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  • Government to Host First Real Estate Policy Forum on July 14 in Seoul
    Government to Host First Real Estate Policy Forum on July 14 in Seoul The government is set to launch a series of public forums to gather public opinion on real estate market issues. The first forum, organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, will take place on July 14 in Jeong-dong, Seoul. According to the government on July 13, approximately 60 participants are expected, including Minister Kim Yoon-deok, First Vice Minister Kim I-tak, and various experts from academia, media, housing, and finance sectors, as well as ordinary citizens. As the primary agency responsible for housing policy, the Ministry is expected to focus on various supply strategies under the theme of "expanding housing supply" during this initial forum. The forum will specifically review the implementation status of the previously announced "9.7 measures" and "1.29 plan," addressing immediate challenges for swift execution. Discussions are likely to include the activation of non-apartment supply, such as officetels and urban living housing, as well as easing regulations on private redevelopment projects. In light of recent instability in the Seoul rental market, experts anticipate a thorough examination of the impact of regulations on multiple homeowners that have led to a shortage of rental properties, along with strategies to diversify the supply of tailored rental housing. Additionally, the potential repeal of the excess profit recovery system for reconstruction and the rationalization of property valuation methods, which hinder the early activation of redevelopment projects, will also be on the agenda. The government initially planned to hold the real estate policy forum over the past weekend. However, following President Lee Jae-myung's recent social media comments on related issues such as property taxes and transaction taxes, government agencies took additional time to incorporate these topics into their joint materials. Industry insiders and market experts view this forum as a pivotal moment for aligning the various ministries. Requests for guidelines on construction cost disputes from large construction firms and calls for expanded tax benefits for the non-apartment sector will ultimately need to be linked to discussions on loan regulation levels by the Financial Services Commission on July 15 and tax reform proposals by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 16. The series of real estate forums will continue with the Financial Services Commission's housing finance forum on July 15 and the Ministry of Economy and Finance's tax forum on July 16. The final event will be a comprehensive real estate policy forum chaired by President Lee Jae-myung on July 23, which is expected to outline the government's overall response direction. A Ministry official stated, "This event is not merely a platform for the government to announce policies unilaterally, but a forum to directly hear the voices of experts, industry representatives, and the general public. Despite spatial and physical constraints, we will actively seek to gather opinions on housing policies through a dense discussion process." 2026-07-13 15:12:00
  • Lotte Wellfoods India unit posts 28% first-half sales growth
    Lotte Wellfood's India unit posts 28% first-half sales growth SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - Lotte Wellfood announced that first-half sales at its Indian subsidiary, Lotte India, climbed about 28 percent from a year earlier, as the company marked the first anniversary of merging its confectionery and ice cream operations there. According to the firm on Monday, India's ice cream division led the gains with 29 percent growth, driven by expanded supply from a new plant in Pune, Maharashtra, which began full-scale operations in February last year. Anchored by the Pune facility, the company broadened its rollout of Korean ice cream brands, including Dwaeji-bar, sold locally as Krunch, and Jawsbar, marketed under the name Shark. The confectionery arm grew 26 percent over the same period, a rise the company attributed to an aggressive push into traditional trade, the small neighborhood shops that dominate India's retail landscape. Lotte India plans to press ahead with integrating its southern, northern and western operations to maximize efficiency and lift profitability, targeting annual revenue of 1 trillion won by 2032. 2026-07-13 15:09:57
  • People Power Party Urges Halt to Attempts to Cancel Lee Jae-myungs Trials
    People Power Party Urges Halt to Attempts to Cancel Lee Jae-myung's Trials The People Power Party's special committee to prevent the cancellation of President Lee Jae-myung's trials urged on July 13 that "President Lee and the Democratic Party should stop attempts to cancel indictments and face the five ongoing trials with confidence."During its second plenary meeting held at the National Assembly, the committee asserted, "The cancellation of the indictment in President Lee's case is clearly an attempt to eliminate a criminal trial that was under judicial review, rather than correcting procedural errors."The committee presented two notable cases of indictment cancellation confirmed through academic research. In these instances, indictments were canceled either because the defendant received a presidential pardon or due to issues related to the principle of indictment document adherence, which prevents the inclusion or citation of content that could bias the court regarding the case.Thus, the People Power Party argues that President Lee's case cannot be subject to indictment cancellation. In this context, committee member Joo Jin-woo stated, "President Lee should make a public promise to face trial according to the law, and he must remember that the more he schemes behind the scenes to cancel the trial, the more guilt he will accumulate."Joo also expressed the opinion that additional investigations into prosecutor Park Sang-yong, who investigated President Lee, should be immediately halted. He claimed, "There is ongoing undue pressure simply because he investigated the powerful defendant Lee Jae-myung, and it appears that the fear of becoming guilty himself is driving the use of illegal means, disregarding law and principles."