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Democratic Party Candidates Register for Upcoming Leadership Election The Democratic Party of Korea has completed the candidate registration process for its leadership election scheduled for August. Key contenders, including former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, and lawmaker Song Young-gil, have registered early and are now focusing on garnering support from party members.According to the Democratic Party, all three candidates completed their registration on the opening day. Song Young-gil was the only candidate to register in person at the party's headquarters in Yeouido. Afterward, he told reporters, "This marks a symbolic start as a victory maker, not just a pace maker. I will do my utmost until the end for victory." He also expressed his determination to complete the election process.In response to claims that his candidacy is aimed at blocking Jeong Cheong-rae, Song firmly rebutted, stating, "My strengths will be revealed through TV debates and other platforms." Previously, on the YouTube program 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' Song criticized Jeong's leadership, suggesting it would not lead to victory in the 2028 general elections. He asserted that if he becomes party leader, he could collaborate with President Lee Jae-myung to find solutions for the upcoming elections and various issues.Kim Min-seok, who registered through lawmaker Kim Won-i, has also been actively responding to recent comments made by author Yoo Si-min, which have stirred controversy. In an interview on 'SBS News Briefing,' Kim addressed Yoo's remarks, stating, "Yoo has often attacked presidents from the Democratic camp, but I believe his interpretation of supporting Jeong Cheong-rae has crossed the line of typical commentary." He countered Yoo's claim that President Lee's reluctance has delayed judicial reforms, asserting, "I do not believe Yoo speaks strictly based on facts. The government has been in favor of abolishing supplementary investigative powers, and it is well known that President Lee has agreed to separate investigation and prosecution and abolish these powers."Meanwhile, Jeong Cheong-rae has been urging party members to stop negative campaigning, emphasizing a narrative of sympathy. He stated, "It hurts to be collectively attacked, but I will endure and remain committed to principles and fundamentals. I will not engage in negative campaigning, but I will defend myself if necessary." After a recent discussion on amending the criminal procedure law, he expressed sadness over the harsh language used among candidates, saying, "It is disheartening to see such expressions being used against me. I believe that as I endure these attacks, party members will protect and support me."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 07:04:00
AI Benefits Should Be Considered Basic Rights, STEPI Proposes Constitutional Amendments In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), there are calls to reflect science and technology not merely as tools for economic growth but as fundamental rights of citizens and a matter of national security in the constitution.According to a recent 'Science and Technology Policy Brief' published by the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) on July 18, the current constitution defines science and technology as a means for national economic development, which limits its relevance in the context of the AI and digital age. The report argues that science and technology should be redefined as core values directly linked to citizens' basic rights and national survival and security.The report highlights that reliance on foreign core technologies can lead to economic losses and impact the nation's independent decision-making. As strategic technologies like AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology influence national competitiveness, they should be viewed as fundamental principles of governance rather than mere economic provisions.The necessity for introducing new basic rights suitable for the AI era was particularly emphasized. The researchers suggested that issues such as personal data self-determination and algorithmic discrimination in the AI and data sectors, the right to access information and digital divide in the digital sector, and the protection of future generations in the climate and energy sectors should be examined at the constitutional level. They also noted that the public's right to access and enjoy the benefits of science and technology could be discussed as a basic right.Concerns were raised that merely amending Article 127 of the current constitution would not adequately capture these changes. The report calls for comprehensive constitutional discussions that include defining science and technology as a national goal, establishing new basic rights, and expanding state responsibilities.The researchers proposed that the participation of the science and technology community should be increased in the constitutional amendment discussions. They suggested establishing a permanent public discourse system involving the National Assembly, government, academia, research institutions, and civil society, and continuously discussing constitutional agendas to ensure the rights of future generations. They added that general constitutional issues such as budgetary law and decentralization could also impact research and development (R&D) budgets and science and technology governance, necessitating prior review.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 06:08:00
