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  • Bellinghams Two Goals Lead England Past Norway to World Cup Semifinals
    Bellingham's Two Goals Lead England Past Norway to World Cup Semifinals England advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, defeating Norway 2-1 with a standout performance from Jude Bellingham.On July 12, in a quarterfinal match held at Miami Stadium in Florida, England overcame Norway after extra time. This marks England's return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since the 2018 tournament in Russia.Norway opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Patrick Berg intercepted a pass from Harry Kane in England's half. Andreas Schjelderup received the ball on the left flank and sent a shot that found the back of the net.England equalized just before halftime. In the second minute of stoppage time, Bellingham received a pass from Anthony Gordon, cut into the penalty area from the left, and scored with a low right-footed shot.Norway had a chance to regain the lead in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem scored from a corner kick, but the goal was disallowed after a video review confirmed a foul by Erling Haaland in the buildup. Later, in the 76th minute, Kristoffer Ajer's header struck the crossbar.After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation, the match went into extra time. The decisive goal came in the third minute of the first extra period. Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nilsen failed to handle a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers, and Bellingham was quick to pounce on the loose ball, scoring the winner.England held off Norway's attempts to equalize in the remaining time, securing a narrow victory. Haaland, who had scored seven goals in the tournament, was unable to find the net against England, marking the first time he did not score in a match during this World Cup.Bellingham's two goals brought his tournament total to six, tying him with teammate Kane for the most goals by an English player. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi lead the scoring chart with eight goals each.Norway, making its first appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal, performed admirably against England but could not contain Bellingham.England will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland in the semifinals, scheduled for 4 a.m. on July 16 at Atlanta Stadium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-12 09:36:00
  • Hyundai to Provide 50 Vehicles for ASEAN Summit in the Philippines
    Hyundai to Provide 50 Vehicles for ASEAN Summit in the Philippines Hyundai Motor Company will provide security vehicles for the ASEAN Summit taking place in the Philippines this November. On July 12, Hyundai announced that it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the ASEAN National Organizing Committee (NOC) at the Philippine International Convention Center to support the 2026 ASEAN Summit. As part of this agreement, the local subsidiary will supply a total of 50 Santa Fe vehicles. The 49th ASEAN Summit will be held from November 10 to 12 in Manila, bringing together leaders and representatives from major Southeast Asian countries. Discussions are expected to focus on cooperation in various fields, including economics, diplomacy, and trade. Hyundai plans to leverage this opportunity to showcase its product quality and competitiveness. The company has previously supported official and operational vehicles at major international events, including the 2025 APEC Summit, the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, and the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. A Hyundai official stated, "We are pleased to contribute to the summit that aims to shape the future of the ASEAN community by providing vehicles. We will work together to ensure the success of the 2026 ASEAN Summit." Meanwhile, Hyundai is strengthening its local production and sales base in ASEAN, particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam. The company is expanding its electrification competitiveness and brand presence in the ASEAN market by establishing local production systems for electric vehicles and batteries in Indonesia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-12 09:32:00
  • EcoPro Expands Investment in Indonesian Nickel Refinery, Secures 65,000 Tons Annually
    EcoPro Expands Investment in Indonesian Nickel Refinery, Secures 65,000 Tons Annually EcoPro Group is set to secure nickel for 1.5 million electric vehicles through its investment in an Indonesian nickel refinery.On July 12, EcoProBM announced that it held an investor relations (IR) meeting from July 3 to 10 for domestic and international institutional investors. During the IR, EcoProBM outlined the details and background of its ongoing capital increase, funding purposes, and specific usage plans.In response to the Indonesian government's restrictions on new nickel refinery permits, EcoProBM plans to proactively invest through a capital increase to acquire a stake in the BNSI refinery, maximizing its ability to respond to offshore regulations.The nickel produced at the BNSI refinery in Indonesia is classified as 'Non-PFE' material, meeting the guidelines of foreign environmental organizations (FEOC).Following its first-phase investment in the IMIP project in Indonesia, EcoPro Group is expanding its nickel supply chain with a second-phase investment in the BNSI refinery. The