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  • FIFA to Reassess Hydration Breaks After Criticism at 2026 World Cup
    FIFA to Reassess Hydration Breaks After Criticism at 2026 World Cup The International Football Association (FIFA) is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the hydration break system introduced at the 2026 North America World Cup. This move comes in response to criticism that the breaks, intended for player safety, have instead disrupted the flow of the game and turned into a means for broadcasters to generate advertising revenue.According to major international media outlets, including the BBC, Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, stated during a technical study group (TSG) press conference in New Jersey on July 19 that the organization will closely analyze the impact of hydration breaks.Wenger noted, "Sometimes people did not like this break. It seems that hydration breaks did not affect the outcome of the matches. However, we are here for the viewers of football. We will analyze the impact after the World Cup and reach a conclusion."Prior to the tournament, FIFA mandated a three-minute hydration break around the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of weather conditions or whether the match was held in a dome. This was intended to maintain fairness across matches, but it has led to criticism that the continuous flow of soccer has effectively been transformed into a 'four-quarter' format. Some fans expressed their frustration by booing during the breaks.There has also been significant criticism that these breaks serve primarily to guarantee advertising time for broadcasters. For instance, Fox Sports, a U.S. broadcaster, has set the average cost for a 30-second ad during the World Cup at $200,000 to $300,000. The average cost for ads during matches featuring the U.S. national team and in the knockout stages has reportedly soared to as much as $750,000.Reactions from coaches have varied. Many have voiced concerns that the three-minute breaks compromise the unique identity of soccer by effectively serving as tactical timeouts. Former Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa strongly opposed the breaks, stating, "Dividing the game into four segments takes away a lot without giving anything in return." England's Thomas Tuchel also expressed negative views on the matter.In contrast, Spain's Luis de la Fuente expressed support for the breaks, saying, "I care about the players' health. I think it's the right measure to pause, recharge, and continue the game."As the debate continues, FIFA plans to thoroughly examine the effects of the hydration break system on the nature of the matches. Wenger promised, "We have not reached a conclusion yet, but we will certainly make the analysis results public."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 13:48:00
  • Stock Market Experiences 5-10% Fluctuations as VI Activations Surpass Last Years Total
    Stock Market Experiences 5-10% Fluctuations as VI Activations Surpass Last Year's Total This year, the volatility of the domestic stock market has surged, with the number of volatility interruption device (VI) activations already exceeding last year's total. The KOSPI has been experiencing sharp fluctuations, rising and falling by 5-10% in a single day, leading to a significant increase in VI activations that temporarily halt trading of individual stocks.According to the Korea Exchange, as of July 16, the total number of VI activations in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets reached 76,112 this year, surpassing last year's total of 55,875 by 20,237 activations, or 36.2%. This year's VI activations are on track to set a new record. June recorded the highest monthly total with 21,257 activations, followed by March with 11,965, May with 10,997, July (up to the 16th) with 10,363, April with 8,220, January with 6,902, and February with 6,408. Notably, July has already exceeded 10,000 activations in just 12 trading days.The surge in VI activations is attributed to the unusual volatility in the stock market this year. The KOSPI has seen daily fluctuations exceeding 5% on 28 occasions. Recently, volatility has intensified, with significant daily movements recorded this month: on the 2nd (-7.89%), 3rd (5.76%), 7th (-4.91%), 8th (-5.35%), 10th (2.52%), 13th (-8.95%), 15th (6.24%), and 16th (-6.37%), resulting in hundreds of points of movement in a single day.The VI is a mechanism that switches to single-price trading for two minutes when the price of an individual stock rises or falls beyond a certain threshold in a short period, helping to mitigate excessive price fluctuations. As market volatility increases, the number of activations tends to rise as well. Analysts believe that the sharp price movements in individual stocks are linked to the volatility of large-cap stocks in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, increased leveraged investments, and shifts in investor sentiment.The KOSDAQ has also shown significant volatility, with VI activations totaling 61,403 this year, accounting for 80.7% of the total. Last year, the KOSDAQ recorded 43,943 activations, while the KOSPI had 11,932, indicating that KOSDAQ VI activations were approximately 3.7 times higher than those of the KOSPI. The KOSDAQ's higher proportion of small- and mid-cap growth stocks makes it more sensitive to changes in investor sentiment, resulting in a greater number of VI activations compared to the KOSPI.Shinhan Investment Corp. noted, "Investor sentiment is being dampened by concerns over semiconductor earnings peaks, tightening measures, and geopolitical risks, leading to increased market volatility." They added, "Next week, it will be important to assess the recent geopolitical risks and inflation at the European Central Bank's monetary policy meeting, as well as to gauge the pace of AI investments and the resulting semiconductor demand through the earnings reports of major U.S. tech companies." 2026-07-19 13:48:00