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 15:08:00
  • K-Beauty and K-Food: Korea Eximbank Expands Policy Financing
    K-Beauty and K-Food: Korea Eximbank Expands Policy Financing Jung Saem Mool Beauty, a leading K-Beauty brand, secured 12.5 billion won in funding earlier this year from a fund that includes Korea Eximbank. The investment will be used to open new stores overseas and establish a local subsidiary in North America, serving as a stepping stone for its global brand expansion.Paldo is expanding its international sales by launching the global brand 'Ari,' in collaboration with BTS, across Walmart stores in the United States. Korea Eximbank plans to support the increased export volume by providing working capital necessary for raw material purchases and production expansion.Korea Eximbank is broadening its focus from policy financing primarily in manufacturing sectors like overseas plants, shipbuilding, and semiconductors to include consumer goods industries such as K-Food and K-Beauty. As the popularity of K-content boosts the global competitiveness of domestic consumer goods, the bank is adapting its policy financing to align with these industry changes.According to the financial sector on July 13, Korea Eximbank plans to supply a total of 28 trillion won in policy financing to K-Culture industries, including K-Food and K-Beauty, by 2030 over the next five years. With content and consumer goods emerging as new pillars of export growth, the scope of policy financing is shifting from a manufacturing focus to K-Culture industries.The scale of Korea Eximbank's financial support for K-Food has increased for four consecutive years, rising from 2.11 trillion won in 2022 to 2.15 trillion won in 2023, 2.25 trillion won in 2024, and 2.60 trillion won in 2025. This year, the support is expected to grow further due to strong K-Food export performance.The range of support is also expanding. The focus is on establishing a financial support system that encompasses the entire value chain, including working capital for export expansion, overseas market entry, distribution network establishment, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The aim is to go beyond simple export financing to support production, logistics, and the establishment of overseas sales networks.Korea Eximbank is also strengthening its collaborative network to support overseas expansion. It has established a system to assist K-Food companies in entering emerging markets in partnership with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), and signed a $30 million financing agreement with the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia (TDB) to enhance local financial accessibility.Industry experts believe that due to the long investment recovery periods and significant business uncertainties in the early stages of overseas expansion, relying solely on private financing to meet funding needs is limited. They emphasize that the role of policy financing is becoming increasingly important to develop K-content as the next generation of export industries.A financial sector official stated, “Since K-Food and K-Beauty have a high proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises, a financial support system tailored to the growth stages of these companies is necessary. We expect to see more cases where policy financing backs overseas investments and production expansions that private finance cannot handle.” 2026-07-13 15:00:00
  • Korean Golfers Shine with Major Wins on Same Day
    Korean Golfers Shine with Major Wins on Same Day Sports fans often remember certain days that hold more significance than just the number of victories. July 12 was one of those days.In France, Yoo Hae-ran lifted the trophy at the Amundi Evian Championship, a major event on the LPGA Tour, while in Scotland, Kim Joo-hyung claimed victory at the Genesis Scottish Open on the PGA Tour. This marked only the second time since October 2021 that South Korean male and female golfers won on the same day, following victories by Ko Jin-young and Im Sung-jae. The significance of their wins is heightened by the fact that they triumphed on prestigious stages featuring the world's top players.Yoo's victory was remarkable not just for the record but also for her performance under pressure. After posting a historic 11-under-par 60 in the third round, she faced challenges on the final day, struggling to make birdies. Despite the pressure of maintaining her lead, she kept her composure.Canadian Brooke Henderson, with one hole-in-one and two eagles, made a strong push, finishing with a total of 19-under-par after a birdie on the 18th hole. Yoo, trailing by one stroke, needed a birdie on the final hole to force a playoff.Yoo remained