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  • Reforming Basic Pension to Address Elderly Poverty
    Reforming Basic Pension to Address Elderly Poverty Jeong Eun-kyung, Minister of Health and Welfare, announced plans to revise the criteria for basic pension payments in the second half of this year. The current system provides nearly the same amount to the bottom 70% of seniors aged 65 and older, but the new proposal aims to implement a progressive support structure where those with lower incomes receive more. This change addresses concerns that the basic pension, introduced to reduce elderly poverty, does not accurately reflect the severity of poverty among seniors. Under the current system, the income recognition amount, which is calculated based on the income and assets of elderly households, determines eligibility for monthly payments of up to 349,700 won. While this approach is straightforward and supports a broad range of seniors, the relative evaluation method that mandates 70% of the elderly population to be recipients has increasingly revealed contradictions over time. The most significant issue is the blurring of policy goals. Seniors with minimal income and those with relatively stable incomes receive similar amounts. By spreading limited resources too broadly, sufficient support does not reach those seniors in dire need. Although the basic pension has a high coverage rate, its effectiveness in alleviating elderly poverty is limited. The 70% threshold also does not align with reality. As the income and assets of the elderly population generally increase, the eligibility criteria also rise. This means a certain percentage of all seniors must continue to be included, regardless of their poverty status. Conversely, seniors just above the threshold receive no pension at all, leading to a 'cliff effect' where small income differences can drastically affect disposable income. The government's consideration of a median income-linked approach could serve as a starting point to rectify these issues. Instead of determining eligibility based on rank among seniors, the focus would shift to whether individuals have the income necessary to maintain their living standards. If the goal of the basic pension is to ensure a minimum standard of living for seniors rather than merely distributing payments to 70% of them, applying an absolute poverty standard aligns with this principle. However, the progressive support structure must not be distorted into a means of reducing the number of recipients to save funds. Payments to low-income seniors should be increased to cover actual living expenses, while mechanisms must be established to prevent sudden loss of benefits for existing recipients. A gradual reduction in payments based on income brackets is necessary. Reforming the 70% threshold into another cliff is not acceptable. The couple reduction system also needs revision. Currently, if both partners receive the basic pension, each amount is reduced by 20%. While the rationale is that living together saves on expenses, low-income elderly couples still face significant burdens from medical costs, caregiving, and housing. The government's phased reduction should prioritize the poorest couples. Marital status should not disadvantage seniors in their retirement income. The relationship with the National Pension also needs clarification. If those who have diligently paid premiums perceive that they are worse off in calculating the basic pension, it could diminish their incentive to enroll in the National Pension. The basic pension should be clearly distinguished as a minimum income guaranteed through taxation, while the National Pension serves as an income-based pension based on contributions. Revisions to the basic pension should be pursued within a multi-layered retirement income system that encompasses the National Pension, retirement pensions, and basic living security systems. Financial sustainability cannot be overlooked. As the elderly population rapidly increases, continuously expanding both the payment amounts and the number of recipients could impose an unbearable burden on future generations. Therefore, focusing on concentrated support for the impoverished rather than universal distribution is essential. The accuracy of income and asset assessments should be improved, and mechanisms should be established to evaluate the effects of poverty reduction and financial burdens periodically. The success of the basic pension reform hinges not on how many people receive it, but on how much it improves the lives of the most vulnerable seniors. The government should not settle for politically convenient flat increases but must also address payment criteria, reduction systems, and relationships with other pensions. It is time to transform the pension from one that merely adheres to the 70% figure into one that effectively reduces elderly poverty. 2026-07-19 14:00:00
  • SK Telecom Concludes Tech4Good Hackathon with 115 Young Innovators Finding AI Solutions for Social Issues
    SK Telecom Concludes 'Tech4Good Hackathon' with 115 Young Innovators Finding AI Solutions for Social Issues SK Telecom successfully concluded the 'Tech4Good Hackathon' in collaboration with Hana Financial Group. A total of 115 young participants developed services using AI technology to support socially vulnerable groups.On July 19, SK Telecom announced the completion of the Tech4Good Hackathon, themed 'AI Services for an Inclusive Future.'The event took place from July 15 to 16 at SK Telecom's training center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, as part of an AI talent development program. It featured 61 participants from SK Telecom's youth AI education program 'FLY AI Challenger' and 54 participants from Hana Financial Group's 'Hana Youth Financial Talent Development Project,' totaling 115 participants, including university students. This marks the third hackathon jointly organized by