BNSI refinery, currently under construction in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a joint venture with global companies, including Indonesia's state mining firm PTVI (PT Vale Indonesia), with EcoProBM leading the project as the major shareholder.Over the past four years, EcoPro Group has invested approximately 800 billion won in the first-phase project, securing 29,000 tons of nickel annually. With an additional investment of 1.5 trillion won in the second phase, the company aims to secure an additional 36,000 tons, bringing its total nickel supply rights to 65,000 tons. This amount is sufficient to produce about 1.5 million electric vehicles.Nickel is a key raw material for NCM and NCMA batteries, and higher nickel content increases energy density and driving range, making it a strategic mineral that influences electric vehicle performance. As the global battery industry expands its use of high-nickel cathodes for high-performance electric vehicles, securing a stable nickel supply has become a critical factor for corporate competitiveness.Choi Moon-ho, CEO of EcoProBM, stated, "The current global battery industry is in an era where resource security and the ability to respond to trade regulations determine a company's survival. We will secure a leading position in the global NCM battery market by organically combining Indonesian nickel materials that fully comply with U.S. and European regulations with our production base in Hungary." 2026-07-12 09:28:00
  • K-delivery joins the must-do list for foreign visitors
    K-delivery joins the must-do list for foreign visitors SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) - Foreign visitors are no longer coming to South Korea simply to shop, sightsee and dine out. Increasingly, they are trying to live like locals, embracing everyday Korean culture by ordering fried chicken, coffee and late-night snacks through delivery apps in what has become the latest K-culture experience. The shift reflects a broader evolution of Korean tourism, where travelers seek not only famous attractions but also the rhythms of daily life. Just as convenience stores, self-service photo booths and Han River picnics have become must-do experiences, Korea's famously fast food-delivery culture is emerging as another attraction in its own right. The trend is translating into brisk business for Baemin, the country's largest food-delivery platform. According to Woowa Brothers, operator of Baemin, the number of food-delivery orders placed through the app using overseas-issued credit cards and international payment services such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and Apple Pay jumped 331 percent in the first half from a year earlier. The value of those orders climbed 308 percent over the same period, meaning both order volume and spending more than quadrupled in just one year. The surge comes as South Korea welcomed more than 10 million foreign visitors during the January-June period, marking the fastest recovery of inbound tourism since the pandemic. Woowa Brothers attributed the growth to lower barriers for overseas visitors. Baemin is the only major Korean delivery platform that accepts foreign-issued credit cards alongside a broad range of global digital payment services. In February, it also introduced English-, Chinese- and Japanese-language services, allowing visitors to browse menus, place orders and complete payments without navigating Korean-language interfaces. Orders began accelerating in April as the spring travel season coincided with the easing of multiple-entry visa restrictions for Chinese visitors, with monthly foreign orders rising 22 percent from March. Fried chicken remained the undisputed favorite among overseas users, with orders rising 281 percent from a year earlier. Cafe and dessert items ranked second with a 298 percent increase, followed by fast food, where orders climbed 292 percent. The strongest growth, however, came from categories closely associated with Korea's distinctive dining culture. Late-night food orders surged 520 percent, Chinese cuisine orders jumped 433 percent and other Asian food orders increased 401 percent. The figures suggest that visitors are extending their culinary experience beyond restaurants, returning to their hotels after a day of sightseeing and sampling Korea's celebrated late-night delivery culture much as local residents do. "Delivery apps are becoming a gateway for foreign visitors to experience Korea's unique late-night food culture," Woowa Brothers said. Behind the shift is a transformation in how tourists travel. According to the Korea Tourism Organization's latest survey, independent travelers accounted for 80.1 percent of inbound visitors last year, while group tours represented just 11.5 percent. Instead of following tour guides carrying flags from one landmark to another, today's visitors increasingly navigate neighborhoods with smartphones, mobile payments and translation apps, seeking experiences that mirror everyday Korean life. Ordering dinner through a delivery app has become a natural extension of that trend. The growing appetite has prompted delivery companies to treat foreign tourists as a new customer segment rather than occasional users.While Baemin has taken the lead with multilingual support and extensive overseas payment options, rivals Coupang Eats and Yogiyo have also introduced English-language services to capture growing demand. 2026-07-12 08:03:27
