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Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Honored with New Sea Slug Species Name In a remarkable turn of events at the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, Cabo Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has had a newly discovered species of sea slug named in his honor.According to major international media outlets, including the BBC, Jesús Ortega, an honorary professor of marine biology at the University of Oviedo in Spain, recently named the newly discovered sea slug species 'Aldisa vozinha' after the goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Cabo Verde's surprising performance.This new species, found in the Caribbean near Havana, Cuba, and the waters around Guadeloupe, is a small, reddish mollusk measuring approximately 4 mm in length.Ortega, a passionate soccer fan, explained that he chose to name the new species after Vozinha to honor his outstanding performance during the World Cup. He stated, "I wanted to pay tribute to Vozinha for his remarkable role in Cabo Verde's debut match against Spain, a title contender. The red color of the sea slug is a homage to his achievement against the Spanish national team, known as 'La Roja' (The Red Brigade)."This is not the first time Ortega has named marine organisms after soccer players. He previously named new marine species after Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas and legendary Spanish forward Quini from the 1970s and 1980s.Cabo Verde, an African island nation with a population of about 580,000, made history by reaching the World Cup finals for the first time. In Group H, they remained unbeaten against Spain (0-0), Uruguay (2-2), and Saudi Arabia (0-0), finishing second in the group to advance to the knockout stage.In the Round of 32, Cabo Verde faced defending champions Argentina, losing 3-2 after a hard-fought extra time battle. However, their performance against some of the world's top teams garnered widespread acclaim.At the center of this success was goalkeeper Vozinha, who recorded seven saves against Spain alone and totaled 18 saves over four matches, solidifying his position as a key player for Cabo Verde.Following the World Cup, Vozinha's popularity surged dramatically. His Instagram following skyrocketed from around 56,000 before the tournament to over 28 million currently.Vozinha's real name is Jorge Mar José Evora Dias, but he uses the name 'Vozinha,' which means 'grandmother' in Portuguese, as a nod to his childhood when he would seek comfort from his grandmother during difficult times.Having completed the World Cup schedule, Vozinha has returned to his home country to rest and is reportedly facing potential transfer rumors to a Brazilian professional soccer club, signaling a new challenge ahead.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 17:04:00 -
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Inspects Flood Damage in Cheongju, Orders Nationwide Survey of Flood-Prone Areas Prime Minister Han Seung-soo visited Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on July 11 to assess recovery efforts following significant damage from heavy rainfall and ordered a nationwide survey of flood-prone areas along with measures to prevent future incidents.According to the Prime Minister's Office, Han visited flood-affected areas in the Seo-won District of Cheongju, including Mochung-dong and Osong-eup, on the morning of July 11. He received reports from local officials on the circumstances surrounding the flooding that submerged dozens of homes due to the intense rainfall that fell from July 8 to 9. He also inspected key drainage facilities, including the Mochung No. 1 drainage gate and the Miho River embankment.After reviewing the status of flood prevention measures, Han emphasized the need for thorough disaster preparedness, stating, "There may be extreme weather conditions beyond previous levels."He instructed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment to collaborate on a comprehensive survey of flood-prone areas, including data analysis, to develop tailored measures for each region. He urged them to prioritize inspections in frequently flooded areas, including those that have experienced past damage.Han also stressed the importance of ensuring that drainage facility inspections and disaster prevention projects proceed without delays. While checking the management status of the Miho River embankment and drainage facilities, he stated, "We must accurately analyze the causes of repeated flooding in the same areas and establish fundamental improvement measures."He directed that a preventive response system be strengthened, focusing on the maintenance of drainage pumps, river management, and the expansion of stormwater drainage systems. He also requested that Cheongju expedite the ongoing sewer maintenance project.Additionally, he urged that recovery support and damage compensation be expedited to help residents return to their daily lives as soon as possible, emphasizing that relevant agencies must closely cooperate to ensure that support for housing, livelihoods, and agricultural land damage is not delayed on the ground.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 16:52:00
