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China Increases Economic Pressure and Espionage on Dutch Strategic Industries, Targeting ASML China is reportedly expanding its influence over global supply chains by applying economic pressure and engaging in espionage against Dutch strategic industries, including semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML.According to a report by the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) cited by Nikkei Asia, China is utilizing economic means and intelligence activities to target the Netherlands' semiconductor, maritime, and aerospace sectors.The report analyzes that China's goal is to make the Netherlands structurally dependent on China and to secure global industrial leadership. It assesses that China is leveraging digital operations, legal pressure, and physical threats while exploiting the Netherlands' open governance system.Particularly, the semiconductor industry is identified as the most vulnerable sector, as it houses companies with technologies that are difficult to obtain or virtually irreplaceable from other countries.ASML is the only company in the world to commercialize extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment, which is essential for advanced semiconductor production. Hans Holran, a strategic analyst at HCSS, explained, "Dutch companies occupy a critical position in the global value chain, making access to technology or influence over companies of significant strategic value."China is targeting major Dutch firms such as ASML and NXP Semiconductors while also restricting exports of key raw materials. Last year, China limited rare earth exports in response to Western trade policies, raising concerns that ASML could face delays in equipment shipments.The vulnerability of the maritime industry was also highlighted. Chinese state-owned enterprises COSCO Shipping Ports and China Merchants Port Holdings are involved as investors and terminal operators at the Port of Rotterdam, a key logistics hub in Europe.Holran noted, "Intervention in the maritime sector is likely to manifest more as cyber espionage and data access rather than overt sabotage, and even limited intervention could have cascading effects on energy supply, industrial production, and NATO logistics."HCSS recommends establishing a national integrated information system and mandating security reviews based on risk levels to counter these threats. It also suggests replacing equipment that could expose critical infrastructure, such as Chinese circuit boards or cranes for container unloading, to sabotage risks.The researchers warned that even if China's influence does not immediately disrupt supply chains, it could limit the Netherlands' policy choices in crisis situations, such as conflicts surrounding Taiwan. Benedetta Girardi, a researcher at HCSS, stated, "The risk lies not in immediate disruption but in the gradual reduction of options available to Dutch policymakers in response."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:24:00 -
NH Nonghyup Life Implements AI-Based Integrated Imaging System to Accelerate Business Innovation NH Nonghyup Life is accelerating its digital transformation in the insurance sector by establishing an integrated imaging system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) optical character recognition (OCR) technology.The company announced on July 15 that it has completed the 'AI-Based Integrated Imaging System Construction' project.The new system allows AI to automatically recognize and classify documents generated across various operations, including payment review, bancassurance sales, underwriting, and asset management.Notably, by leveraging AI OCR technology, the system minimizes post-verification procedures in the document recognition process and establishes a foundation for systematic management and utilization of data extracted from images. The entire process from document recognition to classification and utilization has been automated, creating an AX (AI Experience) based work environment.In May, NH Nonghyup Life also filed a patent for a system that automates insurance subscription design using AI, further enhancing its competitive edge in AI-based insurance services.Son Nam-tae, head of the IT Support Division at NH Nonghyup Life, stated, "AI technology is a key competitive advantage that enhances productivity in insurance operations and the quality of customer service. We will continue to actively utilize AI and digital technologies to drive business innovation and expand digital insurance services that customers and sales teams can experience firsthand."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:24:00 -
