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Batteries, hydrogen vie for future of freight SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - The clean-energy contest that upended the passenger car is now rolling into the world's freight lanes, where a single winning technology is proving far harder to crown. Global automakers spent the past decade racing to electrify the family car. That race is largely settled: battery power won. The next front is the heavy truck, and here the map is messier, split between the battery cells that conquered the driveway and the hydrogen fuel cells betting on the long haul. Tesla and China's BYD are pressing the battery case. Hyundai Motor Company is pushing hydrogen. Unlike the passenger market, which consolidated around battery-electric cars, the commercial segment is fracturing along the lines of route, payload and duty cycle, with rival technologies settling into the niches that suit them. The backdrop is a passenger market that has already tipped. In South Korea, eco-friendly vehicles — hybrid, electric and hydrogen combined —accounted for 50.4 percent of new registrations in the first half of 2026, the first time the green share has cleared half a year, according to data researcher CarIsYou Data Research Center based on transport ministry records. Battery-electric registrations alone jumped 112.6 percent from a year earlier. The shift is global, as worldwide electric car sales are set to reach 23 million this year, close to 30 percent of all cars sold, the International Energy Agency said in May, up from a fifth of the market a year earlier. "Electric car sales set new records in close to 100 countries last year. The growing popularity of EVs has marked a major shift for car markets and the energy system as a whole – and it is providing some relief now amid the largest oil supply shock in history," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. Freight is where the picture splinters. Tesla began high-volume output of its Class-8 Semi at a dedicated Nevada plant in the second quarter, targeting 50,000 units a year. The long-range version carries an 822-kilowatt-hour pack good for over 800 kilometers on a charge, the company says—economics aimed squarely at North American line-haul fleets. BYD is widening its own battery-truck push with its 8TT, first shown in 2018 as one of the heaviest Class-8 electric tractors on the U.S. market, has hauled containers around California's ports, though its roughly 320-kilometer range keeps it closest to shorter, repeatable runs. Meanwhile, Hyundai has taken the other road. The South Korean maker rolled out the world's first mass-produced hydrogen heavy truck, the Xcient, in 2020. With a range up to around 720 kilometers per charge, the truck has made it into Switzerland, Germany, the U.S. and Canada. In March, Hyundai shipped eight Xcient trucks to Uruguay to haul timber for the Kahirós green-logistics project—Latin America's first commercial deployment of hydrogen trucks, not a demonstration. "We will help decarbonize a critical part of the paper production value chain and demonstrate to the world that we can take action for a better future starting now," said Airton Cousseau, head of Hyundai Motor's Central and South America region, in a company statement. Analysts see the freight market splitting rather than consolidating. SNE Research, an energy market researcher, said the growth axis for hydrogen vehicles is moving away from passenger cars toward medium and heavy commercial trucks, long-haul freight, buses and port operations. It added that hydrogen is likely to complement battery power in long-distance, high-tonnage, high-utilization work rather than compete with it head-on. That leaves battery and hydrogen trucks advancing in parallel, each leaning on its strengths, with no single technology poised to reshape the segment the way batteries reshaped the car. For now, the freight lane belongs to no one. Where the passenger market picked a winner, the truck market looks set to keep several in play at once. 2026-07-13 13:57:26 -
