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Debate Over Abolishing Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Powers Intensifies The debate surrounding the abolition of supplementary investigation powers for prosecutors continues, with renewed attention on an 80-year-old illiterate woman's theft case that was resolved through such investigations. Notably, concerns have emerged from women-centered progressive online communities, which argue that without these powers, vulnerable victims may face greater risks.Recently, a case study produced by the Ministry of Justice has circulated in online communities. The study details how a case initially closed by the police due to lack of evidence was reopened by prosecutors through supplementary investigations, leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect.According to the case presented by the Ministry of Justice, a 40-year-old housekeeper, referred to as A, is accused of stealing approximately 130 million won (about $110,000) from an 80-year-old illiterate woman by using her bank account and cash card. The victim reported the disappearance of her money to the police, but they concluded the case, stating that the evidence was insufficient.Subsequently, prosecutors initiated supplementary investigations, focusing on three key questions: whether the illiterate victim could independently use an ATM for repeated withdrawals and transfers, whether the number of withdrawals was abnormally high, and the final flow of the missing funds.Prosecutors traced the accounts of A and her family, confirming the flow of the victim's money. They also visited the bank with the victim to verify her ability to use the ATM. During separate interrogations of the victim and A, inconsistencies in A's statements regarding the timing of the withdrawals were identified.Ultimately, prosecutors arrested and indicted A on charges of theft and computer fraud.Following the publication of this case, progressive women-centered communities expressed significant concerns about the abolition of supplementary investigation powers.One user commented, "If such incidents occur, we might hear that 'the transaction records are in the victim's name, so we can no longer investigate,' or 'the victim was negligent, so it's their responsibility,' leading to the case being closed. Isn't the supplementary investigation essentially the last resort for justice?"Another user noted, "The ones who will suffer the most from the abolition of supplementary investigation powers are ordinary citizens and women," referencing the Busan kicking incident. They explained that while the police initially focused on serious injury charges, supplementary investigations by prosecutors later led to charges of attempted murder. "Without supplementary investigations, the case could have ended with a much lighter sentence," they argued.They added, "If the police close a case, there may be no mechanism to review it, and regardless of political stance, we need to maintain checks and balances."Other comments included sentiments such as, "Supplementary investigation powers are a final safety net," "Abolishing the prosecution does not guarantee justice," and "Power must be checked by other powers; the judicial system should operate on checks and balances, not emotions."Similar reactions emerged from conservative male-dominated communities.Users commented, "A structure of mutual checks is necessary," "It’s too risky to abolish first and fix problems later," and "We should prioritize the public's welfare over political logic."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:12:00 -
July 1-10 Exports Reach Record $29.8 Billion, Driven by Semiconductor Sales 7.1 to 10 exports reached $29.839 billion, marking the highest level for this period. Semiconductor exports surged nearly threefold compared to a year ago, driving overall export growth.The Customs Office announced on July 13 that the export amount for July 1-10 (preliminary customs data) was $29.839 billion, a 53.9% increase from the same period last year. This is the highest performance recorded for this timeframe, surpassing the previous record of $28.6 billion set in June 1-10.Considering the number of working days, the average daily export amount was $3.51 billion, also up 53.9%. The number of working days during this period was 8.5, the same as last year.Semiconductors were the main driver of exports, with semiconductor exports reaching $11.207 billion, a 193% increase. This is the highest figure recorded for this period. Semiconductors accounted for 37.6% of total exports, up 17.8 percentage points from a year ago.Exports of computer peripherals surged 208.1% due to increased demand and rising prices for solid-state drives (SSDs) used in artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Exports of petroleum products rose 22.7%, ships increased by 75.1%, steel products grew by 12.9%, and passenger cars saw a 5.7% increase, all contributing to the export growth. However, exports of automotive parts fell