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  • Hanwha Systems Pursues Independence in Defense Semiconductors
    Hanwha Systems Pursues Independence in Defense Semiconductors Hanwha Systems is intensifying its industry-academia collaboration to achieve independence in defense semiconductors. The company has partnered with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University to develop key semiconductors for applications in radar and satellite communications.On July 15, Hanwha Systems held a defense semiconductor technology workshop and announced the signing of detailed contracts for the development of high-power microwave (HPM) semiconductor chips with both universities.Microwaves are directional energy weapons that emit powerful electromagnetic energy to disable enemy electronic and communication equipment within a radius of several hundred meters. The collaboration will also focus on developing defense semiconductors necessary for radar, searchers, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, and satellite tactical communication equipment.Following the establishment of a joint research center for defense semiconductors with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University in March, this contract marks the beginning of substantial joint research and technology development.Specifically, the joint research center at Seoul National University will work on developing 'high-linearity semiconductor chips for satellite terminals' aimed at reducing signal distortion during data transmission between space and ground. This technology is considered essential for improving satellite communication quality and miniaturizing terminal devices.Hanwha Systems plans to gradually apply this technology to satellite terminals from this year until 2028, with future expansions to include low Earth orbit satellite communication payloads and next-generation communication base stations.The joint research center at Sungkyunkwan University will focus on securing design technology for monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs). MMICs integrate multiple components required for radar transmission and reception into a single semiconductor chip, making them critical components that influence the performance of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and small satellites.Additionally, Hanwha Systems is considering the introduction of foundry processes for mass production of defense semiconductors. The company aims to secure independent technology to enhance competitiveness in both domestic weapon systems and the global defense market.Through this industry-academia collaboration, Hanwha Systems expects to localize key defense semiconductors that are currently heavily reliant on imports, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation weapon systems.“Collaboration with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University is not just about technology development; it is a process of establishing a virtuous cycle value chain that leads to the design, verification, expansion, and commercialization of defense semiconductors,” said Kwak Jong-woo, head of Hanwha Systems' foundational research institute.Meanwhile, as global security uncertainties persist, the strategic importance of defense semiconductors is increasing. It is reported that the domestic defense semiconductor sector relies on imports for about 99% of its needs. In response, the government enacted the 'Act on the Promotion and Support of Defense Semiconductors' last month to foster self-sufficiency in key components and stabilize supply chains.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:08:00
  • Middle Eastern Oil Producers Accelerate Construction of Alternative Routes Amid Iranian Threats
    Middle Eastern Oil Producers Accelerate Construction of Alternative Routes Amid Iranian Threats As Iran continues to attack vessels and restrict navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Middle Eastern oil producers are accelerating the construction of oil pipelines and ports to bypass the strait.According to reports from foreign media outlets including the New York Post on July 14, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq are working on new pipelines that will allow them to export crude oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is also considering expanding the capacity of its existing pipelines, while the UAE is planning to build a new port along the Arabian Sea coast.Alexandra Paulus, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, projected that by the end of 2027, pipeline capacity could be established to divert up to 45% of pre-war Persian Gulf oil exports away from the Strait of Hormuz.By the end of 2028, it is expected that oil transported without passing through the strait could reach 7.3 million barrels per day, meaning that approximately 60% of Gulf oil exports could be unaffected by the Strait of Hormuz.The UAE's 'West-East Pipeline' is currently about 50% complete. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has reportedly instructed that the project be completed by 2027.This pipeline, which will stretch 252 miles (approximately 406 kilometers), is set to operate alongside the existing Fujairah pipeline. Once completed, the UAE's capacity to transport oil via land will double to 3.6 million barrels per day.In Iraq, the construction of the Basra-Haditha pipeline, which will span 435 miles (approximately 700 kilometers), is underway. This pipeline will connect Basra to Jordan, Syria, and Turkey and is designed to transport 2.5 million barrels of oil per day.According to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, construction began in early May and is expected to cost around $1.5 billion (approximately 2.236 trillion won). However, a specific completion date has not yet been determined.Saudi Arabia is also reviewing plans to expand the capacity of a pipeline from its eastern oil fields to the Red Sea to 9 million barrels per day. Initial discussions with neighboring countries are reportedly ongoing.The UAE is also pursuing plans to build a new port and container terminal on the Arabian Sea side of the Strait of Hormuz. Once the new port is established, vessels will be able to transport goods to the region without passing through the strait, further reducing the UAE's dependence on it.However, even with the completion of the pipelines and ports, it is expected to be challenging to completely eliminate Iran's influence. Between 7 million and 9 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products will still need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and some alternative pipelines will depend on the stability of the Red Sea route.The New York Post recently reported that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned of attacks on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, indicating that uncertainties remain even for alternative transport routes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:08:00
  • The Struggles of Guryong Village: A Fight for Survival in Seoul
    The Struggles of Guryong Village: A Fight for Survival in Seoul The watchtower guarding the entrance to Guryong Village still bears the marks of past protests. Even when no one stands inside, the structure seems to echo the cries of its history. After passing the watchtower and walking a few minutes along an unpaved road, we finally entered the village: a deserted public parking lot overgrown with weeds, as if no car had entered for years. The air was damp and heavy, likely due to the rain the day before, creating a heat that would keep people indoors. Thus, we set foot in what is known as Seoul's last shantytown. On one side of the parking lot stood a small village office, where several residents were gathered. As we approached, their gazes sharpened. Even when we greeted them, they remained distant. “Are you a reporter?” someone asked. When I confirmed, the conversation ended there. “I’ve seen many reporters. But what good does it do to talk? Nothing changes,” said both the residents who had lost their homes to fires and those sitting in front of the office. Every time a fire broke out, news crews would swarm, labeling the area as “Seoul’s last slum” before leaving just hours later. Afterward, the village remained unchanged. Everyone avoided making eye contact with us, and some stood at a distance, silently watching our movements. Here, we were not welcomed guests but rather subjects of scrutiny. This sentiment persisted during our visits the following day. Guryong Village began in 1988, when people displaced by the redevelopment of shantytowns in the city gathered ahead of the Seoul Olympics. It grew large enough to be divided into nine districts, from District 1 to District 8. We parked and walked past piles of discarded trash and a recycling station for paper, eventually coming across a few makeshift mailboxes. They appeared hand-crafted, clearly waiting for residents to collect their mail. Nearby, a wall was marked with mysterious blue spray-painted numbers, the meaning of which we would learn later. The homes here were so cramped that “narrow” hardly sufficed to describe them. Though the structures were barely worthy of the name “home,” they were warm shelters for the families living within. Several tightly shut doors bore wooden boards nailed by the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation. These boards were not placed randomly; they marked vacant spaces left behind by residents who had fallen ill, improved their circumstances, or ultimately left the village. One board read, “7-15-1 Vacant, legal action will be taken for unauthorized entry or damage, 2026.5.5.” Above it, an official notice was taped: “This is a temporary structure closed due to the resident’s relocation. Unauthorized entry or damage will be subject to penalties under Article 319 (trespassing) and Article 366 (property damage) of the Criminal