calm, setting up a birdie opportunity with her third shot and finally sinking a crucial putt that extended the match. In the playoff on the same 18th hole, she again made a birdie, outpacing Henderson, who made par. Although it wasn't her best day in terms of shot accuracy, she proved to be the strongest player when it mattered most.Meanwhile, at the Renaissance Club in Scotland, Kim Joo-hyung broke free from a long slump. He ended a winless streak on the PGA Tour that had lasted 2 years and 9 months since his last victory at the Shriners Children's Open in October 2023.Once seen as a rising star in the world of golf, Kim had struggled to meet expectations, missing the cut in nine of the 26 tournaments he entered last year and finishing in the top 10 only once. Although he showed signs of a comeback with a solo third-place finish at the U.S. Open in June, many were hesitant to declare his return based on just one performance.This time, however, Kim was different. In the final round, he made six birdies without a single bogey, pulling ahead of his competitors to secure a two-stroke victory. After the match, he was seen wiping away tears with a towel, reflecting the relief and emotion of overcoming his struggles and returning to the top.This victory also marked a historic achievement as Kim became the first South Korean to win the Genesis Scottish Open. While not a major tournament, it serves as a key event for top players to prepare for the Open Championship, the oldest major in golf. Since 2022, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have co-sanctioned the event, enhancing its competitiveness.This year, many of the world's best players participated, and Kim emerged victorious from a deep field. His win was not just an addition to his trophy case but a testament to his return as a contender on the global stage.Yoo's consecutive major victories showcased the strength of South Korean women's golf, while Kim's triumph revived hope for South Korean men's golf after a prolonged silence. Although there were two trophies, the significance of their achievements transcended mere numbers.South Korean golf has long competed at the highest levels, but recent years have seen challenges due to generational changes and struggles. The simultaneous victories of these two representative players on the same day against elite competition cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence.In sports, a single victory can sometimes change the entire atmosphere of a sport. This joint victory is a day that will be remembered for a long time, reaffirming that South Korean golf remains competitive and can rise again on the world stage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 14:52:00
  • Korean Lawmakers Discuss Key Issues, Emphasize Need for Opposition-Recommended Special Prosecutor
    Korean Lawmakers Discuss Key Issues, Emphasize Need for Opposition-Recommended Special Prosecutor Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, held a closed meeting with senior party members on July 13 to discuss various issues, including the composition of the National Assembly for the second half of the term. The party's strategy regarding the infringement of voting rights due to a shortage of ballots was also on the agenda.After the meeting, Jung told reporters, "The general sentiment among lawmakers is that we cannot give up on the opposition-recommended special prosecutor. Regarding the negotiations for the assembly's composition, most members expressed concerns about whether it is appropriate to enter the standing committees under the current circumstances." He added, "I will listen to the opinions of other lawmakers at the scheduled afternoon meeting and reach a conclusion."The People Power Party is currently boycotting the standing committees in protest against the Democratic Party's unilateral assembly composition. The Democratic Party has unilaterally elected chairs for 11 standing committees, including the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and has begun operations in some committees, which have already started reviewing bills and conducting hearings on various issues.As the ruling party adopted the opposition's proposal for a special prosecutor regarding the election commission, the question of who will have the right to recommend the special prosecutor has emerged as a key issue. The ruling party supports granting the recommendation authority to a third party, while the People Power Party insists that the special prosecutor recommended by the opposition should be appointed to address election commission reforms and various allegations.Discussions also took place regarding a proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which centers on abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights. Some lawmakers reportedly argued that while negotiating the assembly's composition is important, focusing efforts on preventing the abolition of supplementary investigation rights is crucial, as it could lead to a loss of crime response capabilities.Following the meeting with senior members, Jung is expected to gather the consensus of party lawmakers during the general meeting to set the strategic direction for the party's leadership. However, given the complexity of the various issues at hand, it appears that consensus among senior members has not been fully achieved. Therefore, there are predictions that a clear conclusion may be difficult to reach during the general meeting as well.One lawmaker who participated in the meeting stated, "There are valid points in each person's opinions," adding that significant differences are expected during the general meeting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 14:52:00