  • Choi Tae-won: Semiconductor Demand Expected to Rise by at Least 50% Next Year
    Choi Tae-won: Semiconductor Demand Expected to Rise by at Least 50% Next Year Choi Tae-won, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, warned that the global semiconductor supply shortage driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to worsen next year. He noted that while supply is unlikely to increase significantly, demand for semiconductors across all industries is projected to surge by 100% due to AI.During a recent press conference at the Jeju Forum, Choi described the situation of skyrocketing global semiconductor demand as 'chaotic.' He stated, "Even if we limit it to AI, there are predictions that demand will increase by at least 60-100% next year compared to this year. Given that there will be almost no increase in supply, overall semiconductor demand is expected to rise by at least 50-60%."Choi emphasized that the widening gap between supply and demand poses a significant problem that could escalate. He explained, "As companies struggle to secure memory semiconductors, this supply shortage will become a national security issue for governments around the world." He added, "Currently, it is a corporate issue, but in the future, governments will also face pressure from other nations regarding this matter." He stressed the urgency of rapidly increasing production capacity, stating, "We need to scale up production wherever possible to survive in this situation."Choi also mentioned the need for expansion not only in Korea but also in the United States, saying, "We must explore the globe to identify the best, fastest, and largest locations for expansion. Prioritizing and quickly building these facilities has become a lifeline for the Korean semiconductor industry."Addressing concerns about a potential early end to the semiconductor supercycle due to increased production, he remarked, "Current prices are abnormal and need to decrease. If prices continue to rise, we will face severe consequences from what is being termed 'chipflation.'" He added, "Increasing supply to lower prices does not mean we won't make money. The Korean semiconductor industry can only sustain and grow if we protect and nurture the market."Choi identified power, cables, underwater cables, and construction as the next bottlenecks in the AI era. He noted, "As AI becomes more prevalent, we will face shortages in cables and cable materials. Prices are already fluctuating, and there is a shortage of underwater cables. The construction sector is also challenging, as specifications change every one to two years."Regarding the ambitious plan to build AI data centers worth 1,000 trillion won, Choi expressed confidence that there would be no issues with securing clients, infrastructure, or financing. He explained, "Building a data center indicates that we already have clients. A project can only commence if there are long-term contracts in place, ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 15 years. The project will proceed when clients are secured, and equipment, land, and power are all matched up." 2026-07-19 13:44:00
  • South Koreas GDP per capita estimated to near $40,000 this year
    South Korea's GDP per capita estimated to near $40,000 this year SEOUL, July 19 (AJP) - South Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is forecast to approach US$40,000 this year, supported by strong exports led by an artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled semiconductor boom, according to data from financial authorities released on Sunday. The country's GDP per capita is projected to reach $39,164 this year, up $2,750 or 7.6 percent from a year earlier, marking the largest annual increase in about five years. The projected growth would be the strongest since 2021, when GDP per capita rose 11.5 percent amid the post-pandemic economic recovery. South Korea's nominal GDP is projected to rise to around 3,006 trillion won this year, based on the government's forecast of a 12.3 percent nominal growth rate from last year's GDP of 2,676.67 trillion won. The figure was then converted into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rate of 1,487.19 won per dollar and divided by the country's estimated population of 51.6 million to calculate GDP per capita. Analysts said that if the won strengthens against the U.S. dollar, South Korea could surpass the $40,000 GDP per capita threshold for the first time this year, about a decade after the country surpassed the $30,000 level in 2016. The country's GDP per capita has fluctuated in recent years from $35,359 in 2018 to $33,652 in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic before recovering to $36,327 in 2024 and $36,414 last year. The growth outlook has been driven largely by robust exports, particularly strong demand for memory chips and AI-related semiconductor products, which have pushed South Korea's exports to record levels. However, South Korea still trails Taiwan in terms of GDP per capita, with Taiwan's government recently raising its GDP per capita forecast to $45,610 from an earlier estimate of $44,000, citing strong export growth. Earlier in April, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that South Korea's and Taiwan's GDP per capita for this year would reach $37,412 and $42,103, respectively. The government last week unveiled a mid- to long-term economic goal that aims to achieve a potential growth rate of 3 percent, make South Korea one of the world's top four exporters, and raise gross national income (GNI) per capita, a gauge of the population's purchasing power, to $50,000 during President Lee Jae Myung's term. 2026-07-19 13:42:42
  • AI-Driven Digital Preservation and Smart Docents: A New Future for South Koreas National Heritage