  • SK hynixs blockbuster ADR to bolster Koreas growth and the won
    SK hynix's blockbuster ADR to bolster Korea's growth and the won SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) -Korean chipmakers are fastening investment to expand next-generation semiconductor facilities in South Korea under a government-led initiative to cement the country's leadership in the AI era, a drive that is expected not only to reinforce economic growth but also provide rare support for the stubbornly weak won through an influx of dollar earnings from booming chip exports and the proceeds of SK hynix's blockbuster Nasdaq stock offering. The investment acceleration comes as semiconductors have become the single biggest engine of South Korea's economy. Chip exports accounted for nearly 40 percent of the country's record first-half exports, which approached $500 billion, underscoring how closely the nation's trade performance, currency and industrial competitiveness have become intertwined with the fortunes of its semiconductor sector. The latest catalyst arrived on Friday when SK hynix completed a $26.5 billion American depositary receipt (ADR) offering on Nasdaq, the second-largest equity offering in U.S. market history and the largest ever by a foreign company. The proceeds will be paid to the company on July 14 and are expected to translate into one of the largest inflows of U.S. dollars into the Korean financial system in years. Unlike export earnings that many Korean companies increasingly retain overseas to fund global operations, most of the ADR proceeds are earmarked for domestic capital spending. SK hynix plans to use the funds to accelerate construction of its Yongin semiconductor cluster, expand its advanced P&T7 packaging facility in Cheongju, purchase extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment and invest in other AI memory manufacturing infrastructure in South Korea. While part of the proceeds will remain in foreign currency for equipment purchases such as ASML tools, a substantial portion is expected to be converted into won as construction and domestic investment proceed. The $26.5 billion raised exceeds the roughly $19.9 billion actually drawn under the Bank of Korea's dollar swap line with the U.S. Federal Reserve during the height of the COVID-19 financial crisis and approaches the average daily turnover of the domestic spot foreign-exchange market. Analysts expect the company to sell dollars gradually from the second half of July through August and September to minimize market disruption, providing a steady source of dollar liquidity at a time when the won has remained under pressure from strong overseas investment by Korean investors and persistent global dollar strength. The U.S. dollar has averaged above 1,500 won in June for the first time since Asian currency crisis in late 1990s and remains above the level. The fundraising also comes as Seoul and the industry's two memory champions dramatically accelerate the timetable for Korea's next semiconductor production base. Samsung Electronics has advanced the roadmap for its Yongin National Semiconductor Industrial Complex, targeting operation of its first fabrication plant in 2029, one to two years earlier than previously planned. The top DRAM maker agreed with the government to bring forward the overall development schedule for the cluster, with completion of the final fab now targeted for 2040, seven years ahead of earlier plans. SK hynix is moving even more aggressively. The company and the government agreed to complete its Yongin semiconductor cluster by 2035 instead of the previous 2047 target, shortening the project by 12 years. Chairman Chey Tae-won also unveiled plans to accelerate investments of 600 trillion won in Yongin to expand DRAM production and 100 trillion won in Cheongju to boost NAND capacity, positioning the company to meet surging global demand for AI memory. 2026-07-12 07:50:22
  • President Lee Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating Golden Era of Korea-Mongolia Relations
    President Lee Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating 'Golden Era' of Korea-Mongolia Relations President Lee Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating 'Golden Era' of Korea-Mongolia RelationsPresident Lee Jae-myung returned to South Korea on the afternoon of July 11 after completing his state visit to Mongolia. This trip concluded a five-day itinerary that began with his participation in the NATO summit in Turkey.Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, President Lee boarded Air Force One at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, where he was seen off by local officials, including Foreign Minister Batjargal.On the first day of his visit to Mongolia, July 9, President Lee held a summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, during which they adopted a joint declaration to strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and Mongolia, marking the beginning of a 'Golden Era' in bilateral relations.Prior to his visit to Mongolia, President Lee attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8. He met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and participated in a small group meeting with the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) countries. During an official dinner, he engaged in discussions with key allied leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former General Kang Ho-pilThe second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has