Code.” The juxtaposition of the handwritten warning and the dry bureaucratic language reflected the reality of this village. With each departure, another board was nailed up. From this point, the path narrowed to barely allow one person to pass, winding along as we encountered forgotten toys and items once cherished by children who no longer returned to retrieve them. Abandoned bicycles, half-buried toy cars, and faded small objects seemed to wait for someone. This alley had once been a route to school for those children. Now, those children likely attended different schools elsewhere. The true face of Guryong Village began to reveal itself at this juncture, where the stench of garbage mixed with humidity made it hard to breathe. Early on, we discovered a bathroom tucked away in a narrow passage. Behind a firmly shut wooden door was a makeshift toilet, crafted from a chair to provide some comfort. Without needing further explanation, this single item told us much about the basic facilities in a place not even marked on maps. Ahead, we spotted a gravel road wide enough for vehicles, and we pushed through knee-high grass, battling mosquitoes and insects to reach it. Following the road, we came across a tent that appeared to serve as a shelter for fire victims, and beyond it lay an area of over 3,300 square feet covered with blue tarps. This was the site of a fire that occurred in January, where a single room had housed residents for their entire lives. In an instant, the flames consumed everything they had built over the years. The tarp stood as evidence of that moment and the last remnants of their hard-fought lives. As we moved past the tarp, a charred house caught our attention. Through the collapsed walls, we saw books left behind, scorched appliances, and cassette tapes, all waiting for their owners who would never return. Disasters momentarily returned this village to the evening news, but once the world’s attention faded, the burned homes remained. Residents spoke calmly about the fires, acknowledging that the houses were too close together, the paths too narrow, and the materials too flammable for anyone to believe the next fire could be completely prevented. We continued through the underbrush and discovered a house surrounded by a fence, its roof covered with a mossy blanket. Traces of a life fiercely protected for so long remained intact. Among the piles of trash, we noticed coal briquettes saved for the winter, alongside ashes that had already turned green with moss. This was preparation for another winter. As we navigated through tiny spiders, swarms of mosquitoes, and other insects, we arrived at a scene that starkly illustrated the current state of Guryong Village. On one side, a landscape that seemed uninhabitable, and on the other, a luxury apartment complex valued at over 40 billion won. Leaving behind that jarring contrast, we headed toward District 1, where people first settled in 1988. Through broken windows, we glimpsed belongings left behind during hasty relocations, and a once-bustling beauty salon stood with its door barely intact. Throughout this area, banners appeared, evidence that residents were still fiercely fighting for what they believed were their rights. Uncertain of when or how development would occur, they continued to endure. Over the course of two or three days, the residents’ initial wariness began to ease as we repeatedly traversed the same paths and encountered familiar faces. Those who had once avoided eye contact began to greet us or engage in brief conversations. Thanks to this gradual rapport, we encountered a truck delivering goods to the village. It carried everything from daily necessities to shoes, clothes, fans, and even rat poison. One resident purchased rat poison, commenting that the newer versions were ineffective and requesting the older kind. Nearby, residents we had not seen before gathered to examine the truck’s contents. A small supermarket appeared, selling groceries, snacks, and beverages like any other store in the city. Inside, an elderly woman quietly welcomed us in the dimly lit shop. As evening fell, a different kind of chill settled in. A few streetlights barely illuminated the path, and in the distance, a building caught our eye: a shining cross. Almost entranced, we followed the light, forgetting the mosquitoes biting us. The contrast of wealth became even more pronounced at night: on one side, the dazzling lights of the Gangnam apartment complex, and on the other, Guryong Village, where only a few streetlights struggled against the darkness. The scene we witnessed on our way out differed from what we had seen during the day. Cars that had been invisible earlier were now parked in various spots, and sounds of televisions and radios emanated from houses that seemed on the verge of collapse. Uncertainty loomed over when development would begin or when another fire might strike. Yet, amid this unpredictability, the residents continued to stockpile coal briquettes, repair roofs, and purchase rat poison, enduring each day. This quiet yet persistent struggle is the most significant battle being waged in Guryong Village. 2026-07-15 11:08:00