  • AI Patent Strategy Will Make South Korea a Global Leader in Intellectual Property
    AI Patent Strategy Will Make South Korea a Global Leader in Intellectual Property Developing good technology does not guarantee success in the global market. In the age of AI, securing patents and protecting technology are as crucial as being the first to develop core technologies.Even if South Korean companies develop world-class AI technologies, failing to secure key patents could result in losing market share to competitors. This underscores the need for a national strategy that transforms technology into patents, protects those patents, and connects them to investment and commercialization.At the center of this effort is Kim Yong-sun, head of the Intellectual Property Office. The question is clear: Can South Korea maintain its technological sovereignty and rise as a powerhouse in intellectual property in the global AI patent war?AI Era: Development Alone Is Not EnoughWhat determines national competitiveness in the AI era? Talent is essential, and data and computing infrastructure are important. However, to secure technological leadership in the global market, patents are indispensable.No matter how good the technology developed, without securing patents, it is difficult to protect the market. If a competitor develops similar technology and secures a patent first, the original developer may face business challenges.This issue is even more critical in advanced industries like AI, semiconductors, robotics, and biotechnology, where numerous technologies converge, and global companies compete simultaneously.Kim emphasizes that for South Korea to survive in the AI technology development competition, research and development must move in tandem with patent strategies from the outset.Develop good technology. Secure key patents. Protect technology abroad. Commercialize patents and connect them to investment.Intellectual property policy in the AI era should not be limited to administrative patent registration. It must evolve into a national growth strategy that protects South Korea's technologies and companies while creating new industries.The AI Patent War Has BegunMajor countries are fiercely competing to secure leadership in AI technology. Companies in the U.S., China, and other nations are investing heavily in research and development and patent acquisition in future industries such as AI models, semiconductors, robotics, and autonomous driving.The AI competition is not just a race for technology development; it is a patent war. It is not merely about who holds more patents, but who can secure powerful patents that dominate core technologies and markets.South Korea also possesses significant technological competitiveness, with accumulated expertise in semiconductors, displays, automobiles, batteries, telecommunications, and manufacturing. Combining this with AI opens new growth possibilities.However, having technological prowess does not guarantee market dominance. If core technologies are developed without securing overseas patents, companies may become embroiled in disputes when entering global markets.Research and development without a patent strategy is akin to navigating the global market without a map. It is essential to analyze global patent trends and understand competitors' technologies and patents from the development stage.South Korea's AI policy must strengthen patent acquisition strategies alongside research and development investments. To survive in the global AI patent war, the country must evolve from a technology-developing nation to one that secures core patents.AI Patent Strategy Map Guides National R&D DirectionSouth Korea invests a substantial budget in research and development each year. The government, companies, universities, and research institutions are engaged in developing advanced technologies such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and robotics.The challenge lies in accurately determining which technologies to develop. Entering fields where global companies have already secured numerous patents can make it difficult to capture market share, even with significant research investment.Patent information serves as a vast database that reveals the trends in global technological competition. It allows for analysis of which companies are developing which technologies, identifying areas with increasing patent applications, and predicting which industries will grow.This is why the AI patent strategy map is crucial. By analyzing global patent information, South Korea can identify areas of competitiveness and those lacking in technology.It helps confirm technologies that competitors have secured. It identifies fields that require challenges. It predicts core technologies that will lead future markets.This must be linked to national research and development policies. Rather than merely distributing research funds, strategic investments must be made in technologies that South Korea must secure based on global patent market analysis.Patent big data will serve as a compass for national R&D.Protecting AI Companies' TechnologiesFor AI companies, technology is their most important asset. However, protecting that technology is as crucial as developing it.Large corporations have specialized patent personnel and legal teams. They have the capacity to respond to patent disputes abroad.In