satellite signals on the ground, while the Wi-Fi router is a key device for transmitting wireless internet signals. The rising importance of satellite terminals and Wi-Fi routers within the Starlink supply chain is attributed to the unique communication structure of low-orbit satellite internet and rapid subscriber growth. Unlike traditional ground communication networks that rely on large base station infrastructures, Starlink connects users directly through a structure of "space satellite → ground user terminal → Wi-Fi router → smart devices." Individual subscribers must install terminals and routers in their homes, ships, aircraft, or vehicles to access the internet, effectively replacing the role of base stations with subscriber antenna equipment, which means the number of subscribers directly correlates with the demand for terminals. As of June 5, the number of Starlink subscribers worldwide surpassed 12 million, up from about 10.3 million at the end of the first quarter, with a monthly increase of 1 million subscribers. As service continues to expand into remote areas such as islands and mountainous regions, the demand for satellite terminal kits to attract subscribers is expected to skyrocket. Securing a foothold in the equipment supply chain could translate into significant long-term production revenue. Model Solution's ability to partner with SpaceX stems from its robust technological capabilities and comprehensive restructuring as a subsidiary of a large corporation. In 2018, Korea and Company acquired a 75% stake in Model Solution as part of its diversification strategy to secure future growth engines. Since joining the group, Model Solution has transformed from a simple prototype manufacturer into a comprehensive business solution provider, encompassing product development and contract manufacturing. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system, Model Solution's revenue for the first quarter was approximately 18.7 billion won, with contract manufacturing (TSB) accounting for 23.3% (about 4.4 billion won) and injection molding and rapid tooling (IMB) accounting for 37.4% (about 6.9 billion won), raising the proportion of revenue from mass production to over 60%. This shift from a traditional design prototype focus to a hardware comprehensive solution provider has been positively evaluated. Thanks to this portfolio diversification, first-quarter revenue increased by 14% year-on-year, while operating profit (748 million won) and net profit (1.9 billion won) surged by 46% and 225%, respectively, marking an earnings surprise. This supply is expected to attract market attention as it coincides with SpaceX's scheduled IPO on June 12, U.S. time. While existing aerospace-themed stocks have relied on somewhat vague expectations, Model Solution has secured a solid performance and financial momentum through its supply of distribution equipment to SpaceX. An investment banking source noted, "We should pay attention to the trend where battery cell companies like Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution entered Tesla's core supply chain and grew into global giants, becoming key stocks in the domestic market. If Model Solution transitions from a one-time sample supply to actual mass production, it could emerge as a central player in the domestic aerospace equipment and communications sector, coinciding with SpaceX's listing."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:21:00 -
Bithumb Issues Guidelines to Prevent Phishing Scams Bithumb announced on June 12 that it has released guidelines to help users prevent phishing scams targeting them, coinciding with its internal "Information Security Day." Recently, phishing scams have evolved, utilizing sender names that closely resemble legitimate sources, URLs that are difficult to distinguish from official sites, and meticulously crafted messages. To assist users in recognizing common phishing tactics, Bithumb has prepared campaign content for self-assessment. The main phishing methods identified by Bithumb fall into three categories. The most common involves impersonating exchanges or financial institutions by sending messages claiming, "Overseas IP login attempt detected," along with fake links. Other tactics include phishing emails disguised as security checks that lead users to cloned pages identical to the real site to steal authentication information, and the use of fake websites appearing in search engine results to trick users into entering their information. Exposure to such phishing attempts can result in the leakage of sensitive information, including account IDs, passwords, two-factor authentication codes (SMS, OTP), phone numbers, email addresses, names, birth dates, and financial information. Particularly concerning is the risk of secondary damage if the same password is used across multiple services, as this can lead to breaches beyond just the exchange account. Since the implementation of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act in 2024, Bithumb has enhanced its internal control and protection systems through various committees, including the Internal Control Committee, Market Surveillance Committee, and Anti-Money Laundering Risk Management Committee, in collaboration with external experts. Earlier this year, it also launched an "Information Security Advisory Committee" with external experts. A Bithumb representative stated, "Phishing scams have become so sophisticated that they are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. A simple habit of double-checking sender addresses and official URLs is the most effective preventive measure. Bithumb will continue to strengthen security guidance and protective measures to safeguard users' assets and personal information."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:21:00 -