requested an arrest warrant for former Army Ground Operations Command Chief Kang Ho-pil.According to Yonhap News on July 11, the special prosecutor's team filed the warrant request the previous day, accusing Kang of involvement in a significant insurrection-related mission.Earlier, on July 7, Kang was summoned as a suspect and underwent intense questioning. His pre-arrest interrogation is scheduled for July 13 at 10:20 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jong-rok, who specializes in insurrection cases.Kang is accused of actively participating in the insurrection by transitioning the Ground Operations Command to a martial law response system during the declaration of a state of emergency on December 3, 2024.Political Divide Over Jang Yoon-ki Case IntensifiesOn July 11, political tensions escalated regarding the investigation into the murder case of a high school girl in Gwangju, involving suspect Jang Yoon-ki. Allegations of collusion between Jang's father, a current police officer, and the investigation team have prompted the Democratic Party to criticize the inadequate investigation by law enforcement and call for a thorough re-investigation. In contrast, the People Power Party emphasized that the prosecutor's supplementary investigation was crucial in uncovering the truth, opposing the ruling party's push to abolish supplementary investigative powers.The Democratic Party characterized the situation as a case of law enforcement protecting its own and intensified its criticism of the police. Spokesperson Park Kyung-mi stated in a written briefing on July 11, "If the law enforcement, which should pursue the perpetrator, acts as a shield for the criminal, it is not just an inadequate investigation but an act of complicity under the guise of an investigation." She strongly demanded a comprehensive re-investigation, asserting that only an investigation without sacred cows would suffice.Park also emphasized the need to hold accountable those involved in concealing the case, stating, "All individuals who participated in evidence destruction and omission must be brought back into the investigation. We must uncover the substantial truth hidden behind the veil of a massive cover-up without any doubt."The People Power Party highlighted that the prosecutor's supplementary investigation was key to revealing the case's truth, directly countering the ruling party's legislative efforts to adjust investigative powers.Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon commented, "It was the prosecutor's supplementary investigation that uncovered the horrific details of the attempted rape and murder that the police nearly overlooked and buried. This painful lesson proves why supplementary investigations are absolutely necessary."Democratic Party Leadership Candidates Compete for SupportOn July 11, candidates for the Democratic Party's next leadership continued their efforts to rally support across the country. Each candidate positioned themselves as the best supporter of President Lee Jae-myung, actively seeking to align with his intentions.According to Yonhap News, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited areas in Gyeonggi Province, including Yongin and Seongnam, emphasizing that he is the most suitable person to lead the successful governance of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae focused on social media campaigns to highlight the need for a party that prioritizes member sovereignty and clarity. He also engaged in private meetings with youth in Chungbuk as part of his behind-the-scenes efforts.On July 9, Congressman Song Young-gil officially announced his candidacy for party leader in Gwangju, and on July 11, he continued to connect with public sentiment in Honam, visiting a town hall meeting at Wonkwang University in Iksan and local traditional markets.Congresswoman Ko Min-jeong, who declared her candidacy on July 8, shifted her focus to the Yeongnam region, meeting with local business owners, workers, and young and female party members in Gumi and Chilgok.Public Workers and Teachers Demand Wage Increases and Improved Working ConditionsPublic sector workers, including civil servants, teachers, and police officers, gathered in the city center to demand the restoration of real wages and improvements in working conditions. They urged the government to take immediate action, citing wage increases that lag behind inflation and excessive workloads that are accelerating the exodus from public service.According to Yonhap News, the 'Joint Struggle Committee for the Rights of Public Workers and Teachers,' formed by five organizations including the Korean Government Employees Union and the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, held the 'July 11 Public Workers and Teachers Workers' Rally' on the afternoon of July 11 near Sungnyemun in Seoul. Organizers estimated that around 14,000 participants attended.The committee's four key demands include a 7.1% wage increase for public workers by 2027, immediate pension payments upon retirement to address income gaps, the guarantee of basic political rights, and the establishment of a safe working environment by eliminating malicious complaints.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 21:56:00
  • Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former Army Commander Kang Ho-pil