AI Becomes Essential for Gen Z and Alpha Consumers The emerging consumer group known as the 'Z-Alpha Generation' is increasingly using generative artificial intelligence (AI) not just as a search tool, but as a comprehensive infrastructure for learning, content consumption, and creation. As this so-called 'AI Native' generation establishes itself, platform companies are beginning to adapt their service strategies to reflect their usage patterns.On July 15, KT Millie's Library, MindLogic, and iGAworks held a joint media seminar titled 'New Everyday Life Changed by the Z-Alpha Generation' at the PR Bridge Storyum in Seoul. The three companies presented changes in content consumption and AI usage among the Z-Alpha generation based on reading data, AI conversation data, and mobile usage data.This seminar is significant as it analyzed the behavioral patterns of the Z-Alpha generation based on actual platform usage data rather than surveys or forecasts. With AI services rapidly becoming integrated into daily life, companies are moving beyond simple generational analysis to incorporate the usage habits of this key consumer group into their service planning and recommendation algorithms.iGAworks analyzed mobile usage data, revealing a clear preference among the Z-Alpha generation for dedicated communities and AI services with more peer users than general platforms. Examples include Everytime, Discord, Chijijik, and the generative AI service Crack. Notably, while time spent on mobile gaming has decreased, interaction with AI services has increased, indicating a shift in how leisure time is utilized.Millie's Library shared insights from a decade of reading data from 10 million members, indicating that the Z-Alpha generation values not only reading books but also the experiences of recording and sharing them. The cumulative highlights within the service have surpassed 440 million, and users who utilize the reading record feature have seen an average increase of 19% in their reading volume.MindLogic noted that the Z-Alpha generation exhibits a 'multi-AI' usage behavior, selecting generative AIs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude based on their specific needs. Conversations with AI are becoming increasingly in-depth, with the amount of information input at one time increasing by 2.8 times over the past year. The use of image generation has also surged, indicating that AI is evolving from a simple search tool to a collaborative tool for creation and work.Industry experts believe that as AI transcends its role as a search service to become a central platform for content consumption, learning, and communication, companies that can capture the usage patterns of the Z-Alpha generation will gain a competitive edge in the future platform landscape.An industry representative stated, 'For the Z-Alpha generation, AI is not a new technology but a part of daily life. How seamlessly their usage patterns are integrated into services will be key to future platform competitiveness.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:20:00 -
Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Says Coupang Issue Is More Persistent Than Expected In a temporary return to South Korea for discussions on U.S.-Korea relations, Kang Kyung-wha, the South Korean Ambassador to the U.S., stated that the issue surrounding Coupang is "more persistent than I had anticipated." Kang made the remarks on July 15 as she entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, for a meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. She explained, "We are managing the issue while continuing discussions at various levels on the matters agreed upon by the two leaders in the joint fact sheet from the U.S.-Korea summit." When asked if the U.S. had made specific demands of South Korea, she replied, "There is nothing I can disclose at this time, but we are continuing our discussions." Recently, a report from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee claimed that the South Korean government is unfairly targeting the American company Coupang, and a White House official stated that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is specifically targeting Coupang. Kang returned to South Korea at the direction of Foreign Minister Cho and plans to stay until July 19 to continue discussions with relevant departments regarding U.S.-Korea relations. She had a closed-door meeting with Cho on the current issues of concern. In response to a question about U.S. pressure to accelerate South Korea's investment pace, Kang noted, "Our Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the U.S. Department of Commerce are continuing discussions." She added, "We are trying to identify projects that meet commercial rationality, so I believe further discussions are necessary." Kang remarked that the U.S.-Korea relationship is complex with many issues, stating, "There are many issues due to the close nature of our relationship. The perspectives of those in Washington, D.C., and those at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters differ, so I came to hear the headquarters' thoughts and convey the on-ground realities." While in South Korea, Kang is expected to attend a meeting related to U.S.-Korea relations hosted by the National Security Office at the Blue House, along with officials from relevant departments. 2026-07-15 15:20:00 -