contrast, startups and small to medium-sized enterprises often lack this capability. Many do not know how to secure patents for their valuable AI technologies. Responding to overseas patent applications and disputes can also be costly.If they develop technology but fail to secure patents, they risk losing their innovations to competitors. If they become embroiled in unexpected patent disputes after entering foreign markets, their very survival may be at stake.This is why the role of the Intellectual Property Office is vital. It must support innovative companies in AI, robotics, semiconductors, and biotechnology to establish patent strategies from the technology development stage.Identify good technologies. Secure domestic and international patents. Respond to overseas patent disputes. Protect companies from technology theft.For South Korea to become a leader in AI, it is not enough to simply create many AI companies. A national intellectual property protection system must be established to safeguard the technologies developed by these companies.Patents as Valuable Assets for StartupsOne of the most challenging issues for startups is funding. Developing technology requires personnel, and creating products and entering markets necessitates investment.However, early-stage companies often lack collateral such as real estate and factories. Even with good technology, securing funding from financial institutions can be difficult.This is where patents become important. If the value of the technology and patents held by a company is accurately assessed, intellectual property can become a new financial asset.AI companies secure core patents. Specialized institutions evaluate the technological and market potential of these patents. Financial institutions and investors provide funding based on this assessment.Patents transform from mere rights on paper into assets that support company growth.Intellectual property finance and commercialization will become increasingly important in the AI era, as technology, data, software, and algorithms become the core competitive advantages of companies.South Korea's financial system must be able to accurately assess the value of the technologies held by companies. An ecosystem must be created where AI companies with good patents can secure funding and grow.The goal of AI industrial policy is not merely to increase the number of patents but to ensure that valuable patents lead to investment, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and job creation.Awakening Dormant PatentsSouth Korea holds numerous patents. Companies, universities, and government-funded research institutions have developed many technologies and patents through research and development.However, not all patents are utilized in actual industrial applications. Often, good technologies remain registered as patents but stay confined to laboratories and paperwork.Patents should not end with registration. Companies must utilize them. They need to become new products and services. They must connect to markets and jobs.Technologies developed by universities and research institutions should be transferred to companies. Companies can then use these technologies to create products, leading to the birth of new startups.The Intellectual Property Office should become a platform that connects technologies and companies. It must help identify which companies need which technologies and ensure that unused patents find new owners.Utilizing AI can transform this technology transaction market. By analyzing numerous patents and company information, it can help identify the technologies companies need and connect those in need with research institutions.Awakening dormant patents is essential. Connecting South Korea's intellectual property to actual industries and markets is a key task for intellectual property policy in the AI era.AI is Changing Patent ExaminationThe Intellectual Property Office is not only an institution supporting the AI industry but also an administrative body that must utilize AI itself.Patent examination requires vast amounts of information. It involves analyzing patents, papers, and technical data registered worldwide and determining how new inventions differ from existing technologies.This is an area where AI excels. AI can quickly search through extensive patent information and identify similar technologies. It can analyze materials that examiners need to review and provide critical information.Utilizing AI has the potential to enhance both the speed and quality of patent examinations. Companies can secure patents more quickly and leverage them for business.However, AI should not make all decisions regarding patent registration. Assessing the innovation and scope of rights requires expertise and accountability.AI should support examiners' judgments. The final decisions and responsibilities must rest with humans.AI can handle repetitive searches and analyses, allowing examiners to focus on professional judgments. The transition from digital patent administration to AI-driven intellectual property administration is necessary.A New Intellectual Property Order in the Era of Generative AIThe proliferation of generative AI raises new questions for the intellectual property system. There is ongoing debate about who should be recognized as the rights holder for inventions and content created by AI, and how to protect data and creations used in AI training.The existing intellectual property system was designed with the assumption that humans develop technologies and create