Samsung Union Reports 84% Opposition to Honam Semiconductor Project, Calls for Negotiations Samsung Electronics' largest union, the Samsung Group Super Union, has reported that a majority of its members oppose the company's Honam semiconductor project and is calling for renewed negotiations involving the government, the company, and the union.In a statement on July 13, the union revealed that a recent survey of its members showed 84% opposed the Honam semiconductor project. The union cited concerns over potential job relocations, working conditions, and treatment as the main reasons for the opposition.The union also announced plans to address the Honam semiconductor project as a key issue in wage and collective bargaining negotiations scheduled for 2027. They stated, "Decisions affecting the working conditions of union members, under the Yellow Envelope Law, should also be subject to negotiations," emphasizing the need for discussions with the union during the project's implementation.Additionally, the union reiterated its request for a tripartite committee involving the government, the company, and the union, which was proposed on July 1 but has yet to receive a response. The union stressed, "Given that this project affects the working conditions of tens of thousands, it must be pursued through sufficient dialogue with the union."The union claimed that the company expressed concerns about the project during two meetings. They added, "If the plan lacks confidence from both potential workers and investing companies, what is needed now is not speed but a process to build trust."Previously, Samsung Electronics announced plans to invest 300 trillion won in the Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters and 40 trillion won in the Honam region as part of its 'three mega projects' announced last month. The Honam project includes the establishment of an advanced semiconductor production base and related industrial ecosystem.However, the company has maintained that, as the Honam project is a long-term investment plan, specific timelines for investment, facility placement, and workforce management have not yet been finalized.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 13:56:00 -
Legislative Committee Discusses Merger of Proposals to Abolish Supplementary Investigation Rights On July 13, the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, led by the Democratic Party, discussed a proposal to abolish supplementary investigation rights but did not reach a conclusion. Some members of the ruling party indicated plans to propose a bill that would conditionally retain these rights.The committee's subcommittee is scheduled to hold an additional meeting on July 15, and if the retention bill is proposed, it will be discussed alongside the current proposals.Kim Seung-won, the Democratic Party's representative on the committee, stated after the subcommittee meeting, "We focused on discussions regarding the legislative review of the criminal procedure law amendment." He urged the opposition party, the People Power Party, to participate in the discussions, emphasizing the significance of changing the criminal procedure law system for the first time in 70 years.Kim also responded to Hong Gi-won’s announcement of plans to propose a bill to retain supplementary investigation rights, saying, "If the proposal is made, we will discuss it along with the three bills we are currently considering, should the chairperson decide to refer it directly to the committee."Currently, the committee is reviewing three separate bills related to the amendment of the criminal procedure law. These include a joint proposal by Democratic Party member Kim Yong-min and Justice Innovation Party member Park Eun-jung, as well as a proposal by member Cha Gyu-geun, and a proposal pushed by the Democratic Party's criminal procedure law task force.Concerns about the abolition of supplementary investigation rights have been raised recently, particularly in light of the Jang Yoon-ki case. The police had initially referred the suspect on charges of simple murder, but the prosecution uncovered a power-related cover-up through supplementary investigation rights.Voices of concern have also emerged within the ruling party. Members Kim Nam-hee and Kim Dong-ah held a press conference, stating, "The amendment to the criminal procedure law should not worsen conditions for victims," and emphasized that a system designed from the perspective of social minorities is essential for a just process.Go Min-jeong, a member of the National Assembly who has declared her candidacy for party leader, criticized the notion of abolishing supplementary investigation rights, saying, "While it may not align with political calculations to oppose the abolition, it is not the stance of a ruling party to abolish these rights and then address issues as they arise." She added, "The separation of investigation and prosecution is a choice to prevent unjust victims, and it should not become a matter of belief, as exceptional supplementary investigations are necessary."Lee So-young, a former lawyer and current member of the National Assembly, warned on Facebook, "If we trivialize this significant issue as a topic for internal party competition ahead of the convention, the public will respond with serious evaluations."The Democratic Party plans to push for the amendment of the criminal procedure law before the party convention scheduled for August 17. The Justice Innovation Party argues that the amendments must be processed before the Constitution Day to ensure the proper establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Prosecution Agency as part of the ongoing prosecution reform in October. However, it appears challenging to finalize the amendments before Constitution Day, raising questions about whether the criminal procedure law amendment will pass in the National Assembly before the Democratic Party's convention. 