Minimum Wage Set at $10.70, Small Businesses Warn of Job Cuts The minimum wage for next year has been set at $10.70 per hour, a 3.7% increase from this year, prompting disappointment from small business and medium enterprise sectors.In a statement on July 15, the Small Business Association expressed concern that the 2027 minimum wage, including paid leave, will reach $12.84 per hour, translating to a monthly amount of 2,236,300 won, surpassing the 2 million won mark.The association stated, "This additional increase in the minimum wage exceeds the inflation rate, which could exacerbate the economic challenges faced by small businesses, the backbone of the national economy. We hold the government and the National Assembly accountable for neglecting the outdated minimum wage system for over 40 years."They warned that rising labor costs could lead to further job reductions among small business owners, highlighting the "paradox of minimum wage" where higher rates threaten jobs for vulnerable groups. They called for a comprehensive reassessment of the necessity of the minimum wage system.Regarding the failure to implement a differentiated minimum wage by industry, the association noted, "Major countries around the world set minimum wages flexibly based on region, industry, and skill level. The Minimum Wage Act clearly states in Article 4, Section 1 that it can be determined by the type of business."The Small Business Association urged the government and the National Assembly to immediately reform the minimum wage decision structure, including biennial determinations, differentiated applications, and consideration of small business payment capabilities.They also strongly urged the revival of job stability funds and the expansion of management stability support for small businesses to alleviate their burdens.The medium enterprise sector also called for prompt measures to protect jobs for vulnerable groups. The Small and Medium Enterprises Central Association criticized the minimum wage committee's decision, stating, "Micro-enterprises and small businesses on the brink of collapse will be forced to reduce employment or shut down due to excessive labor costs."The association emphasized that small businesses and medium enterprises are the backbone of the low-wage system and called for improvements to ensure that the decision-making criteria reflect the payment capabilities of businesses to create a sustainable minimum wage system. 2026-07-15 15:20:00 -
Generation Z Embraces AI and Reading Over Gaming Generation Z is evolving from being 'digital natives' to 'AI natives.' An analysis of user data from three platform companies revealed that this generation is using AI flexibly and freely in their daily lives. AIGAWKS: AI Over Gaming... Generation Z Prefers 'Dedicated Platforms'Changes are first evident in smartphone usage. AIGAWKS analyzed nearly 20 years of mobile data to determine how Generation Z spends its time on various services. The report utilized a metric called 'Z Concentration,' which indicates the proportion of Generation Z users on specific apps compared to the overall population, to compare preferences across generations.The analysis showed a clear trend: Generation Z prefers 'dedicated platforms' with a higher number of peers over general-purpose platforms. The college student community Everytime reported that 97% of its users are from Generation Z, while the generative AI service Crack had 89%, and Discord recorded 86%. Naver's personal broadcasting platform Chijijik also showed that 71.4% of its users belong to Generation Z, indicating a Z Concentration of 3.5 times higher than other generations. In contrast, the app Carrot Market had a relatively higher proportion of users in their 30s and 40s, highlighting distinct generational usage patterns.Notably, there has been a shift in entertainment consumption. An analysis of data from June of last year to June of this year revealed a 6.3% decrease in mobile gaming usage, while interaction with AI services has rapidly increased. Users who previously spent leisure time on games or video content are now engaging with generative AI for conversations, image creation, and information exploration.Yoo Kyung-won, team leader at AIGAWKS, stated, "Generation Z tends to communicate and consume content in their own spaces rather than through universal services. They view AI not just as a search tool but as an interactive platform." Millie's Library: Reading Becomes 'Text Hip'... Recording as a New Reading HabitThe way books are read has also changed compared to previous generations. Millie's Library analyzed actual reading data from 10 million members over the past decade and found that for Generation Z, reading has expanded beyond the act of reading books to include recording and sharing personal tastes and experiences. Users