content. However, as AI begins to assist human research and creation, new standards are needed.How much participation did AI have in the invention process? To what extent should human creative contributions be recognized? How will the relationship between data used for AI training and existing intellectual property rights be established?Technological advancement should not be hindered. However, the legitimate rights of existing rights holders must not be infringed upon in the name of technological innovation.A new balance must be found between innovation and protection. For South Korea to lead the intellectual property norms of the AI era, it must gather opinions from industry, academia, the legal field, and creators to establish new systems.Intellectual property policy in the AI era should not merely keep pace with the speed of technological advancement. It must anticipate future technological and market changes and create new rules proactively.AI Can Identify Patent Disputes and Technology TheftAI can also be utilized to protect intellectual property. With the vast number of patents, trademarks, and design information registered globally, it is challenging for individuals to verify everything.AI can analyze extensive data to identify similar technologies and trademarks. It can also be used to detect products and technologies that may infringe on a company's patents early on.This is especially important for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. Companies lacking specialized personnel may only learn of infringements on their technologies abroad after significant delays.Establishing an intellectual property protection system utilizing AI can help detect risks more quickly. Services that analyze the potential for patent infringement and alert companies to overseas dispute risks in advance are also possible.This represents a shift from responding to issues after they arise to proactively identifying risks and protecting companies.In the AI era, as the speed of technology development increases, the risks of technology theft and patent disputes may also grow. This highlights the need for a safety net for South Korean companies' technologies.Regional AI Companies Can Grow Through Intellectual PropertyAddressing the concentration of the AI industry in the metropolitan area is a challenge that needs to be tackled. While there are excellent companies, universities, and research institutions with strong technologies in regional areas, they often struggle to access patent strategies, commercialization, and investment opportunities.Regional companies develop good technologies. They secure patents. They receive evaluations of their technology's value. They attract investment and policy financing.They create products and enter markets. As companies grow, good jobs are created, allowing young people to remain in their regions.Intellectual property can serve as an important growth ladder for the AI local era.Connecting patents held by local universities and research institutions with regional companies is also crucial. Technologies developed in laboratories should become products for regional companies, fostering an ecosystem that leads to the growth of new startups.The AI local era cannot be completed merely by constructing data centers and research facilities. Technologies developed locally must be patented and connected to business, investment, and job creation.The Intellectual Property Office should play a role in connecting local technologies, companies, universities, and investors.Can South Korea Maintain Its Global AI Technological Sovereignty?The competition in the AI industry is a competition for technological sovereignty. Relying on other countries and companies for core technologies makes it difficult to determine the future of the industry.South Korea possesses a world-class manufacturing base, along with expertise in semiconductors, automobiles, batteries, and information and communication technology. Combining this with AI technology and intellectual property strategies opens new possibilities.Companies develop AI technologies. They secure patents. The government protects these technologies.They assess the value of patents. They connect investment and financing. Companies create products and enter global markets.This ecosystem must be established.Research and development, patents, technology protection, IP finance, commercialization, and overseas market entry must be interconnected as a single growth ladder.To succeed in the global AI competition, South Korea must do more than just develop good technologies. It must secure core patents, protect companies' technologies, and connect intellectual property to markets and investments.In the AI era, national competitiveness will stem not from merely possessing technology but from effectively protecting and utilizing it.The task assigned to Kim Yong-sun is not limited to swiftly and accurately examining patents. It is to nurture South Korea's AI industry and future industries through intellectual property.AI patent strategies, securing core patents, protecting AI startups, IP finance, technology commercialization, and patent administration all aim toward a single goal: making intellectual property the growth ladder for South Korea's AI industry.For AI companies, technology is their most important asset. However, no matter how good the technology developed, without patent protection, maintaining competitiveness in the global market is challenging.Develop technology. Secure patents. The government protects.Assess the value of