National Assembly Research Service Calls for Review of AI Foundation Model Selection Process The National Assembly Research Service has recommended a reevaluation of the current selection process for the independent AI foundation model (독파모) project, which is being promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The report suggests that fostering specialized AI in fields such as healthcare and manufacturing could enhance national competitiveness more effectively than the current focus on a select few teams.According to the report published on July 17, the 독파모 initiative operates through an audition-style process that progressively eliminates teams. It states, "It is necessary to reconsider whether concentrating support solely on survival teams is appropriate for enhancing the overall AI resilience of the nation."The report advises that the government should not only pursue a top-down strategy centered on large foundation models but also consider a bottom-up approach that nurtures smaller, specialized AI models across various sectors. This dual approach is essential for the completion of a robust AI ecosystem.This recommendation emerged during an analysis of the U.S. government's temporary export controls on Anthropic's high-performance AI models, 'Mythos 5' and 'Fable 5,' citing national security concerns. The report concludes that this case highlights the need to realign South Korea's sovereign AI policy direction.Furthermore, the report argues that the sovereign AI strategy should extend beyond merely securing domestic models to strengthening sovereign control over the entire AI ecosystem, including models, markets, and security management.It also emphasizes the need to enhance AI security capabilities. The report calls for elevating AI security to an independent policy area and increasing public and private investment. Additionally, it stresses the importance of establishing a national AI safety verification system to ensure the technical expertise and independence of specialized institutions, such as AI safety research centers.Moreover, the report advocates for governance reform. It suggests restoring the policy implementation framework involving the National AI Strategy Committee, the Chief of AI Future Planning, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Science and AI to enhance the effectiveness of the sovereign AI strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 06:08:00
From Carpool Road Trips to Milky Way Tours: Travel Trends Reflect Personal Preferences Since the COVID-19 pandemic, global travel trends have shifted from simple sightseeing vacations to experiential tourism that maximizes personal preferences and immersive experiences. Travelers are diversifying their travel purposes, seeking to connect with local cultures or pursue inner healing.Recent analyses of '2026 Travel Trends' by global travel platforms Booking.com and Agoda indicate a notable increase in demand for customized activities, such as 'Fun-cation' (Fun + Vacation) and 'Glow-cation' (Glow + Vacation), among travelers in the Asia-Pacific region.Carpool road trips and stargazing tours reflect diverse travel preferencesBooking.com has identified six noteworthy travel destinations that reflect the changing preferences of Asia-Pacific travelers. The report highlights unique keywords, including the evolution of road trips and the integration of mystical elements.One standout destination is Port Douglas, Australia. Road trips have evolved beyond mere transportation to become social experiences where travelers can connect with others on similar routes. According to the survey, 86% of Asia-Pacific travelers responded positively to carpooling during vacations. Port Douglas, located near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, is considered an ideal spot for such open road trips.Another emerging trend is 'Glow-cation,' which combines skincare programs tailored to individual skin conditions with travel. With 82% of Asia-Pacific travelers expressing interest, Koh Samui in Thailand, known for its lush jungles and emerald waters, has emerged as a leading wellness travel destination.Additionally, Mui Ne in Vietnam, known for its red sand dunes and water sports, has been recognized as a 'Romantasy' (Romance + Fantasy) destination, while Takayama in Japan, which incorporates traditional woodworking and sake breweries into local culture, has been highlighted as a 'Pantry Souvenir' destination. Ladakh in India, offering a serene natural environment away from the digital world, has also attracted those seeking tranquility.In South Korea, Yongwol in Gangwon Province has been selected as a representative destination for the 'Traveling by Asking the Stars' trend, which focuses on astronomical phenomena. Yongwol is praised for its low light pollution, making it an excellent location for observing the Milky Way, and it boasts well-established nighttime tourism infrastructure, including the Seongmaro Observatory on Bongraesan Mountain.The rise of 'Fun-cation' boosts South Korea's activity marketThe diversification of travel preferences is also reflected in actual activity booking data. An analysis of Agoda's booking data from January 1 to June 15 this year shows a clear trend toward immersive experiences.The most booked activity across Asia was Hong Kong Disneyland Park, followed by Sun World Fansipan Legend in Vietnam and Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Lotte