by 11.7%.By country, exports to major markets such as China (up 88.7%), the United States (up 43.2%), Vietnam (up 92.8%), the European Union (up 28.9%), and Taiwan (up 49.7%) all increased. The combined share of the top three countries—China, the United States, and Vietnam—accounted for 51.7% of total exports.During the same period, imports rose 17.4% year-on-year to $23.48 billion.By category, imports of semiconductors (up 49.6%), gas (up 24.8%), machinery (up 7.8%), and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (up 49.5%) all increased.Notably, energy imports (crude oil, gas, and coal) rose by 23.4% compared to last year.The import value of crude oil increased by 19% to $2.941 billion, influenced by the Middle East conflict and high exchange rates.Imports from China (up 25.1%), the United States (up 4.7%), Japan (up 7.6%), and Taiwan (up 57.6%) all increased, while imports from the European Union decreased by 4.4%.With exports exceeding imports, the trade balance recorded a surplus of $6.359 billion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:12:00
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Hyundai's New Elantra N TCR Wins Third Season Title in Portugal Hyundai Motor Company continued its upward trajectory by securing its third victory of the season in the prestigious TCR World Tour.The company announced on July 13 that its 'New Elantra N TCR' won the fourth round of the 2026 TCR World Tour, held at the Vila Real Internacional Circuit in Portugal on July 11-12 (local time).The TCR World Tour is a customer racing event where professional racing teams purchase and compete with manufacturer vehicles, as direct participation from manufacturers is prohibited.The Vila Real Internacional Circuit, where the event took place, is considered one of the most challenging street circuits in the world due to its narrow track width, limited run-off areas, and complex corners.Norbert Michelisz of the 'BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse' team, competing in the New Elantra N TCR, clinched first place in the second final race held on July 12, bringing victory to his team.With his second final win, Michelisz earned 30 points, adding to the 18 points he secured by finishing fifth in the first final race, totaling 48 points for the round.Team member Mikel Azcona finished second in the first final and twelfth in the second final, accumulating a total of 44 points, including 15 points from qualifying, maintaining his second place in the season driver standings.As of this round, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse has recorded a total of 424 points, keeping them in second place in the team standings. The fifth round of the TCR World Tour is scheduled to take place from October 2 to 4 at the Inje Speedium in Gangwon Province.A Hyundai official stated, "We are pleased to achieve top results again based on our past victories, and we will do our best to continue this success for the remainder of the season."Meanwhile, Hyundai is expanding its high-performance 'N' brand. The brand was officially launched in 2015 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the introduction of the 'N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo,' followed by the release of production models such as the Veloster N, Kona N, and Elantra N.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:08:00
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President Lee's Approval Rating Rises to 48.9% for Second Consecutive Week 이재명 대통령의 국정수행 지지율이 48.9%를 기록하며 2주 연속 상승했다는 여론조사 결과가 13일 나왔다. 리얼미터가 에너지경제신문 의뢰로 지난 6일부터 10일(7월 2주)까지 전국 18세 이상 유권자 2515명을 대상으로 조사한 결과 이 대통령의 국정수행 지지도는 48.9%로 지난주보다 1.9%포인트(p) 상승했다. 이 대통령 지지율은 5월 2주 60.5%에서 6월 4주 46.5%로 6주 연속 하락했다. 지난 조사에서 반등해 2주 연속 상승했다. 4주 연속 40%대에 머무르고 있다. ‘잘못함’이라고 응답한 부정 평가는 47.7%로 1.5%p 감소했다. ‘잘 모름’은 3.4%였다. 리얼미터 측은 “나토 정상회의 참석과 연쇄 정상회담을 통해 한·나토 방위산업 파트너십을 격상하고 방산 수출 확대의 발판을 마련하는 등 가시적인 외교·안보 성과를 거둔 점이 지지율 상승을 견인한 요인으로 풀이된다”고 분석했다. 또한 지난 9일부터 10일까지 전국 18세 이상 유권자 1002명을 대상으로 한 정당 지지도 조사에서는 민주당이 1.8%p 상승한 44.8%, 국민의힘이 2.2% 하락한 38.1%로 집계됐다. 양당 격차는 6.7%p로 4주 만에 다시 오차범위 밖으로 벌어졌다. 이어 개혁신당 3.7%, 조국혁신당 2.7%, 진보당 0.6% 등의 순이었다. 기타 정당은 1.8%, 무당층은 8.2%였다. 두 조사 모두 무선(100%) 자동응답 방식으로 이뤄졌다. 대통령 국정수행 지지도 조사의 표본오차는 95% 신뢰수준에서 ±2.0%p, 정당 지지도 조사의 표본오차는 95% 신뢰수준에서 ±3.1%p다. 응답률은 각각 3.8%, 3.3%였다. 자세한 내용은 중앙선거여론조사심의위원회 홈페이지에서 확인할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:08:00