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Seoul Issues First Heat Wave Warning of the Summer, Elevates Alert Level Seoul's southeastern and southwestern regions have issued the first heat wave warning of the summer. In response, the city has elevated its heat wave alert level and expanded its emergency response system to ensure citizen safety.According to the Seoul city government, the heat advisory issued at 11 a.m. on July 11 was upgraded to a heat wave warning at 2 p.m. This warning comes four days later than last year's first heat wave warning, which was recorded on July 7.The areas under the warning include four districts in the southeastern region (Songpa, Gangnam, Seocho, and Gangdong) and seven districts in the southwestern region (Gangseo, Gwanak, Yangcheon, Guro, Dongjak, Yeongdeungpo, and Geumcheon). The rest of Seoul remains under the existing heat advisory. A heat wave warning is issued when the maximum perceived temperature is expected to exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two days, while a heat advisory is issued when it is expected to exceed 91 degrees Fahrenheit.Following the issuance of the warning, the city immediately raised its crisis alert level from 'caution' to 'alert.' The Comprehensive Heat Wave Support Situation Room has also expanded from five teams (situation management, living support, energy recovery, medical response, and rescue) to eight teams by adding traffic management, facility recovery, and disaster communication teams. The situation room will monitor weather conditions and damage in real-time to ensure a comprehensive response.All 25 autonomous districts in the city are activating their own situation rooms and collaborating closely with the city to stock emergency relief supplies and check cooling facilities. To help citizens escape the heat, public buildings such as district offices will be open 24 hours as cooling centers. However, Gangbuk District, which is currently using a temporary office due to the construction of a new building, will not be included in this initiative.Efforts to closely monitor vulnerable populations who are at risk of heat exposure will also be intensified. For elderly individuals in need of care, city officials will check in via phone regularly, and if contact cannot be made, a staff member will visit their residence to assess their health. In areas with a high concentration of homeless individuals, dedicated personnel will be increased to enhance patrols and provide counseling.Protective measures for outdoor construction workers, who are at high risk for heat-related illnesses during the summer, will also be implemented. For city-funded construction sites, outdoor work will be completely halted from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., except in emergencies. Private construction sites will be encouraged to provide adequate rest periods and establish break areas for workers, with ongoing recommendations and inspections.Additionally, the city is actively informing citizens about preventive measures against heat-related damage through outdoor electronic billboards, safety text messages, and the city’s website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 16:08:00
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Majesty Golf Launches Pop-Up Promotion at Lotte Department Store Premium golf brand Majesty Golf is hosting a pop-up promotion at Lotte Department Store until the end of August to expand customer engagement.The pop-up space, located on the sixth floor of Lotte Department Store, features key models such as Celestial, Sublime, and Prestigio. Customers can directly examine the design and details of the products and experience the unique technology and design philosophy behind each lineup.Special benefits are available for customers who purchase products during the pop-up. Buyers of the Celestial, Sublime, or Prestigio driver or iron sets will receive a premium lifestyle brand 'Arthur & Grace' caddy bag or Boston bag. Additionally, customers purchasing from the women's line 'Her Majesty' will receive a 'Santorini' putter. The gifts are available in limited quantities and may end early if supplies run out.A representative from Majesty Golf stated, "This pop-up is designed not just as a sales event but as a brand experience space where customers can directly engage with Majesty Golf's technology, design philosophy, and premium lifestyle values. We will continue to expand customer engagement through various offline channels and provide differentiated brand experiences."Meanwhile, Majesty Golf has recently proven its steady popularity in the club market, particularly among female golfers. According to sales ranking data released by Golfzon Commerce on the 10th, Majesty's '23MJ STERNA' model ranked fifth in the wood and utility categories and fourth in the iron category for women's clubs in June.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 15:40:00
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President Lee Attends Mongolia's Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the opening ceremony of Mongolia's largest national event, the Naadam Festival, on July 11, local time, alongside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Following the ceremony, the presidential couple visited the archery venue to experience traditional Mongolian culture.The opening ceremony took place at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar. It began with a traditional ceremonial parade known as 'Gubekgi' and the entrance of a mounted honor guard.During his opening remarks, President Khurelsukh expressed gratitude for President Lee's attendance, saying, "We appreciate President Lee Jae-myung representing the Republic of Korea." In response, the presidential couple applauded from their seats.After the national anthem was played, the ceremony featured the lighting of the torch and a traditional performance called the 'Dance of Fire,' with a sculpture symbolizing Genghis Khan displayed prominently on stage.The main performance included a horse parade and traditional performances from various regions. President Lee and First Lady Kim observed the event through binoculars.As riders carrying the South Korean and Mongolian flags circled the stadium, they waved a large flag in front of the presidential couple, who responded with applause. After approximately two hours, the opening ceremony concluded, and President Lee exited with the Mongolian president, greeting local dignitaries.President Lee and First Lady Kim also participated in traditional archery, one of the three main events of the Naadam Festival. They are expected to attend a separate farewell luncheon hosted by the Mongolian side before concluding their state visit and returning home. 2026-07-11 15:12:00