have left a total of 440 million highlights.Lee Shin-hyung, team leader of the Unlimited Reading Team at Millie's Library, noted, "Generation Z tends to use reading records as a portfolio. In the past, they would write their thoughts in notebooks, but now they share highlights and one-line reviews, creating a culture that expresses their tastes and identities."The starting point for reading has also shifted from previous generations. Content that has gained attention through TV programs, movies, fandoms, and social media has become the gateway to reading. For instance, IVE's Jang Won-young mentioned that Buddhist-related content led to reading Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha,' and there is a trend of seeking out novels adapted into films or dramas. This so-called 'Text Hip' phenomenon is evolving into a new reading culture rather than just a passing trend.Millie's Library is reflecting these characteristics in its services. To lower the entry barrier for users who feel burdened by completing books, it offers summarized content, allowing users to transition to original texts when they express interest. Providing various reading environments, including smartphones, tablets, audiobooks, and AI voice (TTS), is also part of this approach.The team leader stated, "Summary content is not a substitute for completing books but rather an entry point to explore a wider range of books. For Generation Z, what matters is not finishing a book but consistently engaging with reading in a way that suits them."MindLogic: 'Not Just ChatGPT'... A Generation That Chooses AI Based on PurposeThe way generative AI is used is also changing. MindLogic analyzed that Generation Z is adopting a 'multi-AI' usage approach, selecting different AI models based on their purposes rather than relying on a single AI. The report explains that using ChatGPT for drafting, Claude for analyzing long documents, and Gemini for real-time searches is becoming a new habit.The depth of conversations with AI is also increasing. According to data released by MindLogic, the amount of information users input in a single conversation has increased 2.8 times over the past year. This indicates a shift from simply asking a question and receiving an answer to engaging in multiple exchanges to collaboratively produce results, with one in four conversations involving over ten questions and answers.The use of AI, which was previously text-focused, is rapidly expanding into image and document creation. Following the popularity of Studio Ghibli-style images, the use of image generation has increased by approximately 140 times, and there has been a significant rise in using AI for document and presentation (PPT) creation, as well as diagram production. About 66% of users are utilizing two or more functions, such as searching, document writing, and image generation.Kim Jin-wook, CEO of MindLogic, stated, "Generation Z is not a generation that uses just one AI; they choose the most suitable model based on their purpose. AI is becoming a collaborative partner that helps think and create results rather than just a tool for searching." He added, "In the future, the new digital competitiveness will depend more on how and which AI is chosen for different situations rather than on the quantity of AI usage." 2026-07-15 15:20:00 -
Former Justice Ministers and Prosecutors Call for Recognition of Supplementary Investigation Rights Ahead of the launch of the Public Prosecution Service and the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency on October 2, former justice ministers and prosecutors are advocating for the full recognition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights in response to proposed amendments to the criminal procedure law led by the Democratic Party.On July 15, the Prosecutors' Association, led by former Prosecutor General Han Sang-dae, issued a statement asserting, "It is legally inconsistent and potentially unconstitutional to deny investigative rights while recognizing prosecutors' rights to request warrants and prosecute." They expressed their dismay as the country approaches the Constitution Day, which commemorates constitutional amendments.They further stated, "The requests for warrants and prosecutions are the results of prosecutors' judgments and expressions of their belief in guilt," and criticized the notion of making decisions on cases with insufficient evidence as an unrealistic procedure.Regarding allegations of police cover-ups in the Jang Yoon-gi case, they questioned, "Who will address the damage caused by the police's biased investigations and cover-ups, given their exclusive investigative authority?"The association emphasized, "To demand decisions on prosecutions or warrant requests without adequate evidence is absurd," urging lawmakers to make wise decisions to prevent unjust infringements on citizens' rights.The Prosecutors' Association is a social group for retired prosecutors, with Han Sang-dae, who served as the Director of the Criminal Affairs Bureau and the Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office during the Lee Myung-bak administration, currently serving as its ninth president.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:12:00 -