Government to Conduct Safety Inspections on Over 190,000 Factories and Warehouses The South Korean government will begin safety inspections for fire hazards at over 190,000 factories and warehouses nationwide starting in September. This initiative aims to establish an integrated management system across various ministries, consolidating inspections related to construction, fire safety, industrial safety, and hazardous materials to prevent major fires. On June 12, during a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters and the Economic Relations Ministers' Meeting at the Government Seoul Building, Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, announced the "Factory and Warehouse Fire Safety Inspection Plan." This plan targets factories and warehouses with a total floor area of over 500 square meters, as well as facilities storing hazardous materials and high-risk workplaces, to assess their fire vulnerabilities and legal compliance. This inspection initiative follows a series of tragic incidents, including a fire at a safety industrial complex in Daejeon that resulted in 14 fatalities, and another fire at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon plant that claimed four lives. Previously, inspections were conducted separately by various ministries under laws governing construction, hazardous materials, industrial safety, and chemical management, but concerns have been raised about the limitations of this fragmented approach. The inspection will cover 190,000 facilities out of a total of 730,000 factories and warehouses nationwide, focusing on compliance with building codes, installation of non-combustible sandwich panels, fire safety equipment such as sprinklers and fire hydrants, handling of hazardous materials, and overall safety management in industrial, electrical, and chemical sectors. To carry out the inspections, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Environment, and the National Fire Agency will form joint inspection teams. Additionally, private experts and young professionals will be involved, along with personnel from local governments, fire departments, and labor offices. A pilot inspection will be conducted on about 100 factories in the Gyeonggi region from this month until next month, followed by the first phase of the main inspections starting in September. The inspections are expected to be completed in three phases by the end of next year. The government plans to take immediate corrective actions for any illegal expansions or safety management deficiencies identified during the inspections and will create a database to integrate inspection results from various ministries. This will serve as a foundation for improving the overall safety management system for factories and warehouses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-12 08:12:00 -
A shipwreck, a gift and 140 Years of friendship between Korea and France SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - The story of how Korea and France first encountered each other began far from Paris — on a remote island off Korea's southwestern coast. In the spring of 1851, the French whaling ship Narval ran aground near Bigeumdo. Stranded sailors found unexpected refuge among local Joseon officials who offered food, shelter and assistance despite sharing no common language. When French consul Charles de Montigny arrived from Shanghai to retrieve the crew, he reportedly found not hardship but hospitality. At a farewell banquet, French champagne and wine sat alongside Korean makgeolli. Before departing, Montigny received a simple earthenware wine bottle as a gift. A small object. A quiet gesture. It would become one of the earliest surviving traces of contact between Korea and France — 35 years before the two countries formally established diplomatic relations through the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1886. Today, that story unfolds across two exhibitions in Seoul marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic ties. At the National Palace Museum of Korea, Gifts and Records: 140 Years of Korea-France Friendship brings together diplomatic documents, letters and state gifts that trace the relationship from the late Joseon Dynasty to the present. Among the exhibition's most significant pieces are the original treaty documents and ratification records preserved separately in Korea and France, displayed together for the first time. Nearby are royal gifts exchanged between King Gojong and French President Sadi Carnot — reminders that diplomacy was often conducted not only through signatures and seals, but also through carefully chosen objects. At Deoksugung Palace's Dondeokjeon Hall, another exhibition focuses on a single gift. Banhwa: Auspicious Wishes centers on a royal decorative arrangement sent by King Gojong to the French president after diplomatic relations were established. Set upon a lotus-shaped stand, the work combines peonies, orchids, pine trees and arborvitae — each carrying a wish from the Joseon court. Prosperity. Longevity. Integrity. Renewal. The original remains in Paris at the Guimet Museum. For this exhibition, a painstakingly restored replica created by National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder Kim Young-hee returns the royal gift to Korean audiences for the first time. What connects both exhibitions is a simple idea. History is often remembered through treaties and dates. Yet relationships between nations are also built through objects that survive long after the people who exchanged them are gone. An earthenware bottle carried from Bigeumdo. A royal flower arrangement sent across continents. Letters, gifts and records exchanged over generations. Together they tell a quieter story of Korea and France — one measured not only in diplomacy, but in gestures of goodwill. As Korean culture enjoys growing popularity in France and French art, cuisine and fashion remain beloved in Korea, these exhibitions offer a reminder that cultural exchange did not begin with K-pop or tourism. It began with a shipwreck, a shared meal and a gift. 2026-06-12 08:04:59