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KT Showcases AI-Driven Urban Air Mobility Technology at 2026 Drone Expo KT announced its participation in the '2026 Korea Drone and UAM Expo' at Songdo Convensia, where it will showcase its artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic management platform and 5G aviation network technology.The event serves as a platform to introduce the latest technologies and services in the drone and UAM sectors, with this year's theme being 'Drones and UAM: Changing Daily Life and Shaping the Future.' At the expo, KT will participate in a joint booth as part of the K-UAM Team alongside Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Korean Air.UAM, or Urban Air Mobility, refers to a next-generation air transportation system that utilizes three-dimensional aerial corridors in urban areas to transport passengers or cargo. While it is gaining attention as a future transportation mode, its commercialization requires the establishment of an integrated operational system for safe operations, including aircraft, aviation communication networks, traffic management, information distribution, and vertiport operations.At the exhibition, KT will present its 5G aviation network, UAM traffic management AX platform, UAM traffic management simulation, and UAM data hub. By combining communication, data, and AI, KT aims to propose a safe and efficient operational system even in environments where multiple aircraft are flying simultaneously.Notably, the AX platform for traffic management developed by KT supports decision-making for air traffic controllers. It analyzes flight path, communication, and operational data collected via the 5G aviation network in real-time to detect anomalies such as deviations from flight paths, abnormal flights, and communication quality degradation. It then provides situational responses, including emergency responses, traffic volume adjustments, and recommendations for standard operating procedures (SOPs), enabling controllers to make quicker and more accurate decisions.KT will also showcase its 5G aviation network technology, which serves as a critical infrastructure for reliably connecting operational information and communication data between UAM aircraft and traffic management systems during flight. Utilizing network slicing technology, KT ensures stable aviation communication quality during flights and has improved the efficiency of aviation network construction by applying its self-developed SkyPath antenna. The dual-link technology, which combines 5G and satellite communication, maintains stable communication even in environments where ground 5G services are challenging or when aircraft deviate from their flight paths.Won Man-ho, head of KT's AX Platform Division, stated, "KT aims to establish a safe UAM ecosystem based on AI-driven traffic management platforms and 5G aviation network technology, accelerating the arrival of a future urban air mobility era that the public can experience, starting with public UAM services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 10:04:00
Government Reports Economic Recovery Amid Ongoing Middle East Challenges The government has projected that the economic recovery is gaining momentum, supported by strong exports and a rebound in domestic consumption. However, it also noted that uncertainties regarding prices and employment persist due to the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to fluctuations in international oil prices and exchange rates.The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated in its July report on recent economic trends that "the growth of our economy has significantly expanded in the first quarter, and the recovery trend is solidifying." It added that the burdens on livelihoods, such as rising prices and slowing employment due to the Middle East conflict, continue to be a concern.Exports surpassed $100 billion for the first time in a month, reaching $102.25 billion in June, a 70.9% increase compared to the same month last year. The growth was driven by increases in semiconductor, computer, shipbuilding, and automobile exports.In May, the current account recorded a surplus of $38.61 billion, with the service account shifting to a surplus in travel and intellectual property royalties, reducing the deficit.Conversely, rising international oil prices and increased exchange rate volatility due to heightened tensions in the Middle East have been identified as factors contributing to inflationary pressures. The consumer price index rose by 3.2% in June, marking the second consecutive month above 3%, likely influenced by rising prices of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products, as well as high oil prices.The won-dollar exchange rate rose to 1,549.4 won by the end of June, an increase of 2.7% from the end of the previous month.Employment figures showed a rebound after a month of decline, with the number of employed persons in June reaching 29.154 million, an increase of 63,000 from the previous year. This contrasts with a decrease of 40,000 in May, which marked the first decline in 17 months. However, the employment rate stood at 63.4%, down 0.2 percentage points from the same month last year.The financial market showed