South Korea stays awash in cash, bolstering case for rate hike SEOUL, July 15 (AJP)-South Korea's financial system is becoming increasingly awash with cash, adding to the Bank of Korea's case for an interest-rate hike that could come as early as Thursday, as abundant liquidity continues to fuel red-hot asset markets from stocks to housing. Broad money, or M2, under the Bank of Korea's current definition averaged 4,184.4 trillion won ($2.81 trillion) in May, up 5.8 percent from a year earlier, slightly faster than April's 5.7 percent increase. On a seasonally adjusted basis, M2 expanded by 32.2 trillion won, or 0.8 percent, from the previous month, accelerating from a 0.6 percent rise in April. An alternative calculation under the central bank's previous methodology painted an even stronger picture of liquidity growth. Under the old definition, which included investment fund shares, M2 averaged 4,789.0 trillion won, up 11.7 percent from a year earlier and 2.2 percent from the previous month. Annual growth accelerated from 10.4 percent in April, extending a run of double-digit increases. The difference between the two measures largely reflected investment fund shares, which are excluded from the revised definition. Those holdings surged 61.7 percent from a year earlier, contributing 6.1 percentage points to the old M2's annual growth and underscoring how strongly money has flowed into investment products during this year's asset rally. The composition of money holdings also illustrated where liquidity is accumulating. Transferable savings deposits jumped by 24.3 trillion won in May after increasing by just 700 billion won in April as more funds migrated in highly liquid accounts to join the booming stock market. Money trusts with maturities of less than two years rose by 3.8 trillion won, reversing a 3.2 trillion-won decline a month earlier, as semiconductor companies increased trust deposits. By contrast, time deposits and installment savings with maturities of less than two years fell by 4.7 trillion won, mainly because households reduced their holdings. The divergence became even more apparent when viewed by sector. Nonfinancial corporations increased their M2 holdings by 30.1 trillion won from the previous month, while other financial institutions added 11.8 trillion won. Social security organizations, local governments and other public-sector entities increased holdings by another 3 trillion won. Households and nonprofit organizations, meanwhile, reduced their money balances by 19 trillion won, suggesting retail investors continued shifting cash into assets outside traditional bank deposits as stock and property markets gathered momentum. The central bank cautioned against interpreting the figures as a direct measure of household wealth or income, noting that money holdings are affected by borrowing, consumption, investment activity and shifts into nonmonetary financial assets. Other liquidity indicators pointed in the same direction. Narrow money, or M1, averaged 1,398.2 trillion won, rising 10 percent from a year earlier and 1.9 percent from the previous month. Liquidity at financial institutions, known as Lf, climbed 8 percent on year to 6,309.0 trillion won, while the broadest liquidity measure, L, increased 9.2 percent to 8,053.8 trillion won. The figures reinforce a dilemma facing policymakers ahead of Thursday's monetary policy meeting. While higher borrowing costs are intended to cool inflation and curb speculative demand in stocks and housing, the latest data suggest the financial system remains flush with liquidity, giving policymakers another reason to tighten policy even as higher interest rates risk weighing on an economy still heavily dependent on exports. 2026-07-15 15:10:49 -
Japan Pursues AI Sovereignty Amid U.S. Restrictions The Japanese government is taking steps to secure 'AI sovereignty' to ensure stable use of artificial intelligence (AI) without excessive reliance on specific countries or companies. This move comes after the U.S. government recently changed its policy, which halted Japan's plans for utilizing high-performance AI just ten days after they were announced, revealing the risks of depending on U.S. technology.According to Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japanese government approved a revision of its national AI policy, known as the 'AI Basic Plan,' during a cabinet meeting on July 14. This marks the first revision since the initial plan was established in December of the previous year. The rapid advancement of AI technology has raised concerns about cybersecurity and national security, prompting the government to add safety measures and enhance defensive capabilities to