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  • Opposition Party Intensifies Campaign Against Extension of Special Investigation
    Opposition Party Intensifies Campaign Against Extension of Special Investigation As the National Assembly prepares to discuss a bill to extend the investigation period for the so-called 'second comprehensive special investigation,' the People Power Party is ramping up its criticism.Choi Bo-yun, the party's chief spokesperson, stated on July 19 that "the four special investigations pushed through by the ruling party have squandered 6.461 billion won of taxpayer money on exorbitant office rents in the city center."He pointed out that "29.3% of the total special investigation budget of 22 billion won has gone up in smoke as 'real estate setup costs' such as rent and interior design," adding that "the hard-earned taxes of the people have been reduced to funds for the ruling party's political objectives in a 'real estate feast.'"According to data submitted by the Ministry of Justice to Kim Seung-soo of the People Power Party, the real estate expenditures for each special investigation are as follows: 2.365 billion won for the Kim Geon-hee investigation, 1.886 billion won for the deceased Marine investigation, 1.603 billion won for the insurrection investigation, and 607 million won for the standing special investigation.Choi criticized, "While ordinary citizens are facing threats to their livelihoods, these politically motivated special investigations are enjoying luxurious privileges funded by taxpayer money in the skyscrapers of Gangnam and Gwanghwamun," and he condemned the Democratic Party for threatening to spend more of the people's money by extending the investigation period for the second comprehensive special investigation. He urged an immediate halt to the ongoing politically motivated special investigations and the astronomical waste of taxpayer money since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Earlier, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, also raised concerns during a Supreme Council meeting on July 16, stating, "The special investigations that waste taxpayer money without any results are pushing through the three major special investigations, the second special investigation, and the extension of the special investigation, while rejecting the people's special investigation for the restoration of voting rights that citizens have been vocally demanding at Olympic Park every day."Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader, also questioned on his Facebook page on July 10, "Is it normal for the second comprehensive special investigation to be an extension of the first three major special investigations? With the first three major special investigations lasting 510 days and the second comprehensive special investigation set for 150 days, extending it by 30 days would total 690 days. Is it normal for a special investigation to operate for two years?"He added, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is calling for judicial reform in public while dismantling the prosecution and creating a 'special investigation office' behind the scenes, wielding the dual swords of investigative and prosecutorial powers at will," and he pointed out that it is being used as a permanent organization for political retaliation against opposition politicians.Meanwhile, the Democratic Party plans to hold a plenary session on July 20 to process a revision of the special investigation law that would extend the investigation period of the second comprehensive special investigation by 30 days. The People Power Party has announced its intention to filibuster against this move.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:28:00
  • EcoPro BM Announces Plans for Solid Electrolyte Production by 2027
    EcoPro BM Announces Plans for Solid Electrolyte Production by 2027 EcoPro BM recently announced a capital increase of 1.2 trillion won and unveiled its roadmap for developing next-generation battery materials. The company aims to lead all-solid-state battery technology by developing both solid electrolytes and cathode materials simultaneously.On July 16, EcoPro BM disclosed its full value chain roadmap for all-solid-state batteries during a corporate briefing for general investors held at NH Investment & Securities headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul.Gong Bo-hyun, Executive Director of R&D at EcoPro BM, stated regarding the solid electrolyte development, "We are currently reviewing pilot production with key clients, and we expect the earliest mass production to begin in 2027. We have completed the design of the production line and are prepared to commence construction immediately based on customer demand."Gong added, "We are accelerating our efforts to secure independent process technology in the sulfide solid electrolyte sector, which is a key material for all-solid-state batteries, to gain a competitive edge in the domestic market. Since starting development four years ago, we have optimized the process and composition, and we are currently operating a pilot plant with an annual capacity of 40 tons, with products that have passed quality verification from major battery manufacturers."Notably, EcoPro BM is attracting attention for simultaneously developing cathode materials suitable for solid electrolytes while working on solid electrolyte development. The company is also intensifying its efforts in developing next-generation battery materials, including LMR (cobalt-free manganese-rich) cathodes, sodium-ion battery cathodes, and high-capacity silicon anodes.This announcement is significant as it represents EcoPro BM's first long-term growth strategy amid market concerns surrounding its recent capital increase. The company faced backlash from shareholders when it announced the 1.2 trillion won capital increase but has stated it will not withdraw the plan and will use the funds for investments to secure future competitiveness.Of the funds raised, the largest portion, 765 billion won, will be used for equity investment in the BNSI nickel refinery within the International Green Industrial Park (IGIP) in Indonesia, while the remainder will be allocated for operational funds and expansion investments for its Hungarian plant.Additionally, through this investment, EcoPro BM plans to increase the production capacity of its Indonesian refinery from the initial 66,000 tons per year to 90,000 tons, with commercial operations expected to begin in the second to third quarter of next year. The production capacity of the Hungarian plant is also targeted to expand from the current 54,000 tons to 60,000 tons.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:28:00