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Spain Defeats Belgium 2-1 to Reach World Cup Semifinals Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 North American World Cup, securing a spot in the semifinals for the first time in 16 years.The match took place on July 11 at the Los Angeles Stadium in California. Spain's last semifinal appearance was during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they claimed their first title.Spain will face France, who defeated Morocco 2-0, in the semifinals on July 15 at 4 a.m. in Dallas.Belgium, on the other hand, exited the tournament in the quarterfinals, unable to overcome the absence of key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana due to injuries.Spain controlled possession from the start, and their efforts paid off in the 30th minute. Right-back Pedro Porro made a deep run and delivered a cutback that Dani Olmo connected with. The Belgian goalkeeper deflected the shot, but Fabian Ruiz was there to tap in the rebound for the opening goal.However, Spain conceded an equalizer in the 41st minute when Timothy Castagne's cross found Charles De Ketelaere, who scored with a header, leveling the match at 1-1.This goal ended Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon's streak of seven consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal, dating back to the 2022 Qatar tournament.In the second half, Spain made substitutions, bringing on Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Nico Williams to boost their attack. They took advantage of a substitution in the 26th minute when Belgium's starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured.Spain scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute. Defender Pau Cubarsi attempted a surprise long-range shot that the substitute goalkeeper Senne Lamens failed to secure. Mikel Merino seized the opportunity, scoring with a left-footed shot to secure the thrilling winning goal.Spain maintained their one-goal lead in the remaining minutes, thanks to the defensive efforts of Simon, Cubarsi, and Aymeric Laporte, clinching their ticket to the semifinals.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 15:12:00
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Police Elevate Investigation into Jang Yoon-ki Case to Special Task Force Amid growing public outrage over alleged mishandling of the Jang Yoon-ki case and accusations of collusion involving police officials, authorities have restructured the existing investigation team into a Special Task Force. This move is seen as a commitment to address the escalating concerns.On July 11, the National Police Agency announced in a press release that the scope of the investigation has expanded, necessitating a larger team to expedite the fact-finding process. The agency stated, "As the number of individuals under investigation has increased and numerous search warrants are being executed, we have expanded the investigation team for a more rapid resolution of the case."As part of this restructuring, Oh Dong-wook, head of the Daejeon Police Agency's investigation division, has been appointed to lead the Special Task Force. Hong Jang-deuk, who previously led the original special investigation team, will now serve as the deputy head.The investigation team has also seen a significant increase in personnel, growing from 27 to 41 members. An additional 14 specialists from the police's secondary victim investigation team and digital forensics center have been deployed to assist. To ensure transparency in the investigation process, a public relations officer at the rank of superintendent has been designated to provide updates.The Special Task Force emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation, stating, "We will ensure that there are no doubts left unanswered." Earlier that day, the task force began its work by conducting surprise searches at the Gwangju Police Chief's office and the Gwangsan Police Station, which were part of the command structure during the initial investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 15:04:00
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North Korea says denuclearization should apply to U.S., allies before Pyongyang SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - North Korea on Saturday rejected renewed calls for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, arguing that the concept should instead be applied first to the United States, its Asian allies and NATO members. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for North Korea's Foreign Ministry said calls by South Korea, the United States and Japan for Pyongyang's denuclearization had "completely lost their relevance and realistic possibility" and would have no impact on the country's status. “The concept of denuclearization should first be applied to Japan and South Korea’s attempts to pursue their own nuclear armament under the active protection of the United States, as well as to NATO members’ pursuit of nuclear confrontation under the U.S. nuclear-sharing framework,” the spokesperson said. The statement appeared to be a response to discussions of the North Korean threat during the recent NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, as well as a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States and Japan held on the sidelines of the summit. At their meeting on Monday, the three countries agreed to maintain close coordination