2026-07-13 13:52:00
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First COVID-19 Death in Andhra Pradesh in Four Years Triggers Alert In Andhra Pradesh, India, a COVID-19 related death has been reported for the first time in four years, prompting a statewide alert.On July 13, local media outlet Times Now News reported that two COVID-19 related deaths and four new confirmed cases were recorded in the Kadapa region.Health authorities stated that four individuals tested positive following RT-PCR tests conducted at the Kadapa Virus Research Institute. Among them, three were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms and entered self-isolation, while one individual with mild respiratory symptoms was hospitalized in a dedicated COVID-19 ward.Both deceased were undergoing treatment. A 52-year-old man from the Rajampet area of Kadapa died at Christian Medical College in Vellore after being diagnosed with COVID-19 due to fever and cough symptoms.The second deceased was a 43-year-old man from Kadapa who tested positive for COVID-19 after being admitted to a government general hospital for health issues. He later died while receiving treatment in the COVID-19 intensive care unit.In response to the new cases and deaths, Andhra Pradesh's health authorities issued a statewide alert for COVID-19 preparedness. Local administrative bodies were instructed to enhance monitoring, testing, reporting systems, and infection control measures. Hospitals were also directed to ensure that isolation facilities with adequate beds and medical support are ready for immediate operation.Health officials noted that there are currently no signs of widespread community transmission related to these cases.Residents were advised to remain vigilant without excessive anxiety, maintain personal hygiene, and wear masks in crowded places. They were also encouraged to seek medical attention promptly if they exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 13:48:00
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KakaoPay Enhances Travel Benefits for Japan with Discounts from Korean Air and Airbnb 본격적인 여름 휴가철을 앞두고 카카오페이가 대한항공, 에어비앤비와 손잡고 일본 여행객을 위한 할인 프로모션을 선보인다. 카카오페이는 '해외여행 올-패스: 일본편'을 출시했다고 13일 밝혔다. 이번 프로모션은 항공권과 숙소 예약, 결제 혜택을 한데 묶어 일본 여행 준비 과정을 간편하게 지원하는 것이 특징이다. 대한항공에서는 6만2400원 수준인 일본 편도 유류할증료를 선착순으로 전액 할인해준다. 매주 수요일마다 선착순 150명에게 할인쿠폰이 지급된다. 오사카·고베·나고야 등 8개 도시의 일본 노선은 10% 할인 받을 수 있다. 국내·외 모든 노선에서 카카오페이로 결제하면 결제 금액에 따라 최대 2만원까지 즉시 추가 할인도 더해진다. 에어비앤비는 이달 말까지 일본 숙소 예약 시 최대 12%, 전 세계 숙소는 최대 10% 할인 혜택을 제공한다. 행사 기간 내 올-패스 페이지에서 카카오페이 전용 히든 할인 페이지에 접속해 10만원 이상 결제 시 적용된다. 숙박 기간은 9월 30일까지다. 행사 기간 중 대한항공과 에어비앤비에서 모두 카카오페이로 결제한 이용자에게는 '여행 준비 완료 선물'로 카카오페이포인트 2000포인트를 증정한다. 이 중 20명을 추첨해 50만원 에어비앤비 할인 쿠폰도 선물한다. 카카오페이는 "카카오페이만의 특색 있는 할인 결제를 축으로 사용자에게는 신선한 여행 경험을 선사하고 제휴 브랜드에게는 새로운 사용자층을 소개하는 데 초점을 둔 프로그램"이라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 13:44:00
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Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun's 'Ice Cream' Music Video Surpasses 10 Million Views Group Tomorrow X Together's Yeonjun has achieved a milestone with his new song 'Ice Cream.' The music video, released on July 10, surpassed 10 million views on YouTube by 11:14 a.m. on July 13.The 'Ice Cream' music video explores the subtle relationship between a man and a woman who are drawn to each other but hesitate to cross boundaries, using sensory metaphors. The performance is complemented by the exotic scenery of Prague and the song's atmosphere.The video is also gaining traction on global charts. It entered the YouTube daily trending music video global rankings on July 10 and has appeared on popular music video charts in 19 countries and regions.The song has shown strong performance on music charts as well. 'Ice Cream' topped the Bugs daily chart for three consecutive days from July 10 to 12. It also reached third place on the Line Music 'Song Top 100' chart in Japan on July 11 and 12.Yeonjun's mini-album 'NO LABELS: PART 02' reached number one on the Hanteo weekly album chart for the period from July 6 to 12, following three consecutive days at the top of the daily album chart.The new release sold 660,924 copies on its first day, surpassing the initial sales of its predecessor. Yeonjun has set a new personal best with this album.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 13:44:00