  • U.S. Strikes Irans South for Eighth Day Following Attack That Killed Two Troops
    U.S. Strikes Iran's South for Eighth Day Following Attack That Killed Two Troops The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran for the eighth consecutive day, retaliating for an attack that killed two U.S. troops stationed in Jordan. According to reports from the Associated Press and Reuters on July 19, U.S. forces targeted areas around Sirik, Hazavabad, and Qeshm Island early that morning. Explosions were also reported in the major port city of Bandar Abbas. The extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. AP cited Iran's state news agency IRNA, stating, "Sirik and Hazavabad were attacked, and explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas." The attack near Qeshm Island was reported by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB. The U.S. Central Command stated that the airstrikes aimed to weaken Iran's capabilities that threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to respond to the attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan. Reuters reported that the airstrikes were initiated under the orders of President Donald Trump. Previously, Iran had launched ballistic missiles and drones at a U.S. military base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of two U.S. troops, one missing, and injuries to other personnel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:28:00
  • Kylian Mbappé Scores 10 Goals at World Cup, Eyes Second Consecutive Golden Boot
    Kylian Mbappé Scores 10 Goals at World Cup, Eyes Second Consecutive Golden Boot French forward Kylian Mbappé has achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring 10 goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, the first player to do so in 56 years, enhancing his chances of winning the Golden Boot at the 2026 North America tournament.On July 19, in the third-place match against England at Miami Stadium, Mbappé scored two goals and provided one assist. However, France struggled defensively, conceding four goals in the first half and ultimately losing 6-4, finishing the tournament in fourth place.Mbappé scored in the 48th and 66th minutes, bringing his total to 10 goals and 4 assists for the tournament. The last player to score double digits in a single World Cup was Gerd Müller of West Germany, who netted 10 goals in the 1970 Mexico tournament.Additionally, Mbappé set a new record for the most attacking points in a single World Cup, totaling 14. The previous record was held by Just Fontaine of France (13 goals) in 1958 and Müller (10 goals, 3 assists) in 1970.Mbappé also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, with 22 goals across three tournaments, surpassing Lionel Messi of Argentina, who has 21 goals.His chances of becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot in consecutive World Cups have increased. Currently, Mbappé leads the scoring chart with 10 goals and 4 assists, two goals ahead of Messi, who has 8 goals and 4 assists.The Golden Boot is awarded based on goals scored, assists, and minutes played. Both players have the same number of assists, but Mbappé has played 769 minutes compared to Messi's 712 minutes, who still has the final match to play.Therefore, if Messi does not score at least two goals and provide one assist in the final on July 20, the Golden Boot will go to Mbappé.However, Mbappé appears to be focused more on team success than personal records. In a post-match interview, he stated, "I wanted to challenge for the trophy more than becoming the all-time leading scorer. Scoring is a good thing for my achievements, but it wasn't my top priority today."Meanwhile, England secured their victory with a powerful performance, including a hat trick from Bukayo Saka. This marks their best World Cup finish in 60 years since winning the tournament on home soil in 1966.The 10 goals scored by both teams set a new record for the highest-scoring third-place match in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record of 9 goals in the 1958 match between France and West Germany (6-3).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:24:00
  • Hyundai Motor chief to raise stake in Boston Dynamics amid physical AI push
    Hyundai Motor chief to raise stake in Boston Dynamics amid physical AI push SEOUL, July 19 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun is reportedly set to invest about 120 billion South Korean won (US$80 million) of his personal funds to boost his stake in U.S. robotics company Boston Dynamics, as the automaker seeks to strengthen its foothold in the emerging physical artificial intelligence (AI) sector. According to financial and industry sources on Sunday, Chung and other shareholders of Boston Dynamics are pursuing a plan to acquire the 9.65 percent stake held by SoftBank after the Japanese technology conglomerate exercised its put option. The shares are expected to be purchased by existing shareholders in proportion to their current ownership stakes. Boston Dynamics is currently owned by the automaker's investment entity HMG Global, which holds a 56.4 percent stake, followed by Chung with 22.6 percent, Hyundai Glovis with 11.25 percent and SoftBank with 9.65 percent. Once the acquisition