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K-Pop Debut Costs Reach $100 Million, Small Agencies Call for Tax Relief "While K-Pop has become a global industry, small and mid-sized agencies that support the backbone of this ecosystem are struggling to survive," said Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during a meeting on July 8 at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul. The meeting focused on strengthening the music industry ecosystem, where representatives from small and mid-sized agencies unanimously called for government support in production costs and expanded tax benefits.Participants noted that although the K-Pop industry has grown, rising production costs and a concentration of resources among large agencies have exacerbated polarization within the sector. Jo Young-cheol, CEO of Mystic Story, stated, "Small agencies that should support the industry's backbone are facing severe difficulties. The average operating profit of 500 agencies has decreased to one-third over the past three years, and most are experiencing management challenges, except for a few major companies."Jo identified the urgent need for tax credits on album production costs. He explained, "If we implement a tax credit of 10-15% on album production costs, similar to other content industries like film and webtoons, it could create a virtuous cycle where that money is reinvested into production. Research from the Korea Creative Content Agency shows that while the tax revenue reduction from the music industry is relatively small, the employment generation effect is significant, making tax support essential."Minister Choi agreed, acknowledging the growing disparity in production costs among agencies, which can differ by nearly 30 times. He emphasized, "For the remarkable achievements of the popular music industry to continue, the backbone of the industry must be strengthened," and promised to work on tax credits for music production costs, new loan support, and expanded assistance for indie music.Concerns were also raised about the limitations of the current system, which excludes mid-sized agencies from support. Kim Yoo-sik, CEO of FNC Entertainment, pointed out, "The top four agencies generate profits in the trillions, while other companies struggle to reach around 100 billion won in revenue. Many are operating at a loss. Currently, only small businesses can receive production cost support, but we are excluded due to our revenue size. However, the gap with large agencies remains significant."He added, "About 15 K-Pop groups have made it to the Billboard 200 Top 5, but only two are not from the top four agencies. This creates a cycle where trainees and investment funds are concentrated in large companies, while others fall into a vicious cycle."Kim also argued that support criteria should be adjusted to reflect reality. He suggested, "Instead of providing 300 million won per project, a more effective approach would be to support multiple albums for a single team over the long term."Kim Jin-woo, CEO of RBW, assessed that the K-Pop industry has effectively turned into a 'capital competition.' He noted, "In the past, it was possible to nurture a new artist with around 2 billion won, but now it takes nearly 10 billion won over three years to develop an artist and generate revenue. Previously, there was room to try again after a failure, but now everything must be risked at once." He expressed concern that large agencies invest up to 10 billion won in a single album, leading to a structure where only artists from large corporations survive.The indie music sector called for expanded support for creative diversity. They argued for more granular support to enable various creators to challenge themselves in different ways and proposed the establishment of new financial support, such as dedicated investment funds for small labels, to help them secure funding outside of advance payments from distributors. Additionally, they highlighted the need for changes to local ordinances to adjust high venue fees, which can reach 10% for large regional concert halls, compared to those in Seoul. 2026-07-08 15:56:00 -
Trump Reignites Greenland Controversy Ahead of NATO Summit U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited the controversy over Greenland, asserting the need for the U.S. to control the territory ahead of the NATO summit, prompting a strong backlash from Denmark.According to the Associated Press, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on July 8 in Ankara, Turkey, before the NATO summit, "Greenland is certainly not for sale." He emphasized the importance of respecting the self-determination of Greenland's residents and Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty.On the eve of the summit, Trump reiterated his previous claim that "the U.S. should control Greenland," which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The AP noted that Trump's comments have stirred controversy given NATO's commitment to mutual defense among member states.The official agenda of the summit focuses on the implementation of increased defense spending by member countries. Trump has long argued that the U.S. bears an excessive burden for NATO defense. Last year, NATO members agreed