gains due to a semiconductor boom and expectations for peace between the U.S. and Iran, but foreign selling pressure led to a stable close. The KOSPI index ended at 8,476.48, up 0.33 points from the previous month, while the KOSDAQ index fell to 916.18, down 158.62 points.Production showed some signs of slowing, with total industrial production declining by 0.3% in May due to decreases in manufacturing (-3.0%) and public administration (-2.8%). However, the leading composite index's cyclical component rose by 0.7 points, reflecting expectations for future economic improvement.The government assessed that while strong exports continue, domestic consumption, which had been dampened by the Middle East conflict, is gradually recovering. However, it acknowledged that fluctuations in international oil prices and exchange rates could pose challenges for prices and employment, and it plans to focus policy efforts on stabilizing livelihoods.The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated, "The global economy continues to show moderate growth, but concerns about rising prices and slowing growth in major countries persist due to the impact of the Middle East conflict. Uncertainties in international financial markets and energy prices remain. We will accelerate the implementation of the economic growth strategy for the second half of 2026 to address structural issues such as strategy, potential growth rebound, and polarization following the Middle East conflict."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 10:04:00
LG Electronics CEO Ryu Jae-cheol Commits to Enhancing Customer Lives Ryu Jae-cheol, CEO of LG Electronics, announced a commitment to enhancing the lives of both current and future customers during the 'Life's Good Day' brand event held on July 13 at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul.Ryu emphasized, "We will practice 'Life's Good' to provide a better life not only for our current customers but also for future ones."Employees present at the event responded with various pledges, stating, "We will practice 'Life's Good' by realizing a zero-labor home for our customers," and "We will practice 'Life's Good' through AX, which prioritizes human growth over technology itself."From July 7 to 24, LG Electronics is operating the 'Life's Good Pop-up' across ten locations nationwide, including the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Magok Science Park, Changwon Smart Park, and Pyeongtaek Digital Park. Ryu and other executives are attending daily to encourage participation.The pop-up concept is akin to a pawn shop, where employees' pledges for good deeds are collected, and diverse brand experiences are offered. It signifies a commitment to taking small actions in both work and daily life to contribute to a better world. The initiative conveys the message that collective participation will complete LG Electronics' 'Life's Good' vision.The event features various interactive spaces, including a 'Good Deeds Display Wall' where employees can share their commitments, as well as a photo booth, curling game, and ice cream booth. Participants who complete missions in these spaces can receive prizes through a lucky draw.Ryu noted, "The term 'good deeds' has two meanings and resembles our organizational culture innovation slogan, Reinvent 2.0, which focuses on 'exposing problems' and 'executing to win.' Exposing problems is the proactive good deed, while executing to win is the good deed that creates a better world."He added, "Small actions taken in each person's role will come together to provide better experiences for customers and enhance the competitiveness of the LG Electronics brand. I hope 'Life's Good Day' continues for 10, 20, or even 40 years, solidifying our brand value."Since 2023, LG Electronics has been implementing various programs annually to internalize brand values among employees. This year, the focus is on experiential learning based on the understanding of the brand accumulated over the past three years, aiming to foster a culture that naturally practices brand values.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 10:04:00
IBK Savings Bank Reports Profit in First Half of 2026, Focuses on Financial Stability IBK Savings Bank has successfully turned a profit in the first half of 2026, accelerating its management normalization efforts. The bank has reduced high-risk assets, such as real estate project financing, while expanding its loan portfolio, leading to improvements in both profitability and financial stability indicators.On July 15, IBK Savings Bank held a ceremony at its headquarters to share its management normalization achievements and announced plans to continue focusing on sustainable growth and financial stability in the second half of the year.The bank expects to report an estimated net profit of 7.9 billion won for the first half of the year, marking a recovery from last year's significant losses. Despite rising funding costs, IBK has restructured its loan portfolio and expanded its income-generating assets to maintain a stable interest income base.Loan growth has also continued. As of the end of June, the total loan balance reached 1.3723 trillion won, an increase of 81.8 billion won compared to the end of last year. The