is complete, Boston Dynamics' ownership structure is expected to be reshaped, with HMG Global holding 62.5 percent, Chung 25 percent and Hyundai Glovis 12.5 percent. The acquisition price for SoftBank's stake is estimated at around $320 million. HMG Global is expected to bear about $200 million, while Chung would cover approximately $80 million and Hyundai Glovis about $40 million. Chung previously invested 238.9 billion won of his personal wealth when Hyundai Motor Group acquired a controlling stake in Boston Dynamics in 2021. Including subsequent capital injections and the latest investment, his total personal investment in the robotics company is estimated to reach around 800 billion won. Chung's increased stake to 25 percent is expected to accelerate the group's push into physical AI, a field focused on integrating AI with robots capable of interacting with and operating in the real world. The automaker has been developing Boston Dynamics' next-generation humanoid robot Atlas as a key technology platform. The group plans to test Atlas at its manufacturing facility in Georgia before deploying the robot for parts-sorting operations in 2028 and gradually expanding its use to assembly lines from 2030. Industry observers expect the simplified ownership structure to make it easier for Boston Dynamics to prepare for an eventual initial public offering (IPO), as the auto giant has reportedly been considering various listing options for its robotics unit including a possible Nasdaq debut in the U.S. The latest move reflects Chung's long-term commitment to robotics as he seeks to diversify Hyundai Motor Group beyond traditional automotive manufacturing, positioning it as a leader in future mobility and AI-driven technologies. 2026-07-19 11:22:53
  • Iran Maintains 70% of Missile Capability Despite U.S. and Israeli Strikes
    Iran Maintains 70% of Missile Capability Despite U.S. and Israeli Strikes Despite extensive airstrikes by the United States and Israel, Iran has managed to retain a significant portion of its missile capabilities. Recent attacks on U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East have raised concerns about underestimating Iran's retaliatory capabilities.The Guardian reported, citing leaked U.S. intelligence assessments, that as of May, Iran maintained approximately 70% of its pre-war missile stockpiles and launchers. Of the 33 missile launch sites around the Strait of Hormuz, 30 are reportedly still operational.From February 28 to April 6, the U.S. and Israel focused their attacks on Iranian missile facilities and launchers. However, many underground facilities were not completely destroyed. Recovery efforts during the ceasefire period have also hindered the weakening of Iran's offensive capabilities.Recently, U.S. military casualties have occurred due to Iranian attacks. The U.S. Central Command reported that on July 17, two American service members were killed and one went missing while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone strikes in Jordan.Iran is expanding its attack range beyond Jordan to include U.S. military presence in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Following the attacks in Kuwait, fires broke out at key infrastructure sites, including power and desalination facilities.While the U.S. maintains military superiority, analysts suggest that eliminating Iran's missile attack capabilities in the short term is challenging. Iran's ability to continue limited-scale attacks indicates that the U.S. may find it difficult to conclude the conflict solely through airstrikes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:20:00
  • Iran Exports Up to $6 Billion in Oil Following U.S. Sanctions Lift
    Iran Exports Up to $6 Billion in Oil Following U.S. Sanctions Lift Following the lifting of U.S. maritime sanctions against Iran, the country is estimated to have exported up to $6 billion worth of oil over the past month. Analysts suggest that Iran has significantly increased its oil shipments to China, securing substantial cash flow.According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 18th, the Iran Nuclear Weapons Nonproliferation Coalition (UANI) estimates that Iran exported approximately 70 million barrels of oil from mid-June to mid-July, with total export revenues reaching between $5 billion and $6 billion (approximately 7.45 trillion to 8.94 trillion won).Most of these exports are believed to have been directed toward China. Since late June, around 20 Iranian oil tankers have gathered off the eastern coast of Malaysia, which serves as a transshipment hub for oil bound for China.Reports indicate that Iranian tankers have been transferring oil to other vessels outside Malaysian waters before sending it to small private refineries in China, known as 'teapot refineries.'In late June alone, Iran is estimated to have exported about 50 million barrels, equivalent to roughly a month's worth of pre-war oil shipments to China.Analysts predict that the surge in Iranian tankers heading toward Malaysia will result in billions of dollars in additional oil sales revenue flowing into Iran over the coming months.Charlie Brown, an analyst at UANI, stated, “If the sanctions had continued, Iran would have faced significant economic pressure. By rapidly increasing oil exports after the sanctions were lifted, Iran has regained some financial resilience.”The WSJ noted that the funds generated from oil exports could become a crucial resource for Iran, which is grappling with severe economic difficulties. In the context of escalating tensions with the U.S., the money secured during the sanctions relief period has bolstered Iran's capacity to respond.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:08:00
  • Ruling Party Vows to Uphold Justice on Third Anniversary of Marines Death