    AI-Driven Digital Preservation and Smart Docents: A New Future for South Korea's National Heritage National heritage cannot be recreated once it is lost. Palaces, temples, cultural assets, and natural heritage, which hold a thousand years of history, are exposed to numerous risks such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and climate change. It is now essential to adopt new preservation methods for national heritage.AI is opening new possibilities. It enables the permanent digital preservation of national heritage, predicts risks of damage, and allows people worldwide to experience South Korea's history and culture anytime, anywhere. At the forefront of this initiative is Heo Min, the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration. The question is clear.Can South Korea truly preserve its thousand-year national heritage forever through AI and elevate K-heritage into a global future industry?National heritage is an asset borrowed from future generations.National heritage is not merely relics of the past. It embodies the history and culture of South Korea that has persisted for thousands of years and must be passed down intact to future generations. However, fires, floods, earthquakes, climate change, and urban development continuously threaten national heritage.Restoring heritage after damage occurs is not sufficient. A new strategy is needed to predict risks before damage occurs and to digitally preserve heritage permanently. This is why Heo Min is focusing on AI.AI will record a thousand years of national heritage forever.Preservation of national heritage in the AI era begins with documentation. By precisely recording palaces, temples, cultural assets, and sites in three dimensions, AI can analyze the data to detect even minor cracks and deformations.If unforeseen disasters such as fires or earthquakes occur, having digital data will enable more accurate restoration.AI is not just a technology for photographing cultural assets; it is a technology that creates a digital version of national heritage identical to the real thing. The starting point of the AI national heritage policy is to permanently preserve a thousand years of cultural heritage in the digital realm.National heritage data will become a new AI industry.The competitiveness of AI comes from data. The Cultural Heritage Administration has accumulated vast amounts of data on cultural heritage, natural heritage, intangible heritage, excavation, and restoration materials.If this data is standardized and made accessible for AI use, new industries can emerge.Companies can develop generative AI services using national heritage data, and research institutions can conduct new studies. Startups can create content and tourism services based on cultural heritage.National heritage data will no longer be merely materials to be stored but will transform into a national asset that creates a new AI industry.AI smart docents will connect with citizens and the world.To truly understand national heritage, professional explanations are necessary. However, not everyone can access the help of cultural interpreters.Generative AI is ushering in an era where everyone can have their own cultural interpreter.When visitors photograph cultural assets with their smartphones, AI will explain the history and significance. It can provide simple explanations for children, in-depth insights for researchers, and guidance in various languages for foreigners.This marks a shift from an era where citizens seek out national heritage to one where AI proactively engages with the public.AI and XR will revive lost history.Even cultural heritage that has already disappeared can be revisited in the digital realm using AI and XR technology.AI will analyze past records and excavation data to restore the appearance of historical sites. Citizens will be able to walk through palaces, fortresses, and ancient cities in virtual spaces.An era has opened where anyone around the world can experience K-heritage without visiting South Korea.National heritage will evolve from being confined to museums into dynamic cultural content through AI.AI will identify risks to national heritage in advance.Prevention is crucial for national heritage as well. AI can continuously analyze temperature, humidity, climate, environment, and structural changes to detect risks of damage early.By connecting climate information from the meteorological agency, wildfire data from the forestry agency, and cultural asset information from the Cultural Heritage Administration, disaster response for national heritage can become much more sophisticated.AI will serve as an early warning system that alerts us to risks before national heritage is endangered.K-heritage is heading to the global market.Just as K-pop and K-dramas have captivated the world, South Korea's national heritage can also become a new global content.By utilizing AI translation, generative AI, and XR technology, people around the world can understand South Korea's history and culture in their own languages.National heritage will expand beyond tourism into gaming, film, education, and the metaverse industry.Preservation will become an industry, and culture will become a new driving force for growth.The Cultural Heritage Administration will also transform into an AI-driven organization.The Cultural Heritage Administration must evolve from being an institution that utilizes AI to one that operates through AI.AI will analyze vast research and administrative data to support policy decisions. Public officials will be able to focus on preserving national heritage and developing policies, freeing them from repetitive tasks.Transitioning from a digital Cultural Heritage Administration to an AI Cultural Heritage Administration is a key task that Heo Min must pursue. Heo Min's mission is not limited to preserving national heritage. It is to connect South Korea's history and culture to future industries through AI.AI