World Adventure in South Korea ranked fifth among the most popular activities in Asia, demonstrating significant interest from global travelers.Inbound travelers are increasingly drawn to both Seoul and Busan. The 'Visit Busan Pass' and the relaxation space 'Spa Land Centum City' ranked second and third, respectively, in domestic activity bookings, underscoring Busan's competitive tourism content.Conversely, outbound travel for South Koreans has primarily focused on short-distance activities. The 'House of Dancing Water' in Macau, known for its large-scale water performances, topped the list, followed by the 'Osaka Amazing Pass,' which combines transportation and entry to attractions, and the 'Fukuoka Tower e-Ticket,' which offers panoramic views. Notably, Macau has emerged as South Korea's largest overseas market outside of the Chinese-speaking regions, leading to an expansion of related content.Alex Park, the country manager for Agoda in South Korea, stated, "According to Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report, about one in four South Korean respondents plans to engage in outdoor activities or activity-based travel this year. We will enhance support to help consumers easily explore a variety of products, from amusement parks to natural landscapes, in line with their demands."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 06:04:00
Dyson's Spot and Scrub Ai Robot Vacuum Impresses with Cleaning Power The robot vacuum market is already in a fierce competition over features. Products that can be controlled via apps, automatically empty dust bins, and manage mopping functions are common. When I received the Dyson 'Spot and Scrub Ai,' my primary curiosity was not about the number of features, but whether Dyson's renowned cleaning power, built on its cordless vacuum technology, would translate to this robot vacuum.After several days of use, my impression is straightforward: this product cleans exceptionally well. It has strong suction power for picking up floor dust, and the areas cleaned by the mop are noticeably different to the touch. It feels less like a robot vacuum and more like a Dyson vacuum moving around on its own.When cleaning begins, a green light illuminates the floor from the front of the unit. This resembles the dust detection light seen in Dyson's cordless vacuums. Dust and stains that usually go unnoticed become visible under this light. From the first day, I felt that it moves not just along a predetermined path but reads the condition of the floor as it goes.What I liked most was the mopping function. Unlike common pad-style mops, the Spot and Scrub Ai uses a roller mop. Instead of dragging a flat pad across the floor, the rotating roller continuously scrubs the surface. After testing it in the living room and kitchen, the difference between areas the roller has passed and those it hasn't is visually apparent.The difference was even more pronounced in the kitchen. After cleaning areas prone to food stains, like in front of the sink and under the dining table, I walked barefoot on the floor. The usual slight stickiness I felt on my soles was significantly reduced. It felt more like a thorough scrubbing than just a quick swipe with a mop.It was also convenient that the dirty mop is automatically taken care of. After cleaning, the unit returns to the docking station to wash and dry the roller. One of the most unpleasant aspects of using a mop robot is dragging around a dirty mop and the distinct smell of a wet mop, but this product handles the washing and drying process automatically, significantly reducing the need to rinse the mop manually.Dyson explains that this product uses AI to distinguish between wet liquids and dry debris, repeating cleaning up to 15 times in heavily soiled areas. In practice, near the kitchen, it did not immediately move on to the next area after passing through once. It went back over the same spot, resembling how a person would scrub a stained area a couple of times.The suction power also reflects Dyson's reputation. It never misses floor dust or hair. When the side brush picks up dust from corners, the main unit quickly sucks it in. The results were particularly noticeable in areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as the edges of kitchen mats or under the dining table.The driving performance was particularly tested under the dining table, where chair legs often trap robot vacuums. The Spot and Scrub Ai did not stop once it entered; it navigated through the chair legs by adjusting its direction slightly. There was no need to manually extricate it or reposition it.When it came into contact with chair legs, it did not crash into them blindly. It moved slowly, as if measuring the width of the passage, and found its way through. The fatigue of constantly worrying about where it might get stuck was significantly reduced. This is where the term AI goes beyond marketing jargon and translates into user convenience.The app is user-friendly once you get the basics down. After completing the initial mapping, it is easy to select desired areas for cleaning. You can run it through the entire living room and then just the kitchen again, or use the mopping function separately.The design is unmistakably Dyson, featuring strong color contrasts and a docking station that stands out from typical robot vacuums. The exposed dust and water tanks may be a matter of personal preference. However, for those who appreciate Dyson's signature transparent mechanical design, this aspect may be appealing.There are some drawbacks. I wish the distinction between the clean water tank and the dirty water tank were more intuitive. Currently, it is indicated by an empty circle and a filled blue circle, which can be confusing at first regarding which side holds clean water. The noise produced during cleaning or when the docking station is in operation should also be considered.Nevertheless, the impression that it is faithful to the fundamental function of cleaning remains strong. This product combines the convenience of a robot vacuum with Dyson's suction power and roller mop technology. For those who prioritize effective floor cleaning results, the advantages offered by the Spot and Scrub Ai are likely to be felt.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 06:04:00