  • Chinas CXMT Plans Record $15 Billion IPO Amid AI Investment Boom
    China's CXMT Plans Record $15 Billion IPO Amid AI Investment Boom Changxin Memory Technologies (CXMT), known as China's equivalent to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, is set to launch the largest initial public offering (IPO) in Chinese history on July 27, fueled by a boom in AI investments.On July 14, CXMT announced through a disclosure to the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it plans to issue up to 6.688 billion shares at a price of 8.66 yuan per share, representing 10% of its total shares. Local media, including the China Securities Journal, reported this on July 15.The total fundraising is expected to reach 57.91 billion yuan, and with the inclusion of the greenshoe option, it could exceed 66.6 billion yuan. This amount is more than double the initial target of 29.5 billion yuan, making it the largest IPO in Asia this year and the biggest for a Chinese semiconductor company on the mainland. It is also anticipated to surpass the 53 billion yuan IPO of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), which went public on the STAR Market in 2020.CXMT plans to use the funds raised from this IPO to enhance its production lines and develop next-generation memory technologies. According to Reuters, the company will begin accepting subscriptions for its shares on July 15, with the listing expected on July 27.Founded in 2016 in Hefei, Anhui Province, CXMT is a leading player in China's DRAM memory semiconductor market. The company achieved a significant milestone in September 2019 by successfully mass-producing DDR4, a key DRAM product, marking a breakthrough in China's previously underdeveloped memory semiconductor sector. With the surge in demand for AI server memory, CXMT has experienced explosive growth, capturing a 7.7% share of the global market by the end of last year, making it the fourth-largest DRAM manufacturer worldwide, following Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.The company's financial performance has also shown a sharp upward trend. Although it reported cumulative losses of 36.65 billion yuan (approximately $5.5 billion) by the end of last year, the demand for AI memory is expected to lead to a significant turnaround in its financial results this year. In the first quarter, revenue surged by 719% year-on-year, with net profit skyrocketing by 1,688% to reach 33 billion yuan, indicating a substantial profit is anticipated.As a key player in China's strategy for semiconductor self-sufficiency and AI supply chain development, CXMT has received substantial support from the Chinese government. The IPO was approved just 164 days after the company submitted its application on December 30 of last year.The strategic investors participating in this IPO are notable, including major Chinese tech firms such as Meituan, Alibaba, and Tencent, as well as long-term funds like the National Social Security Fund, pension insurance funds, and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. This reflects the strategic support from the Chinese government and big tech for the AI memory supply chain.Meanwhile, amid the global enthusiasm for AI investments, significant fundraising is also occurring across China's AI industry. On July 15, Bloomberg reported that Chinese AI startup DeepMind is also considering a domestic IPO within the year. 2026-07-15 11:08:00
  • Koreas National Museum sees 7 million annual visitors after record H1
    Korea's National Museum sees 7 million annual visitors after record H1 SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) —South Korea's National Museum is on pace for another record year as domestic and foreign visitors flock to one of the country's fastest-rising cultural landmarks. The National Museum of Korea welcomed 3.8 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up nearly 40 percent from a year earlier and already exceeding its total attendance for all of 2024, according to data released Tuesday. Foreign visitors have been a major driver of the increase. Nearly 165,400 overseas tourists visited the museum during the first six months of the year, up 68.8 percent from a year earlier, reflecting growing international interest in Korean culture beyond K-pop and television dramas. Attendance has remained strong throughout the year. Monthly visitors exceeded 700,000 during the winter school holidays and again in May, while another 536,000 people visited in June. With South Korea's summer vacation season approaching, officials expect visitor numbers to climb further. Recent special exhibitions have also helped attract crowds, including The Korean Table: Food, Nature, and Life, which explores the roots of Korean culinary