    Special Prosecutors Seek Arrest Warrant for Former Army Commander Kang Ho-pil The second special prosecutor team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has requested an arrest warrant for former Army Ground Operations Commander Kang Ho-pil.According to Yonhap News on July 11, the special prosecutors filed the warrant request on July 10, accusing Kang of important duties related to insurrection.Previously, on July 7, the special prosecutors summoned Kang as a suspect and conducted an intensive investigation. The pre-arrest interrogation for Kang is scheduled for July 13 at 10:20 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jong-rok.Kang is accused of actively participating in the insurrection during the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, by transitioning the Ground Operations Command to a martial law response system.He is also suspected of being involved in discussions related to the martial law before its implementation.Former National Defense Intelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung referred to the Ground Operations Commander, Special Operations Commander, Capital Defense Commander, and Intelligence Commander collectively as 'JTSB' and noted in a memo, "It is the common opinion of the JTSB. The four are prepared. An enemy action must come first. A situation must arise that cannot be controlled by military or police forces. I advise you to seize the opportunity and avoid misjudgment."Currently, the other individuals mentioned in the memo, including former Special Operations Commander Kwak Jong-geun, former Capital Defense Commander Lee Jin-woo, and former Intelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, are already in custody and facing trial on charges related to insurrection.Kang previously avoided prosecution during the special investigation into the martial law declaration due to a lack of evidence regarding the actual troop deployment or specific mission details from the Ground Operations Command.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 21:32:00
  • Ruling Party Calls for Thorough Reinvestigation in Gwangju Murder Case
    Ruling Party Calls for Thorough Reinvestigation in Gwangju Murder Case On July 11, political tensions escalated over the investigation of Jang Yoon-ki, a suspect in the 'Gwangju high school girl murder case.' Allegations of collusion between Jang, a current police officer, and the investigation team prompted the Democratic Party to criticize the inadequacy of law enforcement and call for a thorough reinvestigation. In contrast, the People Power Party highlighted that the truth of the case was revealed through supplementary investigations by the prosecution, pushing back against the ruling party's efforts to abolish supplementary investigative powers.The Democratic Party characterized the situation as a case of law enforcement protecting its own and intensified its criticism of the police. According to a statement from spokesperson Park Kyung-mi, "If the hands of law enforcement, which should be pursuing the criminal, act as a shield for the perpetrator, it is not just an inadequate investigation but a collusion masquerading as an investigation. We strongly demand a comprehensive reinvestigation utilizing all investigative resources. Only a thorough reinvestigation without any sacred cows can provide answers."Park also emphasized the need to punish those responsible for covering up the case, stating, "All individuals involved in the destruction and omission of evidence must be brought back into the investigation. We must uncover the substantial truth hidden behind the massive veil of concealment without any doubt."Criticism was also directed at the police's proposed internal reform measures in response to the situation. Park noted, "As public outrage surged, the police announced plans for a reform task force and the establishment of an internal corruption investigation unit. What the public demands is not superficial measures for show, but fundamental reforms that require painful sacrifices."Furthermore, she asserted, "The Democratic Party will closely monitor the reinvestigation process to ensure it proceeds without any discrepancies from the public's expectations, and we will stand with the people until those who attempted to cover up the truth face consequences."Pressure was also applied to the opposition party, which has been boycotting parliamentary schedules. Floor spokesperson Lee Joo-hee pointedly remarked, "If there are concerns about the bill to abolish supplementary investigative powers, it is the duty of lawmakers to discuss them during the parliamentary review process."The People Power Party emphasized that the background to the revelation of the case's truth was the 'supplementary investigation' by the prosecution, directly countering the ruling party's push for changes to investigative powers.Senior spokesperson Park Sung-hoon issued a statement saying, "It was only through the supplementary investigation by the prosecution that the horrific details of the attempted rape and murder, which the police had nearly overlooked, were uncovered. This serves as a painful lesson demonstrating why supplementary investigations are absolutely necessary."Park also criticized YouTuber Kim Eo-jun for stating on his channel that "such incidents occur several times a year," asserting, "Kim and Democratic Party figures are attempting to obscure the essence of the case under the guise of public opinion manipulation and a return to prosecutorial power."Floor spokesperson Choi Eun-seok also emphasized the role of the prosecution in a separate statement, noting, "If it were not for the supplementary investigation by the prosecution, many incidents would remain undisclosed. Abolishing supplementary investigative powers would eliminate another opportunity to protect victims." 2026-07-11 20:52:00