EcoPro BM's Capital Increase Stalled by Financial Supervisory Service Following Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Solutions, EcoPro BM has become the latest company to face delays in its large-scale capital increase due to requests for corrections from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). As the schedules for capital increases are postponed, shareholder dissatisfaction is growing.According to industry sources on July 16, the FSS has repeatedly requested companies to amend their securities registration statements, causing delays in their fundraising schedules. Amid rising concerns over shareholder value dilution, the FSS's scrutiny has intensified, leading to what some are calling a 'capital increase nightmare.'On July 15, the FSS demanded that EcoPro BM submit a corrected registration statement for its capital increase. As a result, the original registration statement has been rendered ineffective until the corrections are submitted.The FSS determined that the registration statement lacked proper formatting or omitted important information, which could hinder investors' rational judgment. However, the specific details of the required corrections have not been disclosed.Reducing the size of the capital increase appears challenging for EcoPro BM. According to the securities registration statement submitted last month, the company has financial debts maturing within a year amounting to 2.1855 trillion won. In contrast, its cash and cash-equivalents available for immediate use total only 341.7 billion won, which is just one-sixth of its short-term financial liabilities.While the company has receivables of approximately 334.2 billion won from customers, the time required to convert these into cash has increased from 21.2 days last year to 36.6 days in the first quarter of this year. This delay is attributed to rising costs associated with raw material purchases and inventory as factory operations recover.It is important to note that EcoPro BM does not need to repay the entire 2.1855 trillion won immediately. The company plans to refinance a significant portion of its financial debt through existing financial institutions and is negotiating maturity extensions with some investors. However, with insufficient cash reserves and additional investments planned, such as in an Indonesian nickel smelter, analysts suggest that the company has limited capacity to significantly reduce the initially proposed capital increase size.Previously, Hanwha Group affiliates that attempted large capital increases also faced challenges from the FSS. Hanwha Aerospace received two correction requests on March 27 and April 17 of last year. During this process, it reduced its capital increase size from 3.6 trillion won to 2.3 trillion won and subsequently passed the FSS review, completing its subscription and new stock listing. The listing date for the new shares was postponed from June 24 to July 21.Hanwha Solutions also overcame the FSS's scrutiny after three attempts. After receiving correction requests on April 9 and 30, the third amended registration statement gained effectiveness last month. The size of its capital increase was reduced from an initial 2.4 trillion won to approximately 1.7 trillion won.Due to the repeated correction process, the schedule has been delayed by about a month. The new stock listing, originally set for July 10, has been pushed back to August 11. The company has now passed the FSS review, and after determining the final issuance price on July 16, it plans to conduct subscription for existing shareholders on July 22-23 and a public offering on July 27-28.EcoPro BM is expected to submit a revised securities registration statement to enhance shareholder understanding without withdrawing its capital increase plan. Given that it must undergo FSS review again with the new submission, the originally scheduled listing date of November 5 is likely to be delayed. Market observers are keenly watching whether EcoPro BM can complete the process without reducing the capital increase size, unlike the Hanwha Group affiliates that faced repeated correction requests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 06:04:00