will record national heritage, predict risks, and convey South Korea's culture to the world. National heritage data will serve as the foundation for new content and AI industries.Transforming from a Cultural Heritage Administration that protects the past to one that creates the future.Shifting from preservation-focused policies to a national strategy that connects AI and industry.Preserving a thousand years of national heritage forever through AI and elevating K-heritage into a global cultural industry is the starting point of the AI national heritage revolution that Heo Min must lead.Heo Min, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration:Heo Min is a national heritage expert with a background in geology and paleontology, having conducted research and education in these fields. Since taking office as the head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, he has prioritized the preservation and utilization of national heritage through AI, XR, and digital technologies.He is focusing on nurturing generative AI, smart docents, digital documentation, and K-heritage content industries based on national heritage data, ensuring the safe transmission of heritage to future generations while developing it into a new national growth engine. His core task is to combine AI and cultural heritage to establish South Korea as a leading nation in AI-driven national heritage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 13:40:00
  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day Tops Pre-Sales Ahead of Release
    Spider-Man: Brand New Day Tops Pre-Sales Ahead of Release The film 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has reached the top of pre-sale ticket sales ahead of its release.According to the integrated ticketing system on July 19, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' recorded 208,744 pre-sale tickets as of 12:12 PM.With ten days remaining until its release, this figure surpasses 200,000. The rapid increase in pre-sales over the weekend demonstrates the film's strong anticipation as a major release in July.Notably, the pre-sale trend is higher compared to previous films in the 'Tom Spider' series featuring Tom Holland as Peter Parker. 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' had 70,000 pre-sales two days before its release, 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' had 130,000 three days prior, and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' recorded 140,000 seven days ahead of its debut.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is an action blockbuster that follows Peter Parker, who has been forgotten by everyone since the events of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' as he confronts a mysterious enemy who remembers his identity. The story depicts Peter Parker, who gains uncontrollable powers due to DNA mutation, facing new threats to protect his loved ones.Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya Coleman, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramel Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' will be released in South Korea ahead of its North American debut on July 29.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 13:28:00
  • South Korea Plans Unified Military Academy to Train Officers for AI Era
    South Korea Plans Unified Military Academy to Train Officers for AI Era The discussion on establishing a unified military academy that combines the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies has gained momentum. The government plans to hold public hearings and policy briefings next month, aiming to prepare related legislation by the end of the year. The core of the new educational system is the '2+2 system,' where cadets will receive joint training during their first two years on a unified campus and then specialize in their respective branches during their third and fourth years. This approach aims to enhance joint capabilities while maintaining branch-specific expertise. Opinions within the political sphere and military circles are divided. Some express concerns that this could undermine the history and traditions of each branch, while others argue that reform is necessary to adapt to future battlefield environments. However, this issue should not be a debate over government policy versus the preservation of existing systems; it is a matter of national strategy regarding the type of officers South Korea will cultivate in the future. Modern warfare is evolving in ways that are fundamentally different from the past. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that drones, artificial intelligence (AI), satellites, cyber warfare, and electronic warfare now constitute a single battlefield. Relying solely on the traditional division of responsibilities—land for the Army, sea for the Navy, and air for the Air Force—cannot adequately explain future warfare. Officers will need the ability to understand and command multiple domains simultaneously within a single operation. The essence of establishing a military academy is not merely to consolidate schools but to transform the way officers are trained to align with future battlefields. Cadets living and discussing together from the start, understanding the characteristics of different branches, and naturally learning the concept of joint operations is a fundamental capability the military must develop. The '2+2 system,' which strengthens specialized training in the third and fourth years, can be seen as a practical alternative to secure both jointness and expertise. Educational efficiency is also an unavoidable challenge. Currently, the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies operate with about 3,000 personnel to train approximately 2,900 cadets, with significant overlap in their curricula. The Ministry of National Defense states that about 70% of the educational content is common across the branches. In