  • Lottery Winner Discovers Double Win While Checking Tickets
    Lottery Winner Discovers Double Win While Checking Tickets "I was calm about winning second place, but while checking the other tickets, I found out I had won both first and second place."Interest is growing in the lottery numbers for the 1232nd draw of the Donghaeng Lottery, which will be available for checking after 8:35 PM today, July 11. Meanwhile, a story has emerged about a winner of the 278th Pension Lottery 720+, who won one first prize and four second prizes.In a post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' board last September, the winner of the 278th Pension Lottery 720+ shared, "I buy lottery tickets once or twice a month. One day, after finishing my walking exercise, I saw a lottery shop and bought five pension lottery tickets."The winner continued, "A few days later, I suddenly remembered the pension lottery and scanned the QR code on my phone to check the results. I found out I had won second place. Rather than being surprised, I was calm, but while checking the other tickets, I discovered I had won both first and second places."He added, "I couldn't believe it, so I woke my daughter, who was sleeping, to check again, and we celebrated together."The winner, who purchased the tickets at a lottery shop in Namdong-gu, Incheon, shared his plans for the winnings, stating, "I plan to use the money to help buy a house and pay off loans."Meanwhile, the lottery numbers for the 1232nd draw will be available for checking after 8:35 PM today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 20:28:00
  • President Yoon Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating Golden Era of Korea-Mongolia Relations
    President Yoon Returns from Mongolia, Celebrating 'Golden Era' of Korea-Mongolia Relations President Yoon Suk Yeol returned home on July 11 after completing his state visit to Mongolia. This concluded a five-day trip that began with his participation in the NATO summit in Turkey.On the afternoon of July 11, President Yoon and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung boarded Air Force One at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, where they were seen off by local officials, including Foreign Minister Batjargal.During his visit to Mongolia, President Yoon held a summit with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on July 9, where they adopted a joint declaration to strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and Mongolia, marking the beginning of a 'Golden Era' in bilateral relations.The two leaders announced a principled agreement on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and agreed to increase trade between the two countries to $1 billion by 2030. They also committed to enhancing cooperation in the supply chain of critical minerals, including rare earth elements.Given Mongolia's diplomatic relations with North Korea, the two leaders also discussed peace on the Korean Peninsula. In their joint declaration, they affirmed their support for the three pillars of non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use as parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).They emphasized that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are crucial for the overall peace and security of Northeast Asia, and included in the declaration the Korean government's policies for expanding exchanges, normalizing relations, and promoting peaceful coexistence and joint growth through gradual denuclearization.On July 10, President Yoon met with Mongolia's National Assembly Speaker Sandag Baatar and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene. On the final day of his visit, July 11, he participated in symbolic cultural exchange activities. He was officially invited as a guest of honor to Mongolia's largest holiday, the Naadam Festival. After attending the opening ceremony, he experienced local culture by visiting an archery event and traditional games.During a farewell luncheon held in a traditional ger, President Yoon and President Khurelsukh exchanged tokens of friendship. The Mongolian president gifted the first couple a pair of horses, with their names inscribed in traditional Mongolian script. In response, President Yoon named the mare 'Rainbow' and the stallion 'Gold,' symbolizing the opening of the Korea-Mongolia Golden Era and the two nations' identities (Mongolia as the 'Land of Blue Sky' and Korea as the 'Land of Rainbow'). The gifted horses are expected to be raised in Mongolia.Prior to his visit to Mongolia, President Yoon attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8. He began with a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, participated in a small group meeting of the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4), and engaged in discussions with key allied leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, during an official dinner.At the NATO Defense Industry Forum, he proposed the 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0,' aimed at advancing cooperation beyond simple arms transactions to joint research, production, and operations, thereby supporting the global market entry of Korea's defense industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 20:24:00