culture, and Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Art, the first major exhibition in Korea showcasing Thailand's history and artistic heritage. If current trends continue, annual attendance is expected to exceed 6 million for a second consecutive year after crossing that threshold for the first time in 2025. It could even top 7 million, a figure that would rank second worldwide under The Art Newspaper's 2025 global museum attendance survey. The surge, however, is straining the institution's facilities. The museum averaged about 17,000 visitors a day in June, well above its estimated daily capacity of 15,000. To ease congestion, the museum recently raised parking fees on weekends and public holidays. Experts have also renewed calls to expand exhibition space as visitor numbers continue to outgrow the existing facilities. Director general of the museum Yu Hong-june has previously proposed constructing a second permanent exhibition building and expanding the museum's management structure, saying peak-season attendance can exceed 40,000 visitors a day. To handle the summer rush, opening hours will be extended from July 27 through Aug. 17. During that period, the museum will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., one hour longer than usual, while Wednesday and Saturday evening hours until 9 p.m. will remain unchanged. It will also reduce privately run guided tours from seven sessions a day to five to better manage visitor traffic. 2026-07-15 11:06:25
  • U.S. Launches Critical Minerals Alliance; South Korea Must Address Supply Chain Risks
    U.S. Launches 'Critical Minerals Alliance'; South Korea Must Address Supply Chain Risks 미국이 핵심광물 공급망을 우방국 중심으로 재편하는 '핵심광물 공급망 협정(ATCM)'을 추진하면서 우리나라도 대(對)중 공급망 리스크와 대미·대유럽(EU) 수출 경쟁력을 함께 고려한 전략적 대응이 필요하다는 국책연구기관의 분석이 나왔다. 산업연구원은 15일 발표한 '미국의 핵심광물 공급망 협정(ATCM) 추진 동향과 주요국 대응' 보고서에서 미국이 추진하는 ATCM의 구조와 주요국 입장을 분석하고 한국의 공급망 안정성과 산업경쟁력 강화를 위한 대응 방향을 제시했다. 보고서는 ATCM을 단순한 광물 협력이 아니라 우방국 간 핵심광물 생산과 공급망을 유지·확대하기 위한 복수국 간 산업정책 협력체계로 평가했다. 미국은 이를 통해 핵심광물 공급망 다변화와 중국 의존도 축소, 우방국 중심 특혜무역체계 구축, 가격 안정 메커니즘 마련 등을 추진하고 있다. 특히 미국은 가격하한제, 공동외부관세, 최소수입가격, 인공지능(AI) 기반 기준가격 등을 결합한 새로운 가격체계를 구상하고 있다. 특정 국가의 저가 공세와 공급 과잉에 대응하면서 우방국의 투자와 생산을 유도하겠다는 취지다. 산업연구원은 이러한 장치가 핵심광물 가격 급락을 막아 생산자의 수익성을 보호하고 가격 예측 가능성을 높이는 효과가 있을 것으로 평가했다. 다만 세계무역기구(WTO) 규범과의 충돌 가능성, 비참여국과의 갈등, 시장 왜곡 논란 등 새로운 통상 이슈를 야기할 가능성도 있다고 지적했다. 주요국들은 중국의 핵심광물 공급망 지배력 완화 필요성에는 대체로 공감하고 있지만, 미국이 제안한 가격하한제와 공동외부관세 등 시장 개입 방식에는 온도 차를 보이고 있는 것으로 분석됐다. EU와 캐나다 등은 가격 안정과 투자 확대 측면에서는 필요성을 인정하면서도 과도한 시장 개입과 수입선 제한에 대해서는 우려를 나타내고 있다. 이에 따라 향후 ATCM 협상에서는 가격 체계와 관세 체계가 핵심 쟁점으로 떠오를 전망이다. 광물과 국가별 이해관계가 다른 만큼 일괄 합의보다는 단계적·선별적 합의가 이뤄질 가능성이 높다는 분석이다. 산업연구원은 한국이 '가공 핵심광물 수입-파생제품 수출'의 이른바 '샌드위치 구조'에 놓여 있다고 진단했다. 가공 핵심광물은 중국 등 특정 국가 의존도가 높은 반면, 이를 활용한 배터리와 소재·부품 등 파생제품은 미국과 EU 등 ATCM 참여국으로 수출하는 구조라는 것이다. 실제로 올해 기준 리튬 가공품 수입의 75%, 흑연의 67%, 희토류의 52%를 중국에서 들여오고 있다. 반면 니켈 파생제품 수출의 24%, 리튬 28%, 망간 32%, 코발트 31%가 미국으로 향하고 있다. 보고서는 ATCM이 현실화하면 우리나라는 핵심광물 수입선을 다변화하고 미국·EU 시장 접근성을 높일 기회를 얻을 수 있지만, 협정 밖 국가에 대한 의존이 지속될 경우 새로운 공급망 리스크에 직면할 가능성도 있다고 분석했다. 이에 따라 한국은 외교·안보뿐 아니라 산업경쟁력 관점에서 ATCM 참여 전략을 설계해야 한다고 제언했다. 김현석 산업연구원 통상정책분석팀장은 "호주·캐나다·아세안 국가들과 광산 개발, 제련, 재자원화 프로젝트, 장기 오프테이크(off-take) 계약을 확대하고 이를 국내 핵심광물 확보 전략과 연계할 필요가 있다"고 강조했다. 이어 "채굴부터 제련·가공·소재·부품 생산까지 가치사슬 전반에 국내 기업이 참여할 수 있는 글로벌 생산거점을 구축해야 한다"며 "가격하한제와 AI 기반 기준가격 체계에는 시장 왜곡 가능성을 고려해 선택적·조건부로 참여하고, 전략비축과 정책금융, 세제·재자원화 지원을 연계한 정책 패키지도 마련해야 한다"고 덧붙였다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:04:00
  • Last Months Car Exports, Domestic Sales, and Production All Increase; Eco-Friendly Vehicle Exports Surpass 100,000 for the First Time
    Last Month's Car Exports, Domestic Sales, and Production All Increase; Eco-Friendly Vehicle Exports Surpass 100,000 for the First Time Last month, car exports, domestic sales, and production all saw increases. In June, car export revenue reached $6.71 billion, marking the highest figure for June on record, while monthly exports of eco-friendly vehicles surpassed 100,000 units for the first time.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 'June 2026 Automotive Industry Trends' report released on the 15th, car export revenue in June was $6.71 billion, a 5.8% increase compared to the same month last year. Domestic sales totaled 160,000 units, and production reached 394,000 units, reflecting increases of 9.5% and 11.6%, respectively.Regionally, exports to key markets in North America and the European Union (EU) drove the growth. Exports to North America amounted to $3.61 billion, up 12.3%, while exports to the EU reached $870 million, a 13.7% increase. Hybrid vehicle exports led the way in the U.S., while electric vehicle exports surged in Europe.In contrast, exports to Asia and the Middle East declined. Exports to Asia were $540 million, down 13.7%, and exports to the Middle East fell to $460 million, a decrease of 11.4%. The ministry attributed these declines to a base effect from last year's strong used car exports and the impact of conflicts in the Middle East.The