bank has strengthened its inclusive finance foundation by expanding loans primarily to low- and mid-credit borrowers and financially vulnerable customers.The delinquency rate is expected to decline to 6.21%, down 0.31 percentage points from 6.52% at the end of last year. The ratio of non-performing loans (NPL) is also projected to improve from 9.77% to 9.21%, a decrease of 0.56 percentage points during the same period.Notably, the ratio of real estate development loans has decreased from 7.12% at the end of last year to 4.90%, a drop of 2.22 percentage points. The bank attributes this reduction to proactive risk management measures, including the sale and write-off of bad debts and the conversion of collateral.Capital and liquidity indicators remain stable. As of the end of June, the BIS capital adequacy ratio is expected to be 15.63%, and the liquidity ratio is projected at 159.06%.IBK Savings Bank plans to prioritize financial stability over expansion in the second half of the year. The bank aims to increase mid-interest loans, support low-income finance, and promote productive finance based on local economies while continuously reducing the proportion of high-risk assets, such as real estate development loans, to establish a stable growth foundation.An IBK Savings Bank official stated, "As a member of the IBK Financial Group, we will faithfully fulfill our role as a policy finance subsidiary that enhances financial accessibility for low- and mid-credit borrowers and contributes to revitalizing the local economy. In the second half of the year, we will continue to reduce high-risk assets while managing financial stability, stabilizing our funding structure, and expanding income-generating assets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 10:04:00
HLB Shares Surge After FDA Resolves Manufacturing Issues for Liver Cancer Drug HLB's shares surged after the company announced that issues related to its manufacturing facilities for the liver cancer drug Riboceranib have been resolved in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process.As of 9:09 a.m. on July 15, HLB's stock was trading at 34,700 won, up 29.96% (8,000 won) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The company stated that its U.S. subsidiary, Elevate Therapeutics, received a Close-out Letter from its Chinese partner, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, indicating the completion of the FDA's inspection of the manufacturing site for Riboceranib active pharmaceutical ingredients under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards.According to HLB, the FDA determined that the facility generally complies with current drug manufacturing and quality control standards and classified the inspection results as a Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI).However, the FDA clarified that the classification of VAI does not affect the evaluation of the ongoing approval application.Previously, on July 10, HLB received a third Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA regarding the combination therapy of Riboceranib and Camrelizumab, which is being developed as a first-line treatment for liver cancer. The CRL was reportedly related to issues identified during the inspection of Jiangsu Hengrui's manufacturing facilities.Jiangsu Hengrui is expected to submit its response to the FDA's request for additional information and a corrective and preventive action plan by July 24. HLB plans to resume the new drug approval process promptly after discussions with the FDA.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 09:56:00
KakaoTalk Launches Sixth Update with Message Summaries and ChatGPT Integration Kakao announced on July 15 that it has implemented the sixth regular update for KakaoTalk. The update features enhancements to the user experience with artificial intelligence (AI), including message summaries for chat rooms and an expanded PC version of 'ChatGPT for Kakao.'The latest update (v26.6.0) introduces a message summary feature that allows users to quickly grasp missed messages within individual chat rooms. By clicking the 'Conversation Summary' button, users can view key points from accumulated messages at a glance, enabling them to catch up and participate in conversations even after a long absence.Additionally, the PC version of KakaoTalk now incorporates ChatGPT for Kakao. Users can continue their mobile conversations on PC without needing to re-enter settings or repeat questions.A new feature also allows users to regenerate images shared in chat rooms using ChatGPT Image 2.0. By selecting an image and clicking 'Create with AI' in the upper right corner, users can apply desired image templates such as 'Anime Style' or 'Colored Pencil Drawing.' This feature enables users to easily transform shared images into new formats like cartoons or illustrations without needing to save the photos separately. It is also accessible through posting new content on their profile.Open chat rooms have also integrated a beta chatbot feature, allowing users to access various bots for information without leaving the chat. Room administrators can invite chatbots they wish to use, enabling users to ask questions about weather, stock prices, and more directly within the chat.For