the two companies since they began their collaboration in 2023 to nurture future AI talent.Participants competed in three areas: solutions for supporting socially vulnerable groups and sustainable societies, AI services for digitally marginalized communities, and ESG services that integrate finance and telecommunications. SK Telecom's developers served as mentors, providing technical guidance and advice based on real-world development experience.The grand prize was awarded to the 'T1' team for their personalized AI storybook and accompanying discipline solution based on children's experiences. The excellence awards went to the 'Haemul Pajeon' team, which developed a service allowing parents with speech difficulties to narrate stories to their children in their own voices, and the 'Sibi Ganji' team, which created a service that reconstructs stock information for visually impaired individuals through auditory and tactile means. The winning teams received a total prize pool of 10 million won, including 3 million won for the grand prize and 2 million won for the excellence awards.Um Jong-hwan, head of SK Telecom's Sustainable Management Division, stated, 'This hackathon was an opportunity to confirm the potential of AI technology to create a better society. We will continue to strive to expand the social value created by AI.' 2026-07-19 13:56:00
  • Middle East Conflict Escalates: Urgent Economic Contingency Plans Needed
    Middle East Conflict Escalates: Urgent Economic Contingency Plans Needed The Middle East conflict has reached a critical juncture. Iran has directly attacked a U.S. military base in Jordan with missiles and drones, resulting in the deaths of two American service members and one missing. In response, the United States launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Iran has warned that it could threaten not only the Strait of Hormuz but also the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key gateway to the Red Sea, using Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The potential for limited clashes to escalate into a broader conflict across the Middle East and major maritime transport routes is increasingly likely.The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are vital arteries for the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas, while the Red Sea and Suez Canal provide the shortest route between Asia and Europe. If both routes are blocked or face increased risks, international oil and natural gas prices, shipping rates, and insurance premiums are likely to surge. Rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope would significantly increase transportation times and costs, potentially leading to a compounded energy crisis that could drive up logistics, raw materials, and food prices.This situation is particularly dire for South Korea, which heavily relies on energy imports. Disruptions to the shipping of Middle Eastern oil and gas would have a cascading effect on industries such as refining, petrochemicals, power generation, steel, automotive, and shipping. Rising oil prices and freight costs would increase production expenses for companies and push consumer prices higher. For households and businesses already struggling with high exchange rates and interest rates, the added cost shock from the Middle East could further undermine domestic demand and investment recovery.Moreover, the Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate to 2.75% on July 16, citing inflation concerns. If the Middle East crisis prolongs and international oil prices and exchange rates rise again, pressure for further interest rate hikes will increase. While fiscal measures may be needed to defend the economy, the need for tight monetary policy due to inflation could lead to conflicting policy challenges. The war is no longer just a distant foreign policy and security issue; it has become a direct threat to South Korea's economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and livelihoods.The government must not rely on optimistic scenarios. It should immediately assess energy and logistics contingency plans based on normal operations, partial blockades, and simultaneous blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. This includes verifying oil and gas stockpiles, potential release timelines, alternative import routes, and vessel availability in collaboration with businesses. Support measures for shipping companies and small exporters regarding freight and insurance costs should also be prepared in advance.Additionally, a financial market safety net must be established quickly. A surge in oil prices combined with risk-averse sentiment could lead to a decline in the value of the won, foreign capital outflows, and rising bond yields. Authorities must closely manage foreign currency liquidity and be ready to implement market stabilization measures immediately. Adjustments to fuel taxes and energy prices, as well as support for vulnerable groups, should not be reactive but rather based on pre-established response criteria.Short-term measures alone will not suffice. South Korea must diversify its oil and gas import sources, expand renewable energy and nuclear power, and enhance national stockpiling capabilities to bolster energy security. The diversification of key raw material supply chains and export routes cannot be delayed any longer.The situation in the Middle East is now beyond the realm of prediction. The government's task is not to speculate on the outcome of the war but to prepare for the worst-case scenario to ensure the economy does not come to a standstill. With the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea now in turmoil, it is time to activate the economic security emergency system.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 13:52:00
  • Foreigners to Trade Korean Won at Overseas Banks as Government Eases Regulations