trend for eco-friendly vehicle exports remained robust. In June, eco-friendly vehicle exports totaled 102,554 units, a 35.4% increase from the same month last year. This marked the first time monthly eco-friendly vehicle exports exceeded 100,000 units. The export value for eco-friendly vehicles also rose to $2.9 billion, up 31.3%. By vehicle type, hybrid exports increased by 48.7% to 72,878 units, while electric vehicle exports grew by 24.4% to 27,823 units.Eco-friendly vehicles also showed strong performance in domestic sales. In June, domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles reached 94,222 units, accounting for 59% of total domestic sales. Notably, electric vehicle sales surged to 39,031 units, a 92.1% increase compared to the same month last year, driving the expansion of eco-friendly vehicle sales. Hybrid sales also rose by 4.6% to 53,578 units.Production increased due to rising domestic sales and the resolution of parts supply issues. Last month, car production totaled 394,210 units, an 11.6% increase from the same month last year. The ministry analyzed that the normalization of alternative supplies for parts that had previously caused supply disruptions contributed to the alleviation of production delays for finished vehicles.Looking at the first half of the year, the overall trend was somewhat mixed. In the first half of this year, car production stood at 2.11 million units, maintaining the same level as the previous year. Domestic sales reached 848,000 units, a 2.5% increase, while export volume was 1.44 million units, up 2.1%. However, export revenue recorded $35.95 billion, a 1.1% decrease compared to the same period last year, largely due to a decline in used car exports.While June's performance suggests a recovery in the automotive industry, the decrease in export revenue during the first half indicates qualitative challenges. Despite the increase in eco-friendly vehicle exports, the decline in used car exports and sluggish performance in certain regions have pulled down overall export revenue. Therefore, expanding exports of high-value models will be crucial in the second half of the year.The ministry stated, "In the second half, we expect continued uncertainties in labor relations, the global sales expansion of Chinese companies, and the acceleration of AI transformation in manufacturing. We will closely monitor industry and export production trends and promote support for the stable growth of the automotive industry, including assistance for the transition to future vehicles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:04:00
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: Lawmakers Who Supported Han Dong-hoon Have Lost Their Justification
    Jang Dong-hyuk: Lawmakers Who Supported Han Dong-hoon Have Lost Their Justification Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon on July 15, stating, "While he cannot discuss the essence of the matter, he only attacks the messenger." He added that lawmakers who had supported Han's return to the party have now lost their justification.During an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Pen and Mic,' Jang commented on Han's actions during the emergency martial law on December 3, saying, "I know best what happened that day."He referred to a recent exchange between Han and fellow lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo regarding Ahn's testimony in the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, who was the party's floor leader at the time. Jang pointed out, "Han cannot refute the fact that he was the one who changed the location of the Supreme Council meeting to the party headquarters, yet he only attacks Ahn."Jang believes that Han's behavior is linked to the growing negative sentiment within the party regarding his return. He questioned Han, asking, "Do you want to survive alone while hoping for the dissolution of the People Power Party as a 'rebellious party'? What logic is there in wanting to return to the party? What justification do you have?"He also strongly criticized President Lee Jae-myung over allegations that he played golf while a naval officer was missing at sea. Jang stated that failing to deny the unofficial golf outing effectively acknowledges that he was golfing.Jang emphasized, "We need to uncover what unofficial schedule was deemed more important than saving our soldiers' lives. Otherwise, the public's anger will not forgive this administration."Regarding the ongoing legislative process aimed at completely abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights, Jang warned, "This will lead to an absolute power that corrupts the police. A monster will be born," adding that there will be no mechanisms to control unchecked power, and the consequences will fall squarely on the public.He criticized the government's and ruling party's push for the abolition of supplementary investigation rights, suggesting it is part of a strategy to completely dismantle the prosecution and demonize it, arguing that all investigations into President Lee have been flawed and should be dismissed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:04:00