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KB Kookmin Card Launches 'Tap and Pay' for Seamless Mobile Payments KB Kookmin Card has introduced a new service that enhances mobile payment convenience by allowing users to make payments without launching the 'KB Pay' app.On July 13, KB Kookmin Card announced the launch of 'KB Pay Tap and Pay' and 'Payment Mini' services. These new offerings streamline the payment process, reducing the need to open the KB Pay app for each transaction.'KB Pay Tap and Pay' allows users with Android NFC-enabled smartphones to make payments by simply unlocking their screens and tapping their phones against a payment terminal, eliminating the need to open the app. 'Payment Mini' is a dedicated payment service that can be quickly accessed through widgets, edge panels, and home screen shortcuts, available on both Android and iOS devices.To celebrate the launch, KB Kookmin Card will hold a 'Tap and Pay User Review Event' from July 20 to the end of next month, offering a chance for 100 participants to win a 50,000 won coupon for KB Pay money.A representative from KB Kookmin Card stated, "We have launched this service to enable customers to use KB Pay more conveniently in their daily lives. We will continue to innovate payment experiences centered around our customers."Additionally, KB Kookmin Card is continuously expanding its network of payment partners and services to enhance the usability of KB Pay across various aspects of daily life. Since last month, it has also supported simplified payments for the four major social insurance premiums (health insurance, national pension, employment insurance, and industrial accident insurance). 2026-07-13 13:44:00
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Korean Golf Achieves Historic Double Victory on Same Day at LPGA and PGA Tours Korean men's and women's golf reached a significant milestone by winning titles on the same day at the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events. The victors, Yoo Hae-ran and Kim Joo-hyung, made headlines with their achievements.Yoo Hae-ran secured the championship trophy at the Amundi Evian Championship, the fourth major of the LPGA Tour season, held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France, on July 12. After finishing the final round with a total score of 19-under-par 265, she tied with Brooke Henderson of Canada and clinched victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th.This win marks a significant moment in golf history for Yoo. Just 13 days prior, she triumphed at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, tying the record for the shortest interval between major victories held by Meg Mallon. She also became the fourth Korean player to win two majors in a single season, following Se-ri Pak (1998), Inbee Park (2013, 2015), and Jin-young Ko (2019).Notably, Yoo is the first Korean player to win consecutive LPGA Tour majors since Inbee Park swept three majors in 2013. She is also the fourth Korean to win this particular event, joining the ranks of Hyo-joo Kim (2014), Jin-young Ko (2016), and Jin-young Ko (2019), and has now achieved a total of five tour victories.Shortly after Yoo's victory, Kim Joo-hyung added to the celebration by winning the Genesis Scottish Open, part of the PGA Tour, held at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. He showcased remarkable focus, recording six birdies without a single bogey, finishing with a total score of 17-under-par 263. He outpaced Australian Min Woo Lee, who finished at 15-under-par 265, by two strokes.This victory ended a 33-month winless streak for Kim, who last won at the Shriners Children’s Open in October 2023. At just 24 years old, he became the fourth non-American player to achieve four PGA Tour victories before turning 25, joining the ranks of Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, and Hideki Matsuyama.Since debuting on the PGA Tour in 2022, Kim had faced a challenging period, missing the cut in nine of the 26 tournaments he entered last year and only finishing in the top 10 once. However, a third-place finish at the U.S. Open in June helped him regain his form, culminating in this latest victory.This historic achievement marks the second time that Korean male and female