KakaoTalk channels, a new feature has been added that allows users to delete messages within 24 hours of sending. The new features included in this update will be available for KakaoTalk v26.6.0 and above.A Kakao representative stated, “We have expanded the user experience to make it easier and more convenient for users to utilize AI in various conversation environments on KakaoTalk. We will continue to enhance our services based on user feedback to ensure that communication and AI experiences are seamlessly integrated into daily life.”Kakao has been gradually expanding AI usage points since launching ChatGPT for Kakao in the chat tab of KakaoTalk last October. As of May, the cumulative number of subscribers exceeded 11 million. This update strengthens the integration of AI features directly into the KakaoTalk conversation process, connecting the ChatGPT experience from mobile to PC, along with message summarization and image regeneration, as well as open chatbots.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 09:52:00
DeepSeek Plans IPO Application This Year, Aiming for 2027 Listing in China Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is reportedly considering submitting its initial public offering (IPO) application as early as this year, with plans to list on the mainland Chinese stock market in 2027.On July 14, Bloomberg News cited sources familiar with the matter, stating that DeepSeek has recently begun preparations for its listing on the mainland stock exchange.According to the report, the company is currently discussing the listing process with advisory firms, including accounting firms and investment banks. DeepSeek plans to finalize its financial reports necessary for the IPO by the end of December. Depending on the status of its financial statements, the company is expected to submit its IPO application either by the end of this year or early next year.Before the IPO, DeepSeek is also seeking to attract additional investments in the private market. This comes just weeks after securing $7 billion in funding.Sources indicate that DeepSeek is negotiating with new investors to achieve a pre-investment valuation of at least 480 billion yuan (approximately $105 billion). The company aims to secure a minimum of 10 billion yuan in additional funding, with the total amount potentially increasing depending on the number of participating investors.This valuation is over 40% higher than the approximately $50 billion valuation during its first external funding round earlier last month, which included investments from major players such as Tencent, the largest internet company in China, CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, and the state-led National AI Industry Investment Fund.However, the timeline for the IPO and the additional funding plans have not yet been finalized. Sources noted that the schedule and scale could vary based on market conditions and DeepSeek's performance.Founded in 2023, DeepSeek is owned by the Chinese hedge fund Zhejiang High Flyer Asset Management. The company has been recognized for developing high-performance AI models with relatively limited computing resources, demonstrating that Chinese firms can compete with leading Silicon Valley companies despite U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors.DeepSeek is expected to invest the funds it secures into expanding its computing infrastructure and AI research. The company's management has previously stated that they prioritize innovative AI research over short-term profitability for potential investors.Liang Yuanfeng, founder and CEO of DeepSeek, has also expressed a commitment to continue developing open-source AI models while pursuing the goal of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). Recently, DeepSeek has expanded its business into the field of 'agentic AI,' where software can make decisions and perform tasks autonomously without human intervention.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 09:52:00
TWS's Debut Track 'First Meeting Didn't Go as Planned' Surpasses 200 Million Streams on YouTube Music Group TWS's debut song 'First Meeting Didn't Go as Planned' has surpassed 200 million streams on YouTube Music.According to their agency, Pledis Entertainment, the title track from TWS's first mini album 'Sparkling Blue' recently exceeded 200 million cumulative streams on YouTube Music.TWS is the only fifth-generation K-pop boy group to achieve 200 million streams on this platform. The song doubled its streaming count from 100 million, which it reached in the same month last year.Released on January 22, 2024, 'First Meeting Didn't Go as Planned' has continued to perform well on both domestic and international music platforms. It became TWS's first song to reach over 100 million streams on Spotify, surpassing 115.73 million streams as of July 12.The song has also maintained a steady presence on domestic music charts. Upon its release, it entered major daily charts such as Melon, Genie Music, and Bugs, and has remained on those charts since.'First Meeting Didn't Go as Planned' captures the excitement and uncertainty of a first encounter, expressed through TWS's unique fresh and vibrant sensibility. Its bright and upbeat melody, along with easy-to-follow choreography, has resonated with listeners, showcasing TWS's boyhood pop style.The song topped the Melon annual chart in 2024 and was recognized by Billboard and NME as one of the 'Best K-Pop Songs of 2024.' Billboard described it as the song that made TWS the top rookie of 2024.Meanwhile, TWS is currently on their first Asia tour '24/7: FOR: YOU.' Their concert at the KSPO DOME in Seoul last month attracted around 18,000 fans and sold out. Their recent performance in Macau also sold out.TWS is set to release their second Japanese single 'SODA SODA' on August 4. Following that, they will continue their tour starting in Fukuoka from August 28 to 30, with additional performances planned in Hyogo, Kanagawa, Macau, Bangkok, Singapore, and Kaohsiung.