a context where universities nationwide are pursuing mergers and restructuring due to declining student populations, military educational institutions cannot be exempt. Reducing redundant investments and reallocating saved resources towards AI education, advanced experimental facilities, and securing excellent faculty will enhance future competitiveness. The government's proposed direction aligns with the changing times. Plans include strengthening AI-based operational training across all domains and increasing the proportion of civilian instructors from the current 24% to over 50%, ensuring compensation comparable to national universities. The initiative to create a smart campus at the Daejeon Army Base and expand collaboration with research institutions like the Defense Science Research Institute and KAIST is also worth considering in terms of future-oriented military education. However, the necessity for reform does not justify the means by which it is pursued. The history, traditions, and organizational culture that each military academy has built over decades are vital assets that have shaped officers' pride. These should not be dismissed as mere vested interests. The public hearings and policy briefings the government is pursuing must not be mere formalities. They should adequately address concerns from within and outside the military and provide concrete solutions on how to maintain branch-specific expertise and identity. Only then can trust in the reform be established. The discussion surrounding the military academy is not about abolishing military schools. It is a national choice on how to cultivate officers suitable for the AI era. If it helps nurture talents who will lead future battlefields, the educational system must change. Change is most powerful when demanded by the times. This reform must be completed in a way that enhances the competitiveness of South Korea's defense, based on sufficient social consensus and meticulous preparation. 2026-07-19 13:04:00
  • Samsung remains South Koreas only global top 10 tech brand amid heated AI race
    Samsung remains South Korea's only global top 10 tech brand amid heated AI race SEOUL, July 19 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics remained the only South Korean company among the world's top 10 technology brands, as intensifying competition driven by artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global technology industry. According to the latest report on major global technology companies released by British consulting firm Brand Finance, Samsung's brand value reached US$97.42 billion (about 145 trillion won), up 9 percent from $89.42 billion a year earlier. But the semiconductor giant's ranking slipped one notch from seventh place last year, as Nvidia, which ranked eighth last year, climbed three spots to fifth on the back of growing demand for AI-related technologies and was named the world's "fastest-growing technology brand." Despite the decline in ranking, Samsung maintained its position as South Korea's top technology brand and the country's only company in the global top 10. Five South Korean companies, including Samsung, made the global top 100, with SK hynix ranking second at No. 28, followed by LG at No. 44, Coupang, which was classified as a South Korean company, at No. 49 and Naver at No. 95. The U.S. continued to dominate the ranking, with 46 companies among the top 100. Apple ranked first with a brand value of $607.64 billion, followed by Microsoft, Google and Amazon. China ranked second with 25 companies, followed by Japan with nine and South Korea with five. However, South Korea ranked third in terms of combined brand value, accounting for 3.7 percent, behind the U.S. at 77.7 percent and China at 12.6 percent. Meanwhile, the total value of the world's top 100 tech brands was estimated at $3.7 trillion, up 15 percent from a year earlier. 2026-07-19 12:33:36
  • Supreme Court to Rule on Kim Geon-hees Case This Week; Verdict in Choi Tae-won and Noh So-youngs Property Dispute Also Expected
    Supreme Court to Rule on Kim Geon-hee's Case This Week; Verdict in Choi Tae-won and Noh So-young's Property Dispute Also Expected The Supreme Court is set to deliver its ruling this week on Kim Geon-hee, who faces charges related to stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors. A verdict is also anticipated in the property division case between Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, and Noh So-young, director of the Art Center Nabi. According to legal sources on the 19th, the Supreme Court's second division, led by Justice Park Young-jae, will announce its decision on Kim's case concerning violations of the Capital Markets Act on the afternoon of the 24th.Kim is accused of receiving a 62 million won diamond necklace and two Chanel bags worth 20 million won from former Unification Church leader Yoon Young-ho, through Jeon Seong-bae, from April to July 2022, in exchange for soliciting support for the church.Additionally, from October 2010 to December 2012, she allegedly participated in stock manipulation at Deutsche Motors, gaining 810 million won in illicit profits. Between June 2021 and March 2022, she is also accused of colluding with former President Yoon Suk-yeol to receive polling results worth 27 million won from political broker Myung Tae-kyun.In the first trial, the court found her guilty of some charges related to the Unification Church and sentenced her to 1 year and 8 months in prison. However, the appeals court overturned this, ruling all charges as guilty and sentencing her to 4 years in prison along with a fine of 50 million won. The polling charge was deemed not guilty, consistent with the first trial.The Supreme Court was initially scheduled to announce its ruling on the 16th. However, the special prosecutor's team for Kim requested a delay to review the ruling from the Seoul Central District Court, which