  • The Story of Guryong Village: A Korean Dream in an Unlikely Place
    The Story of Guryong Village: A Korean Dream in an Unlikely Place Yangjae-daero, a six-lane road running through Gangnam, appears to be just another busy thoroughfare transporting commuters to the area’s luxurious officetels and high-end apartment complexes. Thousands cross this road daily, yet few give it a second thought.However, few roads in South Korea starkly divide two contrasting economic realities as this one does.On one side stands an apartment complex where prices exceed 200 million won per 3.3 square meters. The value of these properties continues to soar amid a boom in artificial intelligence, which has propelled semiconductor companies to become some of the most valuable in the country, and is expected to drive South Korea's nominal economic growth rate to its highest level in 30 years.Crossing the road reveals another side of Seoul: Guryong Village. Once thought unlikely to survive into the 21st century, this last shantytown in Seoul offers more than just a view of poverty. What stands out most is a deeply ingrained, quintessentially Korean dream: the desire to change one’s life through education.While walking through the village, we encountered a resident in a blue tank top, slowly making his way through the area. Cheon Young-hwan, born in 1952, was the first district head of Guryong Village. Unlike others, he did not seem wary of us, and he shared stories from the village's early days to the present.The challenges he faced mirrored the issues we had sensed since entering the village. He recounted that when he first arrived, Guryong Village was essentially an administrative blind spot. People lived there, but their addresses did not officially exist, which became a significant problem when his two sons were young.Without a recognized address, he could not send his children to the public school he desired. Consequently, he approached a family in a nearby apartment, asking if he could use their address for his children’s education.“I pleaded with them,” he said. “I was not the only one in this situation.”This story could belong to any time or place.Later, while interviewing people who had never visited Guryong Village, we were surprised to find how common such stories were, merely differing by location.A teacher from Bundang, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods near Seoul, noted that the top-performing students were often the ones who missed the most school. They would meet the minimum attendance requirements mandated by law and spend the rest of their time at private academies, progressing faster than in public education.A mother sending her daughter to a prestigious private elementary school stated that the school's appeal was not its curriculum but the lifelong friendships formed there. Cheon Young-hwan had struggled to find a way to send his sons to public school, while other parents, despite their children already attending good schools, poured money into private education in search of better opportunities. Ultimately, they were all seeking different forms of the same effort for better education.Cheon Young-hwan led us through a narrow passageway, barely wide enough for us to bend down to pass.He pointed to a friend’s house, which had recently been vacated due to health issues.The wallpaper was stained with mold, not a new development but a long-standing condition. Yet, remnants of his friend's dedication to studying remained throughout the room.Books scattered on the floor, more piled on the desk, and materials taped to the walls were evidence of someone who had lived and studied with great intensity. Cheon Young-hwan explained that his friend had borrowed books from various homes in the village to continue his education. Even as he prepared to leave due to health issues, he had not put down his books.For him, learning was the only way to survive and continue working in this environment. Eventually, his health deteriorated, forcing him to leave the village.We were also allowed to enter the adjacent house, which had been vacated a bit earlier. This home still contained belongings left behind during the move, and a few dusty books were neatly arranged on a shelf. While not as desperate as the previous room, it too bore signs of someone who had not abandoned their studies.Throughout the village, we encountered similar traces. In one home, newspapers were piled high, evidence of someone who diligently kept up with current events every day. For the residents here, learning was not confined to the walls of a school; it was a persistent effort to connect with the world and survive.Days later, we returned to Cheon Young-hwan for a meal, hoping to learn more about life in Guryong Village. His refrigerator held an unfinished bottle of makgeolli and various side dishes, and during our meal, we occasionally forgot we were in Guryong Village. It felt like dining at a grandparent's home.Cheon Young-hwan now lived alone in the same house where his mother and grandmother once resided. Like him, many residents had initially sent their children to school outside the village, remaining in Guryong to work.His sons had grown up and long since left the village he still calls home. The same goes for his grandchildren. “They all left,” he said.