patents. Connect investment and financing. Companies grow and enter global markets.If intellectual property policy can create this growth ladder, the paradigm of South Korea's AI industrial policy can also change. Transitioning from a government that merely registers patents to one that protects technology, and from managing intellectual property to fostering company growth.South Korea possesses a strong manufacturing base and AI technology. Adding a robust intellectual property strategy opens new possibilities.National competitiveness in the AI era does not arise from grand slogans. It begins with developing good technology, securing core patents, protecting companies' technologies, and ensuring that those patents lead to investment and commercialization.Transforming AI technologies developed by South Korean companies into South Korean patents, protecting them in the global market, and turning them into valuable assets.This is the starting point for the intellectual property revolution in South Korea's AI sector that Kim Yong-sun must lead.Kim Yong-sun, head of the Intellectual Property Office, is an expert with extensive experience in intellectual property policy and patent administration. Having held key positions in intellectual property administration, he has been responsible for patent examination, industrial property policy, and intellectual property protection and commercialization policies.Since taking office, he has promoted the acquisition of core patents and technology protection in advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors, as well as strengthening IP finance and commercialization. At the same time, he is enhancing the AX strategy by incorporating AI and data technology into patent administration to improve the speed and quality of examinations.Securing South Korean companies' AI technologies as patents and connecting intellectual property to investment, commercialization, and global market entry are the core tasks assigned to Kim Yong-sun. 2026-07-13 14:52:00
  • Maeil Dairy Launches PURETEIN, a Protein Drink Made from Triple-Concentrated Milk
    Maeil Dairy Launches 'PURETEIN,' a Protein Drink Made from Triple-Concentrated Milk Maeil Dairy announced the launch of its new protein drink, 'PURETEIN,' available in two flavors: chocolate shake and coffee shake. The product, introduced on July 13, is made from milk that has been triple-concentrated.Unlike typical protein drinks that mix protein powder with water or milk, PURETEIN uses concentrated milk as its base. The drink features Maeil's proprietary Ultra Filtration (UF) technology, which allows 722ml of milk to be condensed into a 330ml package. This method filters out lactose while preserving protein and calcium, resulting in a smooth texture and the natural flavor of milk without any chalky aftertaste.Each serving contains 23g of protein, equivalent to about four eggs, along with nine essential amino acids and 685mg of calcium, ensuring a balanced nutritional profile. The lactose-free product is suitable for consumers who are lactose intolerant. It is packaged in a 330ml aseptic carton, allowing for room temperature storage, and is available at Costco locations nationwide.As health consciousness rises, the protein drink market is experiencing rapid growth both domestically and internationally. According to market research firm Euromonitor International, the ready-to-drink (RTD) protein beverage market in South Korea is projected to reach 124.5 billion won by 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 81% over the past five years. The U.S. RTD protein drink market, a global leader, is expected to reach approximately $7.6 billion (about 11.5 trillion won) by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6% over the last two years.In particular, milk-based RTD protein drinks that emphasize taste and smoothness are becoming key products in the North American market. Maeil Dairy has proactively introduced this milk-concentrated protein RTD beverage to the domestic market in response to these global trends.A Maeil Dairy representative stated, "PURETEIN is a pure milk protein drink made from triple-concentrated milk. We plan to continue expanding our flavor offerings and product lineup to strengthen our position in the protein RTD market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 14:48:00
  • Debate Over Abolishing Prosecutors Supplementary Investigation Rights Intensifies
    Debate Over Abolishing Prosecutors' Supplementary Investigation Rights Intensifies The recent 'Jang Yoon-ki case' has brought the debate over the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights to the forefront of national discourse. The prosecution uncovered the full extent of a crime that the police had attempted to conceal, raising fundamental questions about the direction of reforms in the criminal justice system. If the prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights were completely abolished and they could only make formal 'requests' on paper, the brutal truths of the defendant's crimes might have remained forever hidden. This incident starkly illustrates the dangers of reforms that are solely focused on the mechanical adjustment of powers among government agencies.On July 12, Lee Seok-yeon, chair of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, joined the debate over the abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights. He stated, "The complete abolition of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights is unconstitutional." He pointed out that