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 09:48:00
Song Young-gil Calls Jeong Cheong-rae a Traitor Over Controversial Remarks Song Young-gil, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, emphasized on July 15 that his comments labeling former leader Jeong Cheong-rae as a traitor stem from the importance of the Lee Jae-myung administration.During an appearance on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Song stated, "Jeong's remark that 'the regime is short-lived, but the people are eternal' is something a party leader says when attacking the president."He added, "Wasn't the public horrified during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration? We almost faced war due to foreign exchange issues," expressing his shock that a leader of the ruling party would make such a statement. He continued, "It pains me deeply because this is a regime that was built even with a hammer to the head."Earlier, at a meeting of the National Honam Association on July 14, Song criticized the situation, saying, "It is absurd that we see 'Myeongcheong War' on the front page of newspapers every day," and remarked that in the past, such actions would have warranted severe consequences for treason.In response, Jeong took to Facebook to criticize Song, stating, "Is running for party leadership a matter of life and death? It is chilling and frightening."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 09:48:00
Korea's youth and manufacturing hiring subdued despite June job recovery SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea's youth and job-sensitive manufacturing and construction hiring remained subdued despite headline payroll increase in June, data showed Wednesday. The number of employed people aged 15 and older rose by 63,000 from a year earlier to 29.154 million in June, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The increase reversed a decline of 40,000 in May. The recovery, however, remained uneven. Employment among people aged 15 to 29 fell by 197,000 from a year earlier to 3.428 million, although the decline narrowed from May's 255,000 drop, the steepest since January 2021. The youth employment rate fell 1.7 percentage points to 43.9 percent, while the youth unemployment rate rose 0.9 percentage point to 7.0 percent. Manufacturing employment also remained under pressure. The sector shed 97,000 jobs from a year earlier in June, marking a 24th consecutive month of declines, although the pace improved from May's 140,000 loss. Construction employment fell by 67,000, extending its contraction to 26 consecutive months and worsening from a decline of 43,000 in May. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries also lost 95,000 jobs, extending the sector's decline to a 15th straight month. The weakness in goods-producing industries was partly offset by continued hiring in services. Health and social welfare services added 214,000 jobs, followed by arts, sports and recreation with 55,000 and transportation and storage with 48,000. Despite the increase in overall employment, labor market indicators remained soft. The employment rate for people aged 15 and older stood at 63.4 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from a year earlier. The employment rate for people aged 15 to 64, the OECD's standard measure of working-age employment, slipped 0.1 percentage point to 70.2 percent and was unchanged from May. On a seasonally adjusted basis, employment rose by 66,000 from the previous month to 28.809 million, while the employment rate edged up 0.1 percentage point to 62.6 percent. The unemployment rate stood at 2.8 percent, unchanged from a year earlier and down from 2.9 percent in May. The number of unemployed people increased by 10,000 from a year earlier to 834,000. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the unemployment rate eased to 2.7 percent from 2.8 percent in May. The composition of employment also remained fragile. The number of regular employees increased by just 16,000 from a year earlier, while temporary and daily workers declined by 51,000 and 45,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the economically inactive population—people who were neither employed nor actively seeking work—rose by 181,000 from a year earlier to 16.009 million. The increase was driven mainly by people attending school or training programs and those engaged in housework, while the number of people outside the labor force because of childcare declined. 2026-07-15 09:46:06