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Daehan Electric Wire Accelerates Localization of Dynamic Cables in Partnership with Myongji University Daehan Electric Wire is accelerating its technological and quality competitiveness in the submarine cable sector through collaboration with specialized research institutions. On July 10, Daehan Electric Wire announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Myongji University's Hybrid Structural Testing Center for structural performance verification of submarine cables. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both sides, including Kim Hyun-joo, Executive Vice President of Production and Technology at Daehan Electric Wire, Hong Dong-seok, Director of the Technology Research Institute, and Kwon Seung-hee, Director of Myongji University, along with Han Jong-wook, Head of the Center. This agreement aims to enhance the verification system for the structural performance of submarine cables and establish a foundation for collaborative research on related technologies. The two parties plan to jointly conduct structural performance tests and evaluations for industrial products, including power and communication cables, and expand their technical cooperation. Myongji University's Hybrid Structural Testing Center is a specialized research institution that conducts performance evaluations of structures and products using advanced measurement systems and large-scale equipment to simulate real-world environments. Submarine cables must operate for extended periods in extreme underwater conditions, making thorough environmental simulation verification and reliability essential. With this agreement, Daehan Electric Wire has established a foundation to swiftly handle the development, performance evaluation, and certification of 'dynamic cables' to meet the demands of the floating offshore wind market domestically. The company is also focusing on expanding its production bases and securing independent construction capabilities. Daehan Electric Wire is currently constructing its second submarine cable factory in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, and has secured a dedicated laying vessel, the 'Scandi Connector,' capable of handling 11,000 tons of submarine cable, as part of its comprehensive investment in production, construction, and verification infrastructure to expand its submarine and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) business. A representative from Daehan Electric Wire stated, "Quality verification capabilities are a core competitive advantage in the global submarine cable market," adding, "We will continue to expand our research and development and testing infrastructure investments to ensure product reliability that meets global standards and elevate our capabilities in submarine and HVDC businesses."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:08:00
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Lytton Launches User Committee to Enhance AI User Protection Lytton Technologies has established a 'User Committee' composed of external experts to enhance user protection and trust in its artificial intelligence (AI) services. The committee aims to incorporate insights from specialists in AI ethics, law, and psychology into service policies and product development, thereby creating a responsible AI service operation framework.Lytton officially launched the User Committee on July 10 and held its first meeting, which was attended by CEO Lee Se-young, Chairman Lee Sang-wook, and other committee members.The User Committee was created to elevate the ethical responsibilities and user protection standards required for AI services. Lytton plans to operate the committee regularly, proactively integrating external expert perspectives into service policies and product development, and using it as a forum to enhance user trust.With expertise spanning AI ethics, philosophy, cognitive psychology, and law, the committee will evaluate services from the user's perspective and implement the outcomes of discussions into actual products and policies.The committee is chaired by Lee Sang-wook, a professor of philosophy at Hanyang University, and includes four external experts: Sun Ji-won, a professor at Hanyang University School of Law; Lee Yoon-hyung, a professor of psychology at Yeungnam University; and Hwang Hye-jin, an attorney at DLG Law Firm.Chairman Lee Sang-wook stated, "If companies neglect user protection, they will incur significant tangible and intangible costs. With top experts from various fields involved, we will ensure that discussions lead to ethical technological innovations and business practices grounded in real-world applications."CEO Lee Se-young remarked, "As Lytton grows, the question of whether we are neglecting responsibilities behind the convenience of technology weighs heavily on us. We established the User Committee to fulfill these responsibilities."He added, "Our goal is to create AI services that are safe and trustworthy for everyone, and we will listen to the opinions of external experts and diligently reflect them in our products and policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:08:00