Articles 12 and 16 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea specify the prosecutor's authority to apply for warrants necessary for compulsory investigations. Therefore, completely stripping prosecutors of their supplementary investigation rights through subordinate legislation would violate the constitutional principle of 'systemic legitimacy.' He argued that supplementary investigation rights must be maintained in any form to uphold the constitutional values of discovering substantive truth and protecting citizens' rights.More concerning is the fact that even within the ruling Democratic Party, which is responsible for governance and legislation, there is no consensus on this issue, leading to intense internal debate. Ahead of the party convention, the leadership and hardline members are pushing for abolition under the banner of 'prosecutorial reform,' while some moderate members express serious concerns about the judicial vacuum that hasty legislation could create. The ruling party, which bears infinite responsibility for governance, is acting irresponsibly by using a rough draft of legislation as a political tool without even reconciling internal differences.Legal experts have continuously warned about the specific adverse effects that the abolition of supplementary investigation rights could bring. If prosecutors cannot directly investigate when police inquiries are insufficient and must merely submit requests in writing, significant delays in judicial procedures are inevitable. The worst-case scenario could see serious criminals released due to expired detention periods or crucial evidence destroyed while documents are exchanged between the two agencies. Ultimately, the legal vacuum created by severing the organic connection between prosecutorial and investigative powers would severely weaken the state's ability to respond to crime.Moreover, despite being a critical reform of national institutions directly related to citizens' lives and property rights, the social discourse surrounding this issue has been woefully inadequate. Legislation without broad input from academia, the legal community, and the general public will inevitably lead to serious judicial gaps, with the structural flaws disproportionately affecting innocent citizens and crime victims. The national criminal justice system is not a political trophy and cannot be prioritized over its inherent value as a safety net for the public.As Lee Seok-yeon warned, the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights not only carries significant constitutional risks but also represents a serious regression in judicial justice. The ruling Democratic Party must immediately halt its unilateral legislative push and calmly reconcile internal disagreements. Furthermore, it should activate a large-scale social discourse mechanism involving the National Assembly, judiciary, prosecution, police, and academia to seek reasonable alternatives that align with the public's expectations. It is imperative to stop policies that endanger citizens while insisting on reforms that lack substance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 14:48:00
  • Jung Jeom-sik Threatens Impeachment if An Gyu-baek Refuses to Disclose Military Records
    Jung Jeom-sik Threatens Impeachment if An Gyu-baek Refuses to Disclose Military Records Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on July 13 that if Defense Minister An Gyu-baek continues to refuse to disclose his military service records amid allegations of military misconduct, he will have no choice but to consider submitting an impeachment motion.During a general assembly meeting at the National Assembly, Jung remarked, "Refusing to disclose military records is a different matter that conceals the truth and deceives the public." He criticized the Defense Ministry's claim that releasing the records would exacerbate misunderstandings, calling it contradictory. "If Minister An's claims are accurately reflected in his military records, there should be no issue with making them public," he added.Jung further suggested that the assertion that releasing the records would lead to more misunderstandings indicates a discrepancy between the records and An's previous explanations. He expressed skepticism about An's claim that he would seek corrections after leaving office, stating, "To dispel this significant misunderstanding that undermines the minister's leadership, he must request corrections immediately." He warned that if An continues to refuse to disclose his military records, it could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of the allegations regarding his eight years of military misconduct.Additionally, Jung addressed the Democratic Party's push to completely abolish supplementary investigation rights, stating, "Citizens are concerned that criminals with more powerful connections than Jang Yoon-ki will be able to evade police investigations more freely." He emphasized the importance of the National Assembly's legislative and judicial committee in discussing such issues in depth.He criticized the Democratic Party for attempting to unilaterally abolish supplementary investigation rights without consulting the opposition, asserting, "The standard for this discussion should be to alleviate the suffering of victims and their families." He concluded by stating, "Our demand for a rational composition is ultimately a fight for the people," pledging to stand with victims, bereaved families, and the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 14:44:00