to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to security-related expenditures.NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called for member states to present "clear, specific, and credible plans" to meet defense spending goals. According to data released by NATO the previous day, Slovenia, Belgium, Spain, and the Czech Republic have not yet met the existing target of 2% of GDP for defense spending.In addition to defense spending discussions, tensions surrounding Iran are also escalating at the summit. Stoltenberg described the U.S. airstrikes against Iran as "absolutely necessary," stating, "Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz while a ceasefire was in place," and emphasized the importance of a strong U.S. response.The U.S. conducted airstrikes against targets in Iran in retaliation for attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. also revoked licenses that allowed the sale of Iranian oil. The AP reported that this action highlights the fragility of the temporary agreement between the U.S. and Iran.Europe and Canada are wary of Trump potentially pressuring allies over the Iran issue. Previously, Trump demanded "loyalty" from some allies who did not allow U.S. forces to use their bases for attacks on Iran and criticized NATO as a "paper tiger."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:52:00
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After World Cup Disappointment, Leadership Changes in Asian Football Asian football is facing a wave of leadership changes following disappointing performances at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, according to an Associated Press report on July 6.The AP article titled "Resignations Follow World Cup Struggles from Seoul to Riyadh" emphasizes that the criticism extends beyond mere results, calling for accountability within the entire Asian football system.South Korea is highlighted as a primary example. After losing 1-0 to South Africa and being eliminated in the group stage, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned, followed by the departure of Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association. Son Heung-min expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "I am heartbroken beyond words" and apologized to the nation.Saudi Arabia also saw its football association president, Yasser Al-Misehal, resign, taking full responsibility after the team's group stage exit. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, parted ways with coach Jamal Selami. Meanwhile, the coaching futures of Qatar and Iraq remain uncertain, and Uzbekistan, which finished the tournament without a point, is expected to retain coach Fabio Cannavaro, the AP reported.The AP noted that this World Cup starkly revealed the realities of Asian football. Nine countries from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) managed only three wins across 29 matches in the expanded 48-team tournament. Only Japan and Australia advanced from the group stage, both of which were eliminated in the Round of 32. Iran, despite remaining unbeaten, failed to progress with three draws.Furthermore, the AP reminded readers that South Korea's fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup remains the highest achievement for Asian football, highlighting the persistent gap between Asia and the world's elite teams.However, Japan demonstrated competitiveness by leading Brazil until the final moments of the second half, and emerging football nations like Uzbekistan and Jordan gained valuable experience, according to the AP.Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the AFC, was quoted stating, "Asian teams are clearly improving, but the gap with the top teams still exists," emphasizing the need for continued efforts to close that divide.This World Cup has left Asian football with both the achievement of expanding its base and the challenge of enhancing its global competitiveness, suggesting that discussions on accountability and systemic reform within national football associations will continue for the foreseeable future.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:44:00
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Netflix says viewer engagement matters more than ad exposure SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - Global streaming giant Netflix told roughly 600 advertisers and marketing officials in Seoul that viewer engagement matters more than simple ad exposure, as it seeks to attract more advertising spending to its platform. The company laid out the case Tuesday at "Behind The Streams," an event held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Citing its own 2025 survey, Netflix said 74 percent of viewers who saw ads on the platform later took a related action, such as searching for or buying a product. Netflix also pointed to research from Kantar, the global market research firm, which found that traditional metrics such as reach and gross rating points showed a weaker link to brand impact, while viewer attention showed a correlation of more than 0.6 with brand effects. "The advertising market is shifting from competing over how much exposure an ad gets to competing over how deeply it captures attention," said Lee Chun, director of advertising at Netflix