on North Korea policy, including efforts to counter Pyongyang's illicit cyber activities, and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while working to preserve peace and stability. The North also criticized NATO, saying the alliance should have "ceased to exist with the end of the Cold War." It accused NATO of systematically worsening Europe's security environment, shifting responsibility onto other countries and extending instability into the Asia-Pacific region through its "provocative actions." Echoing Russia's narrative on the war in Ukraine, the ministry also accused NATO of undermining European security through its eastward expansion and support for what it called "neo-Nazi forces." The spokesperson further argued that what Pyongyang described as the reckless behavior of "confrontational forces" was creating "a destructive threat" to the global security order and providing justification for North Korea to continue strengthening its military deterrence. 2026-07-11 14:55:38 -
AI Data Revolution: National Data is Key to AI Competitiveness Data is the oil of the AI era. No matter how advanced an AI system is, it cannot function without quality data for learning, and the quality of data directly determines the quality of AI. South Korea has amassed a vast amount of data that is rare globally within its government and public institutions, but this data is scattered across various departments, with differing formats and quality. Connecting this data and making it readable for AI is crucial for South Korea's leap to becoming a leading AI nation.At the center of this effort is Ahn Hyung-jun, the head of the National Data Agency.If you ask many people what the core of AI competition is, they might think of semiconductors, GPUs, data centers, and large language models. However, the most fundamental resource driving AI is data. High-quality data increases the likelihood of accurate results, while poor data can lead to incorrect judgments. Ultimately, the competitiveness of AI is tied to the competitiveness of data. This is a point emphasized by Ahn Hyung-jun, who argues that simply possessing a large amount of data is insufficient; it must be structured in a way that AI can understand and utilize. To create a strong AI nation, South Korea must first become a country that AI can read.Data in South Korea is widely dispersed among government ministries, local governments, public institutions, and private companies. The National Tax Service manages tax data, the Ministry of Health and Welfare oversees welfare data, the National Health Insurance Service handles medical data, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport manages real estate and transportation data, the Ministry of Employment and Labor oversees job data, and the Ministry of Education manages educational data, each in isolation. There are barriers between departmental data, and management standards vary. However, the value of data increases as it becomes more interconnected.By linking income and welfare data, the government can more accurately identify citizens in need of assistance. Connecting medical and health data can help predict disease risks, while integrating population, transportation, and industry data can refine policies for regional extinction and balanced development. Ahn Hyung-jun's initiative for a comprehensive government data governance aims to manage and connect all of South Korea's data at a national level. In the AI era, the government must transition from being a data-holding entity to a data-connecting entity.New systems are needed for a new era. Currently, South Korea's data is managed by sector, limiting the ability to systematically understand the nation as a whole. This is why Ahn Hyung-jun emphasizes the need for a National Data Basic Law.This law would help identify what data the government holds, designate important data, manage quality, support inter-departmental data utilization, and create an ecosystem for safely connecting public and private data.A plan is also underway to establish a National Data Committee to oversee and coordinate government-wide data policies. Data should be systematically managed as a crucial national asset, akin to land, resources, capital, and technology.Having a lot of data does not guarantee effective AI operation. For AI to understand data, it requires metadata that explains when, who, and under what criteria the data was created, what it means, and how it connects to other data. This is why Ahn Hyung-jun emphasizes the construction of AI-friendly national metadata. Organizing fragmented data, correcting errors, and standardizing criteria to convert it into AI-Ready Data is a priority that must come before developing new models.Issues such as low birth rates, aging populations, regional extinction, youth unemployment, and housing problems cannot be solved with data from a single department. The low birth rate issue requires looking at income, housing, education, and job data together, while the aging society issue necessitates connecting medical, welfare, income, and housing data. The regional extinction problem requires analyzing population, industry, transportation, and resident data collectively. This is why Ahn Hyung-jun emphasizes the development of policy-customized fusion data. By analyzing this fusion data, AI can enhance the accuracy of policies, shifting government strategies from intuition and experience to data-driven and scientific approaches. The goal of the AI data revolution is not merely to collect vast amounts of data but to enhance the nation's problem-solving capabilities.AI is also changing the way statistics are produced. In the statistical production process, which includes investigation, collection, classification, error checking, analysis, and reporting, AI can automatically classify vast