Strikes Loom as Subcontractor Negotiations Complicate Auto Industry Major automaker unions, including Hyundai Motor Company, are preparing for strikes as direct negotiations with subcontractor unions emerge as a new labor variable. With the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law, the Labor Relations Commission has partially recognized the user status of Hyundai in relation to subcontractors, forcing automakers to consider negotiations not only with their headquarters unions but also with subcontractor unions.On July 17, industry sources reported that the Ulsan Regional Labor Commission delivered a decision partially accepting a request for correction regarding the negotiation demands filed by the Korean Metal Workers' Union against Hyundai Motor Company.The commission determined that Hyundai holds substantial user status over certain in-house subcontracted workers, such as cafeteria staff and security personnel.The key factor in recognizing user status was the work environment. Although these subcontracted workers belong to partner companies, they work in spaces owned by Hyundai, including major facilities and conveyor belts, and cannot change their working conditions without the company's approval.The commission concluded that the work performed by these subcontracted employees is essential to Hyundai's operations, and the company exerts significant influence over their working conditions and methods. User status was also recognized for some working conditions of employees from second-tier subcontractors, who do not have a direct contractual relationship with the headquarters.However, the commission did not recognize user status for sales representatives working in separate locations, stating that there is no substantial supervisory relationship with Hyundai.This decision is significant as it marks the first recognition of user status in the automotive industry following the implementation of the Yellow Envelope Law. There is growing interest in whether this will set a precedent for future labor relations between primary and subcontractor unions in the automotive sector.Automakers typically engage in contracts with subcontractors across various fields, including production processes, logistics, security, and catering. The manufacturing process involves collaboration among headquarters employees, subsidiaries, and first to third-tier subcontractors. Hyundai reportedly has around 8,500 partner companies.Industry experts believe that if negotiations with subcontractor unions materialize, it could complicate labor relations further, especially as negotiations with headquarters unions are already challenging.Unions at Hyundai, Kia, and GM Korea have initiated partial strikes and other labor actions during this year's negotiations. The addition of primary and subcontractor negotiations could extend the negotiation period and increase labor management burdens, raising concerns among industry stakeholders.Experts suggest that while this decision may not apply uniformly to all automakers immediately, disputes regarding the actual control of primary companies over subcontracted workers are likely to increase in the future.Lee Jong-seon, head of the Korea Employment and Labor Education Institute, stated, "Other automakers will be watching how Hyundai navigates this issue, and since this is a newly introduced system, there will likely be some trial and error before it is fully established." Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University, emphasized that this decision sets a principle that primary companies must negotiate with subcontracted workers, but the scope of negotiations will likely be limited to areas where the primary company has actual decision-making power, such as working conditions rather than wages. He added, "Given the potential for long-term litigation, it may not be easy for primary negotiations to become the norm across the automotive industry immediately."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 05:04:00
Democratic Party Delays Decision on Song Young-gil's Candidacy The Democratic Party of Korea discussed the candidacy eligibility of Representative Song Young-gil on July 16 but did not reach a conclusion. The party plans to hold a closed meeting of its Supreme Council on the morning of July 17 to revisit the issue.Chief Spokesperson Kang Jun-hyun told reporters at the National Assembly, "We began discussions today regarding the eligibility of some candidates as candidate registration has started." He emphasized that the meeting was not a formal Supreme Council session but rather an informal gathering.According to party regulations, eligibility to run for office is granted to party members who have been registered for at least six months prior to the election date and have paid party dues at least six times within the year leading up to the election.Song rejoined the party in February 2023 after leaving amid allegations of distributing money envelopes. As of the first day of candidate registration, he does not meet the six-month requirement.It is reported that the party's Supreme Council could grant Song eligibility through a formal decision. However, if the ongoing factional conflicts within the Supreme Council prevent a resolution, the decision may be difficult to achieve.In addition to Song, other candidates for the party leadership include former leader Jeong Cheong-rae, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Representative Ko Min-jeong, and former Gangjin County Council Chair Kim Bo-mi.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-17 00:08:00