golfers have won on the same day at the PGA and LPGA Tours, following the victories of Im Sung-jae at the Shriners Children’s Open and Ko Jin-young at the Cognizant Founders Cup on October 10, 2021.While there have been instances of Korean players winning on both tours in the same week, previous victories were separated by a day due to weather delays or time zone differences. Golf Channel highlighted this achievement on social media, stating, "Korean golf is on fire. Kim Joo-hyung and Yoo Hae-ran made history with their victories this weekend, marking the second time for Korean players." Yoo, having won back-to-back majors, will take a short break before preparing for the AIG Women’s Open, which begins on July 30 in the UK. Meanwhile, Kim aims to carry his momentum into the final major of the season, the British Open, starting on July 17. 2026-07-13 13:44:00
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KOSPI falls below 7,000 as chip stocks nosedive SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - South Korean stocks plunged sharply on Monday afternoon, with the benchmark KOSPI falling below the 7,000 level for the first time in more than two months as heavy selling in semiconductor heavyweights triggered another market-wide selloff. As of 1:30 p.m., the KOSPI was trading at 6,880.97, down 7.96 percent, while the junior KOSDAQ fell 4.33 percent to 801.20. The KOSPI's drop below 7,000 marked its first breach of the level since May 4, extending a steep correction after the index had climbed to record highs earlier this year. Semiconductor heavyweights led the decline as investors continued to unwind positions following last week's listing of SK hynix's American depositary receipts (ADRs) and took profits after months of AI-driven gains. Samsung Electronics fell 9.21 percent to 258,750 won, while SK hynix plunged 13.35 percent to 1,889,000 won. SK Square tumbled 15.19 percent, Samsung Electro-Mechanics slumped 17.99 percent, and Samsung Electronics preferred shares dropped 9.01 percent. Samsung Life Insurance lost 6.46 percent. Not all blue chips declined. LG Energy Solution rose 1.23 percent, while KB Financial Group gained 0.70 percent, outperforming the broader market. Earlier in the session, the Korea Exchange activated a sell-side sidecar, the 35th such activation this year and the sixth this month. 2026-07-13 13:43:40 -
Korean Food Safety Agency to Inspect 3,700 Delivery Restaurants for Hygiene The Food and Drug Safety Agency (FDSA) is launching hygiene inspections of delivery restaurants specializing in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), naengmyeon (cold noodles), and chicken, as summer consumption of these foods increases. The inspections will target over 3,700 establishments nationwide to assess hygiene management and food poisoning prevention measures.Starting from July 13 to July 20, the FDAS will conduct focused inspections in collaboration with local governments at restaurants that deliver and sell samgyetang, naengmyeon, and chicken, as well as those that use eggs as a primary ingredient, such as kimbap and toast.This initiative aims to strengthen hygiene management at restaurants serving popular summer foods and those using eggs, which pose a higher risk of salmonella food poisoning. It is known that bacteria that cause food poisoning proliferate most rapidly at temperatures around 35 to 36 degrees Celsius.The inspection will focus on delivery restaurants that have not been inspected recently or have a history of violating food hygiene laws, including those specializing in samgyetang, naengmyeon, and chicken, as well as egg-based dishes like kimbap and toast.Inspectors will check whether health examinations have been conducted, the hygienic handling of food and cooking areas, the storage and use of expired products, and compliance with facility standards such as the installation of insect screens and waste covers. They will also verify adherence to the chicken weight labeling system, which has been fully implemented since July 1.For restaurants using eggs, inspectors will focus on whether they are using eggs with cracked shells or those potentially contaminated with food poisoning bacteria, as well as whether they are using separate knives and cutting boards.In addition to inspections, the FDAS plans to randomly collect over 160 samples of prepared foods, including samgyetang, naengmyeon, kimbap, and toast, for food poisoning bacteria testing.The FDAS stated, "We will take administrative actions against violators and continue to strengthen hygiene and safety management for delivery foods."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 13:40:00