    Foreigners to Trade Korean Won at Overseas Banks as Government Eases Regulations Foreigners will soon be able to trade the Korean won at overseas banks. The government aims to lower barriers for foreign investment in won-denominated assets, thereby enhancing potential growth rates.On July 19, the government announced a "Roadmap for the Internationalization of the Won." This initiative seeks to transform the won from a regulated currency into a freely exchangeable currency, allowing foreigners to trade it without restrictions abroad.Previously, the government initiated a 24-hour foreign exchange market to increase foreign trading of the won. The new measures will eliminate restrictions on transactions conducted by foreigners at offshore won payment institutions. This means that U.S. citizens can open won accounts at banks in the U.S. to conduct transactions. The Bank of Korea plans to establish an "offshore won payment network" to facilitate these transactions, which will operate 24 hours a day starting in January.Lee Hyung-ryul, Director of the International Finance Bureau at the Ministry of Finance, explained in a briefing on July 16, "Offshore won payment institutions will operate on a registration basis rather than requiring licenses. This means that Americans can open won accounts at banks in New York."The new measures are expected to lift restrictions on foreign investments in won-denominated stocks and government bonds. Lee emphasized, "Removing these restrictions is key to the internationalization of the won."To address potential liquidity shortages during nighttime hours, the government plans to allow foreign financial institutions to obtain the necessary won for transactions without restrictions through temporary borrowing.Launch of Offshore Won Payment NetworkTo ease foreign exchange transaction regulations, the government will more than double the pre-reporting threshold for capital transactions, including won loans for foreigners. It is also considering increasing the self-limits for banks transferring funds from domestic to offshore accounts. Previously, these transactions required pre-reporting, but the government is contemplating a shift to a post-reporting system.Regulatory easing for financial institutions will include improving the convenience of offshore account operations and allowing third-party foreign exchange transactions by foreign financial companies.The plan also includes establishing a digital asset payment infrastructure. This will provide a legal basis for the issuance, circulation, and trading of won stablecoins and regulate cross-border transactions. The government aims to amend the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and other laws in line with the establishment of a Digital Asset Basic Law next year.The Bank of Korea will also conduct a pilot project for tokenizing government bonds linked to a central bank digital currency (CBDC) next year. Additionally, it will formally join Project Agora, which aims to build a digital cross-border payment system based on blockchain and CBDC.Revisions to Foreign Investment in KOSPI and Korean BondsThe government plans to enhance access for foreign investors to the domestic securities market and increase incentives for won-denominated transactions. Among the 25 tasks outlined in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) roadmap for capital markets, 22 bureaucratic tasks will be continuously monitored and improved to ensure institutional stability, while the remaining three tasks will be implemented without delay.In particular, the government will improve financial institution infrastructure for automating securities trading and settlement, enhance investor registration, and expand English disclosures for all KOSPI-listed companies by March next year.To increase the utility of won held by foreigners, the government is also considering measures to allow offshore securities lending. This aims to encourage foreign investment in government bonds by permitting bond lending transactions among foreigners within the international depository system.Furthermore, the government will create an environment conducive to investment by allowing participation in the repurchase agreement (RP) market for foreign central banks and international financial organizations.Measures to enhance the convenience of won payments abroad will also be included. The government plans to expand QR payment integration with key tourist countries. A service was launched in Indonesia in April, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with India the same month. Future plans include increasing QR payment integration with Singapore and Thailand.Expansion of Won Liquidity SupplyThe government will establish a liquidity supply system within the offshore won payment system and develop measures to improve won liquidity for securities and trade transactions.To secure private liquidity, regulations will be established to allow foreign exchange banks to provide won liquidity smoothly to foreign financial institutions participating in the offshore payment system. Foreign financial institutions will be able to obtain the necessary won for transactions without restrictions through temporary borrowing from foreign exchange banks.Additionally, the Bank of Korea will consider increasing liquidity during nighttime hours based on demand within the offshore payment network. Until the offshore won payment network system is upgraded, the government will explore options for providing liquidity.Currently, the Bank of Korea supplies won to the central bank of China through a currency swap and plans to apply this method to other countries as well.Lee stated, "We aim to encourage foreigners to hold and freely utilize the won without hesitation, thereby promoting investment in won-denominated assets. This policy shift signifies a transition in foreign exchange policy that can enhance potential growth rates." 2026-07-19 13:52:00
  • 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