Summer Vacation Travel Times from Seoul to Busan, Yangyang, and Sokcho As the summer vacation season approaches, a significant increase in travelers heading to resorts is expected. Major tourist destinations and expressways across the country are anticipated to see a surge in traffic.According to the Korea Expressway Corporation and the tourism industry, this weekend marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, coinciding with holiday demand. Popular coastal destinations such as Gangneung, Sokcho, Yangyang, Busan, Yeosu, and Namhae, as well as flights to Jeju Island, are expected to see a substantial rise in visitors.In particular, the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway, Yeongdong Expressway, Gyeongbu Expressway toward Busan, Seohaean Expressway, and certain sections of the Jungbu Expressway are likely to experience congestion starting in the morning, with peak traffic expected during the day.On Friday, heavy traffic is expected to begin around 1 p.m., with significant congestion anticipated. The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are projected to be the busiest, with the longest travel times expected on expressways leading to major vacation spots like Gangneung, Sokcho, and Busan. However, traffic flow may gradually improve after 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.The travel time from Seoul to Gangneung, which typically takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, is expected to extend to 4 to 5 hours on Friday afternoon. The journey from Seoul to Busan is projected to increase from the usual 4 hours to 6 to 7 hours, while the trip from Seoul to Sokcho may take 4 hours instead of the usual 2 hours and 20 minutes. The travel time from Seoul to Jeonju is expected to range from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, and from Seoul to Yeosu, it may take up to 6 hours instead of the usual 4 hours and 20 minutes.Return traffic is expected to peak on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Due to the nature of the holiday season, longer congestion times than typical weekends are anticipated.Popular destinations for travelers are expected to include: ▲ Anmok Beach in Gangneung ▲ Sokcho and Yangyang ▲ Haeundae in Busan ▲ Yeosu ▲ Namhae ▲ Jeonju Hanok Village ▲ Gyeongju ▲ Jeju Island. There is also an anticipated increase in visitors to valleys and campgrounds.This summer, the extreme heat experienced until last week is expected to ease, improving conditions for outdoor activities. The influence of a typhoon is expected to lower maximum temperatures compared to last week.However, roads near popular vacation spots are likely to see a rapid increase in traffic after 9 a.m., and parking difficulties at popular beaches and tourist sites are expected to worsen in the afternoon. Experts advise travelers to adjust their departure times earlier or later and to check real-time traffic information to reduce congestion.Netizens have reacted with comments such as, "This weekend is essentially the start of vacation," "As long as it doesn't rain, I'm heading to the beach," "As long as it's not as hot as last week, anywhere is fine," "If you don't leave in the morning, you'll spend all your time on the expressway," and "Leaving for Gangwon Province at dawn is the rule." 2026-07-17 00:04:00
Samsung's internal divide mirrors Korea's widening chip boom gap SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - "This is not an issue of money," shouted Koo Jung-hwan, secretary-general of Samsung Electronics' Donghaeng union, before more than 5,000 employees gathered outside the company's Suwon campus Thursday, exposing a widening divide that increasingly mirrors South Korea itself, where the AI-driven semiconductor boom is creating winners and losers even within the country's biggest company. The demonstration, one of Samsung's largest labor rallies in recent years, underscored a growing internal rift as workers in its Device eXperience (DX) division protested what they described as unprecedented discrimination in this year's wage agreement. The dispute has become a symbol of how the AI chip boom is reshaping not only global technology markets but also corporate hierarchies, compensation and morale inside companies that once shared success more evenly across businesses. Dressed in black union vests and carrying placards reading "Same company, same rights," employees packed the road outside Samsung Digital City, the company's sprawling Suwon headquarters where its Galaxy smartphones, televisions and home appliances are developed and produced. Organizers abandoned plans for a march after the crowd grew so large it stretched toward the entrance of the campus. Police estimated attendance at about 5,000, while the union claimed around 7,000 workers had joined the protest. "Do you think we came here just for a few shares?" one union official shouted from the stage. "We are here because the value of DX workers' blood and sweat has been ignored." For many workers, Thursday's rally was about far more than the size of this year's bonuses. They argue that Samsung's consumer electronics businesses spent decades acting as the company's shock absorber whenever the notoriously cyclical memory chip business fell into downturns. While smartphones, televisions and home appliances generated steadier earnings through repeated boom-and-bust cycles in semiconductors, they say the latest compensation package overwhelmingly rewards today's AI-driven chip windfall while overlooking the divisions that helped sustain Samsung through leaner years. "DX employees have been left asking themselves whether they are really Samsung Electronics workers at all," another speaker told the crowd. The frustration stems from this year's wage settlement, which introduced a special management performance bonus for employees in Samsung's Device Solutions (DS) semiconductor division. Workers in the highly profitable memory business are expected