“When it was time to go, I told them to go.”Families with students still living in Guryong Village are not much different. They spend time outside the village and only occasionally return.Those who remain do not view their lives as particularly difficult. What they regret most is not having pursued further education themselves and not being able to raise their children in a better environment. Perhaps that is why they have all sent their children away from the village.Understanding their own thirst for knowledge, they do not wish to pass that thirst onto their children.Their passion for learning came too late, and they are determined that their children should not have to walk the same path they did.This is the most earnest form of love these parents can offer.Nevertheless, they continue to hold onto their desire for learning, still igniting that passion. They borrow and return books from one another, continuing their education. This is not merely a hobby but a lifelong commitment to survive and keep working.After finishing our meal and continuing our conversation for some time, Cheon Young-hwan led us back outside, pointing to a spot along the path to his home.It was a place we had passed several times without noticing.Only then did we realize what it was: a rusted swing set standing alone.It had no meaning until someone mentioned that it once echoed with the laughter of children. That laughter had long since faded, precisely because it had been driven away in pursuit of better schools and futures. What remained was the quietly rusting swing and the overgrown grass surrounding it, a testament to how long this place had been empty. 2026-07-15 11:04:00
  • One Store Joins Nexths Cross Protocol as a Validator
    One Store Joins Nexth's Cross Protocol as a Validator Nexth announced that One Store will join as a validator for the Nexth Cross protocol on July 15.According to Nexth, One Store will build and operate its own node infrastructure, participating in block generation, transaction validation, and network security maintenance for the Cross Mainnet 2.0. Validators are responsible for confirming that transactions occur correctly on the blockchain network and participate in the creation of new blocks. The more validators that operate the network together, the lower the dependency on specific entities and the greater the network stability.The Cross Mainnet 2.0, dubbed 'Breakpoint,' operates on a Proof of Stake Authority (PoSA) model, where validators are responsible for block generation. Validators must meet certain self-staking requirements and continuously operate nodes, playing a key role in maintaining the network's stability and reliability.One Store is the second-largest app market in South Korea by transaction volume. The company has accumulated operational capabilities in app distribution, payment, and developer support. Through its participation as a validator, One Store aims to extend its existing Web2 platform capabilities into the Web3 infrastructure space.Previously, H-Lab joined as the first validator, followed by Certic, which signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to participate. With One Store's involvement as a validator, the Cross protocol has expanded its collaborative foundation connecting gaming platforms and blockchain infrastructure.Jang Hyun-guk, CEO of Nexth, stated, “One Store's participation as a validator marks a significant starting point for connecting app market operational capabilities with blockchain infrastructure. We will integrate game distribution, payment, and on-chain infrastructure within a single platform structure.”This participation by One Store is also significant as it represents the first step in connecting the app distribution platform and blockchain infrastructure since Nexth secured management rights over One Store.Last month, Nexth acquired 89.03% of One Store's shares and announced plans to build a full-stack gaming platform that integrates app distribution, user acquisition, payment, game operation, and on-chain services. With One Store's direct involvement in operating the Cross network, its role has expanded from content distribution and payment to include blockchain transaction validation and network security.In terms of the Cross ecosystem, the mainnet 'Cross' will change its native token from 'Cross ($CROSS)' to 'One ($ONE),' and the ecosystem dollar will be renamed to 'One USD ($ONEUSD).'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 11:00:00