    Ruling Party Vows to Uphold Justice on Third Anniversary of Marine's Death On the third anniversary of Marine Chae Haebyeong's death in service, the Democratic Party stated, "We will create a country where justice prevails through complete truth-finding, legal accountability, and measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, condemning external pressure from power."Spokesperson Park Hae-cheol conveyed this message in a written briefing, stating, "We will not forget Chae Haebyeong's sacrifice. Protecting the lives and safety of the people will be our top priority in governance."Park continued, "Three years ago today, Chae Haebyeong lost his life while carrying out a search mission for missing persons during a disaster. His death was a tragedy resulting from the state's failure to fulfill its responsibility to protect the lives and safety of its citizens."He emphasized, "Even more shocking is the suspicion of concealment and external pressure on the investigation raised after the incident. The external pressure and organized concealment aimed at hiding the truth about the soldier's death constitute a serious crime that undermines the trust of the people in the state and its institutions."Additionally, he noted, "From the beginning of the incident, the Democratic Party has consistently demanded truth-finding, the introduction of a special investigation, and punishment for those responsible. Through the special investigation, the facts regarding the responsibility for Chae Haebyeong's death and the allegations of external pressure and obstruction of the investigation have been revealed to the public."Park added, "A total of 33 individuals, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former division commander Lim Seong-geun, have been referred to trial in connection with the external pressure on the investigation and those responsible for the incident."He concluded, "Protecting the lives of the people is the greatest duty of the state. The Democratic Party will fulfill its responsibilities and roles as the ruling party to ensure that no young person responding to the call of the nation is sacrificed again, and that the truth is not obscured by power." 2026-07-19 11:08:00
  • Samsung HVAC Supplies 360 Cassette Air Conditioners to Eight Saudi Cities
    Samsung HVAC Supplies '360 Cassette' Air Conditioners to Eight Saudi Cities Samsung Electronics announced on July 19 that it will supply large-scale heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions to Islamic mosques in major cities across Saudi Arabia.The company will provide over 1,000 high-efficiency HVAC units to more than 100 mosques in eight key cities, including the capital Riyadh and Dammam. This achievement demonstrates Samsung's ability to meet the unique needs of religious facilities while adapting to the extreme climate of the Middle East.Considering the structural characteristics of mosques, which often accommodate large gatherings and feature high ceilings, Samsung has prominently introduced its circular air conditioner, the '360 Cassette.' This model utilizes the world's first circular design and patented 'booster fan' technology to minimize airflow loss and distribute cool air horizontally over a wide area.As a result, the system provides uniform cooling throughout the space without the discomfort of direct cold air, while its low-noise design ensures a quiet worship environment.The customized design also stands out for its ability to withstand Saudi Arabia's extreme heat. The outdoor units, which have been introduced alongside the indoor systems, maintain stable cooling performance even when outdoor temperatures soar above 50 degrees Celsius.Samsung plans to use this supply as a stepping stone to expand its collaboration in Saudi Arabia, including signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 'Gorus Charity' to promote local mosque renovation projects.Last year, Samsung supplied system air conditioners to public transportation facilities in Riyadh and implemented the integrated building solution 'b.IoT' at a private school in Dubai, UAE, continuing to expand its B2B infrastructure projects in the Middle East.Im Seong-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' DA Division, stated, "This supply is a testament to our competitive HVAC solutions tailored to the characteristics of worship spaces and local culture. We will continue to expand our B2B HVAC business in the Middle East with solutions that reflect regional environments and customer demands."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 11:04:00
  • Khamenei: Trumps Signature Holds No Value as Iran Halts MOU Compliance
    Khamenei: Trump's Signature Holds No Value as Iran Halts MOU Compliance Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, criticized the United States for repeatedly violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and strongly condemned President Donald Trump.In a written statement on July 18, Khamenei said, "The repeated violations of the MOU by the United States demonstrate once again that the signature of the U.S. president holds no value or effect."He referred to the U.S. as the 'Great Satan' and stated, "The experience of crime and broken promises is further evidence that the U.S. is an unreliable partner. Iran and the resistance front will teach the enemy an unforgettable lesson," he warned.Khamenei also emphasized national unity, saying, "The enemy must not detect any signs of weakness from us. When we uphold this, the enemy will ultimately retreat and be defeated."This statement came just hours after Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of practical negotiations with the U.S., announced the suspension of compliance with the MOU. Iran maintains that it is no longer obligated to adhere to the MOU since the U.S. was the first to violate the agreement.Khamenei was reportedly injured during U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, following the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since assuming the role of Supreme Leader, he has not appeared in public and did not attend his father's funeral.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:56:00