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Government and Ruling Party Discuss Economic Growth Strategy for Second Half of 2026 The government and the ruling Democratic Party confirmed their commitment to swiftly implement economic growth strategies for the second half of 2026, aligning with President Lee Jae-myung's declaration for a major leap forward in South Korea. The party pledged full support for related legislation and budgetary measures.On the morning of July 13, the Democratic Party and the government held a meeting at the National Assembly to discuss strategies for accelerating economic recovery and achieving tangible results for the public.Acting Party Leader Han Byeong-do stated, "It is true that the warmth of economic recovery has not yet reached the alleys, making it difficult for citizens to feel the growth. The pressures of rising prices, high exchange rates, and deepening polarization are also ticking time bombs for the economy." He emphasized the need for growth that benefits all citizens, as highlighted by President Lee.Han pledged to mobilize all available resources for economic recovery, stating, "We will process related bills, including the special law for the three mega-special zones and the strategic finance export law, by the end of the year. The party has established a dedicated support system, ensuring robust backing for legislation and budgetary measures."Policy Committee Chair Han Jeong-ae noted, "Today, the party and government will review the management system for livelihood, economic, and policy matters and discuss practical strategies. We will prepare support measures to ensure the smooth implementation of the special committee for the three mega-projects, which was launched on July 10."In line with the Democratic Party's initiatives, the government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing various economic issues, including the realization of the three mega-projects, local-led growth, and securing supply chains.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Koo Yun-cheol stated, "We will make every effort to maximize the golden opportunity for South Korea to become irreplaceable. Through strategic economic cooperation, we aim to secure supply chains and rebound potential growth rates. The three mega-projects will also be pursued with urgency."Koo added, "We will build a growth engine of five poles and three special zones to strengthen local-led growth, overcome polarization, and create a year of economic leap toward an irreplaceable South Korea through improvements in pensions, regulations, and safety."Park Hong-geun, Minister of the Planning and Budget Office, remarked, "We are in a critical situation where we must overcome polarization and secure new growth drivers. We will mobilize all means to support the economic growth strategy for the second half of the year, ensuring that key tasks are meticulously addressed in the field of people's livelihoods."He also proposed the establishment of a future response fund based on excess tax revenue from semiconductors, fundamental improvements in fiscal structure, and the full-scale launch of local preference projects to overcome polarization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:04:00
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SK Telecom to Supply Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Communication to Korea Expressway Corporation SK Telecom announced on July 13 that it will supply low-earth orbit satellite communication to the Korea Expressway Corporation, following its previous partnership with Korea Electric Power Corporation. This initiative marks the first application of low-earth orbit satellite communication in South Korea's road and traffic infrastructure, demonstrating the technology's expansion into public disaster response areas beyond maritime and energy sectors.In June, SK Telecom established a collaboration with Korea Electric Power Corporation and Starlink Korea to implement low-earth orbit satellite communication in the national power infrastructure. Now, it has set up mobile Starlink terminals for the Korea Expressway Corporation, enabling rapid deployment in emergencies caused by heavy rain, wildfires, or earthquakes, where terrestrial communication networks may fail or in areas lacking coverage.The Korea Expressway Corporation has completed initial installations at ten regional headquarters. It plans to gradually expand the application scope after verifying stability and usability in real disaster response environments.Lee Shin-yong, head of SK Telecom's satellite business division, stated, "We will enhance our operations in the public safety sector, which is directly linked to the lives of citizens, by integrating our low-earth orbit satellite communication capabilities with quantum encryption-based security technology and monitoring capabilities, focusing on areas such as maritime safety."Additionally, SK Telecom formed a strategic partnership with Starlink in September 2023 to establish a foundation for providing low-earth orbit satellite communication services in South Korea. The service supports transmission speeds of up to 220 megabits per second (Mbps), enabling high-bandwidth services that were previously challenging in environments with speeds below 10 Mbps.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:04:00