amounts of data, identify anomalies, and connect various data to create new statistics. This is the core of the National Statistics AX initiative that Ahn Hyung-jun is promoting. Rather than replacing statistical experts, AI supports repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more critical analysis and judgment, marking a transition from digital statistical administration to AI statistical administration.The National Statistics Portal could also evolve. When citizens ask questions like, “How much has our local youth population decreased?” in everyday language, AI would understand the meaning, find the necessary statistics, analyze them, and explain them in an easily understandable manner. The National Statistics Portal is evolving from a simple statistics search site into a citizen's AI data assistant. At the same time, new statistics must be developed to accurately capture new phenomena such as the AI industry, robotics, platform labor, and demographic changes. Accurate statistics are the compass for national management.Whereas national competitiveness in the past stemmed from territory, resources, capital, and technology, in the AI era, data is the new asset. Ahn Hyung-jun emphasizes that data should be viewed as a national asset and a matter of sovereignty. Data should not be seen merely as a byproduct of administration but as a strategic asset that requires systematic management and investment. Safely connecting private data, such as mobile data from telecommunications companies, consumption data from credit card companies, and search and usage data from platform companies, can create new value that more accurately reflects reality, such as population statistics.However, it is essential to protect personal information and recognize the value of data created through corporate investment. The challenge is to create a data market where both public and private sectors can grow together, rather than advocating for unconditional openness.As more data is connected, the importance of personal information protection increases. The government must address citizens' concerns about who accesses their data, how it is used, and how AI makes judgments about them. Data utilization and personal information protection are not mutually exclusive; they must go hand in hand, utilizing technologies such as pseudonymized information, homomorphic encryption, and synthetic data.A government that citizens can trust is stronger than one that merely possesses a lot of data. Trust is the most crucial infrastructure for data utilization. The role of public officials must also change. They need the ability to read data, utilize AI, and understand statistics to design policies. This is why the National Data Agency emphasizes the cultivation of AI and data talent.Ahn Hyung-jun holds a unique position as the inaugural head of the National Data Agency. While the past role of the Statistics Office was to produce accurate national statistics, the National Data Agency's role is much broader. It encompasses managing national data, connecting departments, improving quality, fostering an AI utilization ecosystem, and overseeing and coordinating data policies. The agency must transform from a statistics-producing institution to one that designs the nation's future with data.A country where all data from the National Tax Service, Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Land, Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Education, and local governments is safely connected, allowing AI to analyze it to identify national issues, predict policy effects, and provide necessary services to citizens first. This is the ultimate vision of the AI data revolution that Ahn Hyung-jun must lead.Ahn Hyung-jun, head of the National Data Agency, is an expert with over 20 years of experience in national statistics and data policy. After serving in the Ministry of Finance and Economy, he moved to the Statistics Office, where he held key positions in economic statistics and statistical policy. He served as Deputy Commissioner and then Commissioner of the Statistics Office before becoming the first head of the National Data Agency when it was elevated from the Statistics Office. 2026-07-11 14:40:00
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Trump Warns Iran of Total Destruction if Assassination Attempt Occurs President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that if there is an assassination attempt against him, the entire region of Iran would be completely devastated. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on July 10, Trump said, "If the Iranian government attempts to assassinate me, the sitting President of the United States, as they have repeatedly threatened, 1,000 missiles are already aimed at Iran, with thousands more to follow immediately." He added, "The order has already been given, and the U.S. military is prepared and willing to decimate and completely destroy the entire region of Iran for a year, with the option to extend if necessary." Trump concluded his post with the unusual phrase, "Praise be to Allah!" Earlier, on July 8, Trump claimed he was at the top of Iran's assassination target list, citing threats to his safety. Following a recent NATO summit, Trump reportedly changed his private jet while returning to the U.S. from Turkey, which some in Washington interpreted as a precautionary measure against potential Iranian assassination threats. Tensions between the two countries have reached a peak. Before posting his warning, Trump officially declared the end of the ceasefire with Iran. The recent attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent U.S. retaliatory airstrikes have put the already fragile ceasefire between the two nations on the brink of collapse.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-11 13:40:00