found Yoon guilty as an accomplice in the polling case. Consequently, the ruling was postponed to the 24th.On the same day, the Seoul High Court's Family Division will also hold a ruling on the property division case between Choi and Noh.Choi and Noh, who married in September 1988 and have three children, have been embroiled in a legal battle for nine years since Choi filed for divorce in 2017.In December 2022, the first trial court ordered Choi to pay Noh 100 million won in alimony and 66.5 billion won in property division.The appeals court, in May 2024, increased the alimony to 2 billion won and the property division amount to 1.38 trillion won, determining that Choi's shares in SK Corporation were subject to division due to contributions from former President Roh Tae-woo's slush fund of 30 billion won and Noh's efforts.The Supreme Court ruled last October that even if Roh's slush fund was deemed illegal and flowed into SK, it could not be considered a contribution from Noh in the property division, sending the case back for reconsideration.The retrial court held its first hearing on January 9 but referred the case for mediation after three months. However, mediation failed due to unresolved key issues, such as whether SK shares were subject to property division.Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 22 will deliver a verdict on Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, on the 22nd regarding allegations of violating political funding laws.Oh is accused of receiving polling results from Myung on ten occasions before the April 7, 2021, Seoul mayoral by-election and having businessman Kim Han-jeong pay 33 million won on his behalf. He was indicted in December of last year.The special prosecutor for Kim Geon-hee sought a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison and a fine of 33 million won, stating that as a prominent politician, he should have adhered to political funding laws but allowed polling costs to be paid by a third party.Oh has denied the allegations, calling the prosecution's case excessive.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 12:32:00
  • Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho Marks One Year in Office with Focus on Major Crimes
    Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho Marks One Year in Office with Focus on Major Crimes Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho has reported significant achievements in combating serious crimes that threaten public safety during his first year in office, including the recovery of approximately 380 billion won in criminal proceeds and the repatriation of 135 fugitives. On July 19, the Ministry of Justice stated that it has focused its policy efforts on ensuring the daily safety of citizens and revitalizing the national economy. The ministry explained that it concentrated its investigative resources on three major types of serious crimes that threaten public safety: voice phishing, financial and virtual asset crimes, and drug offenses. Specifically, the Eastern District Prosecutor's Office's Voice Phishing Crime Joint Investigation Team has apprehended a total of 471 individuals and arrested 169 from July of last year to May of this year. Compared to the previous three years, the average number of cases filed per month increased by 87%, and the number of arrests rose by 66.7%. The Southern District Prosecutor's Office's Financial and Virtual Asset Crime Joint Investigation Team also filed cases against 304 individuals involved in financial, securities, and virtual asset crimes and arrested 25 from June of last year to May of this year. As a result, they secured the recovery of criminal proceeds amounting to 381.4 billion won. The Joint Investigation Team for Drug Crimes, established in the Suwon District Prosecutor's Office, has filed a total of 264 cases, including eight drug organizations, and arrested 125 key figures as of last month. In the first half of this year, 135 fugitives, including a romance scam couple, the so-called 'drug kingpin of the Philippines' Park Wang-yeol, and leaders of overseas hacking organizations, were forcibly repatriated to South Korea. This figure is a significant increase from 180 repatriations in 2024, with 135 occurring in just the first half of this year. The ministry also highlighted its achievements related to drug offenders. By expanding rehabilitation programs, the recidivism rate for drug offenders has decreased by 15.9 percentage points over the past five years. Additionally, to prevent recidivism through treatment and rehabilitation, the ministry established 13 dedicated rehabilitation units for drug offenders within correctional facilities and secured 61 specialized personnel for drug rehabilitation. During Minister Jeong's tenure, 38 public safety and welfare bills were passed in the National Assembly, marking a 65% increase compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Justice stated, "This is the highest achievement among all government ministries, establishing the status of a 'working Ministry of Justice.'" The ministry has also made progress in practical legal administration to support economic revitalization, ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations, and innovating legal practices to address past issues while looking toward the future. Minister Jeong Seong-ho stated, "Over the past year, I have focused the center of legal administration on a 'Ministry of Justice that works for the people' and a 'Ministry of Justice that grows for public safety and welfare,' seeking answers in the field. I have laid the groundwork to elevate South Korea's rule of law paradigm, from healing the wounds of state violence to responding to international investment disputes, designing advanced immigration and foreigner policies, and alleviating overcrowding in correctional facilities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 12:28:00