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AMCHAM Launches K-Doorknock Program to Support Korean Companies Entering U.S. Market The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) has launched a new program to support Korean companies entering the U.S. market, expanding its role in U.S.-Korea economic cooperation.AMCHAM announced on July 13 that it will introduce the 'K-Doorknock' program for Korean companies during the annual Washington Doorknock event, taking place from July 13 to 16 in Washington, D.C.K-Doorknock is designed to facilitate direct meetings between Korean companies looking to expand their business and investments in the U.S. and key figures in the U.S. government, Congress, and industry. This initiative marks a shift in AMCHAM's focus from supporting U.S. investments in Korea to assisting Korean companies in their U.S. ventures.The delegation includes AMCHAM Chairman and CEO James Kim, along with representatives from companies such as Dunamu, Han River Asset Management, HKI America, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Group, and SoluM. Existing participants in the Washington Doorknock, including Bayer, Corning, Kim & Chang Law Firm, Novelis, and Pfizer, will also be involved.During their visit, the delegation plans to meet with officials from the White House, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce, the State Department, the National Security Council (NSC), and members of Congress to discuss investment expansion, regulatory cooperation, supply chains, and collaboration in advanced industries. Meetings with representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and major think tanks are also scheduled.As Korean companies increase their investments in the U.S., the role of private economic organizations in supporting local policy changes and regulatory responses is becoming increasingly important.AMCHAM aims to use K-Doorknock as a platform for two-way economic cooperation, supporting both U.S. investments in Korea and the expansion of Korean businesses in the U.S. This year's Washington Doorknock is part of AMCHAM's 'Freedom 250' campaign, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, and the organization plans to release key meeting outcomes and follow-up cooperation plans after the event concludes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:04:00
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Cuchen Launches 3L ZeroFit Food Waste Processor with Wide Drying Chamber Design Cuchen has strengthened its position in the food waste processor market with the launch of the 'ZeroFit,' a new drying and grinding food waste processor designed for improved space efficiency and user convenience.On July 13, Cuchen announced the release of the 'ZeroFit,' which features a wide drying chamber instead of the traditional cylindrical design. Despite its compact size of approximately 19 cm, the product boasts a 3L capacity, enhancing internal space efficiency.The wide opening of the drying chamber allows for easy insertion of larger food items, such as watermelon rinds. Once grinding is complete, the processed food waste collects neatly at the end of the chamber, minimizing spills.The grinding performance has also been enhanced. The processor uses a triple-bracket made of stainless steel (STS 304) to effectively grind hard food items like chicken and fish bones. Additionally, the blades have a wider rotation radius, ensuring even processing of food waste to the edges of the chamber. The interior of the drying chamber is coated with a durable extreme coating that has passed one million abrasion resistance tests.Cuchen has improved the odor reduction feature, a common complaint with food waste processors. A triple-layer activated carbon filter absorbs odors, while a patented 'triple smart sealing guard' minimizes the escape of smells. The device also includes a filter level indicator to enhance maintenance convenience.User convenience has been prioritized as well. The 'Auto Mode' automatically adjusts grinding intensity based on the type of food waste, and a mid-insertion feature allows users to add more food waste during operation. The processor also supports a storage mode, enabling users to store food waste for up to two days before processing, reducing the hassle of frequent disposal. A low-noise design allows for use at night or early morning without disturbance.The design features a curved shape that blends seamlessly into various spaces, including dining rooms, living areas, and utility rooms. It will be available in three colors: white, ivory, and beige.To celebrate the product launch, Cuchen plans to offer promotions, including filter giveaways, gift vouchers, and live commerce events through its official online store and major distribution channels.A Cuchen representative stated, "The ZeroFit is designed not only for effective food waste processing but also to alleviate the inconveniences consumers face in their daily food waste management. We plan to continue introducing kitchen appliances that enhance user convenience and space efficiency."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-13 09:00:00