the existing focus on promoting use and regulatory adjustments.The newly emphasized concept in this plan is 'AI sovereignty.' Japan aims to establish a foundation for the stable use of necessary AI without over-reliance on specific countries or companies, while also enhancing its technological strengths in areas where it has an advantage to increase autonomy and negotiation power.This shift towards AI sovereignty was prompted by recent actions from the U.S. AI company Anthropic, which restricted access to its high-performance AI, Claude Mythos. Mythos is known for its ability to identify security vulnerabilities that humans might overlook, making it valuable for cybersecurity. However, Anthropic limited its general release due to concerns about potential misuse.On July 2, the Japanese government had anticipated that government agencies and major banks would be able to use Mythos after discussions with U.S. officials. However, just ten days later, the U.S. government reimposed restrictions on foreign access for export control reasons. This decision highlighted the risk that Japanese government and financial institutions might not be able to access the necessary AI technologies. Yutaka Matsuo, a professor at the University of Tokyo, remarked to Asahi Shimbun that this situation symbolizes the increasing importance of AI in international negotiations and national defense.However, Japan does not aim for complete domestic production of all AI technologies. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party emphasized in a proposal last May that it is neither realistic nor strategic to aim for the domestic production of general-purpose high-performance AI and AI semiconductors, where U.S. companies hold a dominant position. Instead, the focus of policy will be on securing alternative technologies and means in case access is restricted due to decisions made by specific countries or companies.Japan Bets on Vertical and Physical AIThe Japanese government has identified 'vertical AI,' specialized for specific industries, and 'physical AI,' which operates in the real world, such as robotics and autonomous vehicles, as key areas for competition. By leveraging industrial data accumulated in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, along with its advanced robotics technology, Japan believes it can maintain competitiveness without directly competing with U.S. companies in general-purpose AI.The growth strategy announced by the government last month includes plans to invest 23.1 trillion yen (approximately $211.8 billion) in vertical AI and 10.5 trillion yen in physical AI by 2040. Last year, Japan's private investment in AI amounted to $1.11 billion, ranking 14th globally, which is less than one-200th of the U.S. investment of $285.9 billion.The government also plans to strengthen its cybersecurity framework. It will utilize high-performance AI to identify vulnerabilities in critical government information systems that are difficult for humans to detect, and it will expand the workforce and capabilities of the 'AI Safety Institute,' which assesses AI safety. Additionally, Japan will enhance cooperation with foreign government agencies and AI development companies to gain early access to the latest AI technologies.There is also a possibility of introducing penalties for AI operators. The current AI law allows the government to investigate and provide guidance to operators if citizens' rights are infringed due to AI misuse, but there is no basis for penalizing operators who do not cooperate with investigations. The revised basic plan states that to effectively respond to AI risks, related systems, including the AI law, will be 'actively and continuously reviewed.' Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this revision leaves room for strengthening regulations, including the establishment of penalties for non-compliant operators.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:08:00 -
People Power Party Proposes Amendment to Retain Prosecutors' Investigative Authority 국민의힘이 15일 검찰의 보완수사권을 존치하는 내용의 형사소송법 개정안을 당론 발의했다. 아울러 중대범죄수사청(중수청)과 공소청 출범을 시행을 1년 연기하는 내용의 법안도 발의했다. 곽규택 법률자문위원장은 이날 국회 의안과에 '범죄 피해자 보호 3법 개정안'을 제출한 뒤 기자들과 만나 "국민의힘 국회의원 전원 명의로 범죄 피해자 보호 3법 개정안인 형사소송법·중수청법·공소청법 개정안을 당론 발의했다"고 밝혔다. 곽 위원장은 형사소송법 개정안과 관련해 "검사의 보완수사권은 존치하는 것으로 하고, 수사 범위를 경찰이 송치한 범죄와 고위공직자비리수사처에서 송부한 범죄, 공무원 관련 범죄로 명시하는 규정을 포함했다"고 설명했다. 이어 "경찰에서 독단적으로 사건을 종결하고 있는 부분에 대해 견제 장치가 필요하다는 의견이 있어 경찰에서 검찰로 송치해야 할 사건의 범위를 대폭 늘렸다"며 "송치된 사건에 대해 검사가 보완수사 요구뿐 아니라 직접 보완수사가 가능하도록 규정을 뒀다"고 말했다. 또한 중수청·공소청법과 관련해 "오는 10월 2일 시행 예정인 중수청·공소청법은 형사소송법 개정과 새로운 기관의 개청 준비가 미흡한 점을 고려해 1년 시행을 연기해 개청하는 것으로 했다"고 언급했다. 이와 함께 "이번 형사소송법 개정안에는 검사가 자의적으로 공소를 취소하거나 검사에 대해 부당한 공소취소 압력을 행사할 수 없도록 원천적으로 공소취소 권한과 관련 규정을 삭제하는 내용도 포함돼 있다"고 강조했다. 김승수 원내운영수석부대표는 이번 법안에 대해 "억울한 피해자가 나오지 않도록 하기 위한 최소한의 안전장치"라며 더불어민주당을 향해 "정략적인 생각에 앞서 국민을, 특히 사회적 약자를 우선한다면 국민의힘이 제출한 형사소송법 개정안에 적극 협조하라"고 촉구했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 15:08:00