to receive payouts estimated at as much as 600 million won ($430,000), according to union officials and industry estimates, reflecting Samsung's record semiconductor earnings driven by soaring demand for AI memory chips. DX employees, meanwhile, received 22.65 Samsung Electronics shares, worth about 6 million won, as part of the agreement. The disparity has become a symbol of what many employees describe as a two-tier Samsung — one powered by AI memory chips and another struggling for recognition despite helping build Samsung into one of the world's best-known consumer technology brands. "The company's remarkable achievements today were built on the blood, sweat and dedication of DX employees as well," Donghaeng said in a statement. "Instead, management created extreme discrimination in compensation between business divisions, leaving DX workers with a profound sense of exclusion and relative deprivation." A Samsung Electronics official told AJP the company had earmarked roughly 17 trillion won for performance-related bonuses tied to its latest business results. Instead of easing tensions, however, the scale of the payout has only deepened resentment among employees outside the semiconductor division. "We are not against our colleagues in DS," Donghaeng policy chief Baek Soon-hwan said. "Our problem is with management, which designed a wage agreement that excluded DX." The emotional tone of the protest reflected years of accumulated frustration. One veteran employee, identifying himself only as a member of Samsung's 1990 hiring class, drew loud applause after describing how the latest negotiations had shaken his confidence in the company. "Watching this unfair wage agreement, I felt as though my 37 years at Samsung had been erased," he said. "I have never experienced the company treating its employees with such indifference — beyond indifference, almost with ridicule." At one point, thousands of workers raised their fists and chanted, "Chairman Lee Kun-hee, we miss you," invoking Samsung's late patriarch as a symbol of what many said was a corporate culture that valued contributions across the company rather than concentrating rewards in a single business. The protest also reflected rapidly shifting labor politics inside Samsung. Donghaeng, formed mainly by DX employees in late 2025, has grown from roughly 2,000 members at its launch to about 28,500, according to the union, although the figure could not be independently verified. Many members joined after leaving Samsung's previously dominant super-enterprise union following dissatisfaction with this year's wage negotiations. Donghaeng is demanding compensation equivalent to 1,000 Samsung Electronics shares for every DX employee, the establishment of a separate company-wide compensation pool ahead of the 2027 wage negotiations and the cancellation of this year's wage agreement. Meeting the first demand alone would require roughly 49.35 million Samsung Electronics shares, worth nearly 13.7 trillion won based on the company's July 8 closing price. Industry officials, however, say the demands are unlikely to gain traction because Donghaeng itself participated in the joint bargaining committee until negotiations concluded in May. They also warn that a payout of such magnitude could provoke shareholder opposition at a time when Samsung is trying to revive the competitiveness of its smartphone, television and home appliance businesses while maintaining leadership in AI memory chips. Ironically, the semiconductor division receiving the richest rewards is far from unified itself. Separately on Thursday, Samsung's largest labor organization, the super-enterprise union, released a survey suggesting morale remains fragile in struggling parts of the DS division despite generous bonus payouts. Among 8,297 union members surveyed, 81.5 percent of foundry employees said they were highly likely or very likely to leave the company within the next two years. The figure stood at 75.4 percent in the System LSI division and 60.6 percent at Samsung's semiconductor research institute. By contrast, only 32.7 percent of employees in the memory division — expected to receive the largest bonuses this year — expressed a strong intention to leave, the second-lowest level after Samsung's AI Center. "The survey reflects the sense of crisis felt by employees on the ground," said Choi Seung-ho, head of the super-enterprise union. "The company must take these findings seriously and quickly introduce effective measures to prevent further talent outflow." The union said it would establish a policy committee representing each semiconductor business unit to prepare a broad package of demands for the 2027 wage negotiations, including measures covering housing, working conditions, industrial safety and retention of key talent. As darkness fell over Samsung Digital City, workers slowly dispersed toward nearby bus stops after nearly three hours of speeches and chants. Before leaving, an organizer posed one final question from the stage. "Where do we go next?" "Seocho!" thousands shouted back in unison, referring to Samsung Electronics' headquarters in southern Seoul. Donghaeng said it was preparing another rally outside Samsung's Seocho headquarters unless management responded to its demands, suggesting that what began as a dispute over bonuses is becoming a defining test of how Samsung shares the rewards of the AI era — and a reflection of the widening disparities emerging across South Korea's chip-led economy. 2026-07-16 22:46:21