Korea. Lee described Netflix's content lineup as a way for brands to reach viewers who are already absorbed in what they are watching, part of a strategy the company calls "Attention to Connection." The pitch comes as Netflix's ad-supported tier continues to grow. Lee said 60 percent of new sign-ups globally are now choosing the ad-supported plan, giving advertisers a larger pool of viewers to reach. At the event, Netflix showcased Korean advertising partnerships that tied brand messages to its shows and films. The company is also expanding ad products, including single-title sponsorships and interactive video ads, alongside Netflix Ads Suite, its in-house ad platform launched in Korea last September to help marketers plan, buy and measure ad performance. Netflix said it plans to launch advertising in 15 more countries in 2027, bringing its ad business to 27 markets. 2026-07-08 15:42:05 -
Next-Generation Icebreaker Opens New Arctic Shipping Route As the commercialization of the Arctic route becomes more tangible, Busan Port is accelerating its preparations to become a key hub for Arctic shipping. The Busan Port Authority (BPA) and various marine and polar research institutions are collaborating to secure essential technologies and infrastructure, including the development of icebreaking container ships and the construction of next-generation icebreakers.On July 8, BPA, the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI), and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) held the 3rd Eco-Friendly Arctic Route Forum at the Asti Hotel in Busan.In his welcoming remarks, BPA CEO Song Sang-geun stated, "In May, a special law promoting the use of the Arctic route and fostering related industries passed the National Assembly, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is actively pursuing pilot operation projects, making the commercialization of the Arctic route a reality. The Busan Port Authority is working to establish hub port infrastructure based on inter-agency cooperation, outlining a blueprint for Busan Port as a key Arctic route hub."The first speaker, KRISO Senior Researcher Jeong Seong-yeop, presented on the topic of developing eco-friendly icebreaking container ships for Arctic route exploration. He explained that temperatures in the Arctic region are rising at nearly four times the global average, leading to a continuous reduction in ice cover. This situation highlights the economic and strategic value of the Arctic route as a new alternative for maritime transport connecting East Asia and Europe.Geopolitical uncertainties in international shipping networks, exacerbated by incidents like the Suez Canal blockage and the Russia-Ukraine war, have led major countries to recognize the need for alternative routes to ensure supply chain stability.Last year, over 500 vessels navigated Arctic waters, marking a 40% increase since 2013. This expansion in commercial use of the Arctic route suggests a growing demand for related technologies.Jeong emphasized, "To sustainably utilize the Arctic route, safe navigation of vessels is essential. This requires advancements in ice detection and prediction, improved icebreaking performance, optimal navigation planning, and ice prevention technologies." He also noted that securing key strategic technologies related to Arctic route development is included in the new government's policy agenda, urging the need to establish strategic technologies to gain market leadership as commercialization approaches.To facilitate Arctic route exploration, KOPRI is also accelerating the construction of next-generation icebreakers. The first-generation icebreaker Araon has successfully completed over 30 round trips to the Arctic and Antarctic, accumulating more than 1 million kilometers of navigation. However, its icebreaking capabilities limit access to deep Arctic regions above 80 degrees north, and there are constraints related to scheduling and vessel size.To address these limitations, the government plans to invest 223.1 billion won by 2029 to build the next-generation icebreaker, which will have a total tonnage of 16,560 tons and accommodate up to 100 personnel.KOPRI plans to introduce 80 types of research equipment annually and establish equipment across various fields, including atmospheric, geological, marine, and biological studies, to explore the entire Arctic Ocean.The next-generation icebreaker is expected to be capable of breaking through 1.5-meter-thick flat ice at a speed of 3 knots. It will also implement a dual-fuel system using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulfur oil (MGO) to enable eco-friendly operations.Joo Hyung-min, head of the next-generation icebreaker construction project at KOPRI, stated, "We have organized research demands by Arctic region and structured research voyages into seven trips. By sharing the roles of Araon and the next-generation icebreaker, we aim to reduce unnecessary navigation days and increase research voyage days in the Arctic and Antarctic from the current 85 days to 277 days." 2026-07-08 15:40:00
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Jeong Yi-han Appears in Court Amid Allegations of Staged Attack Jeong Yi-han, a candidate for the Busan mayoralty from the Reform Party, appeared in court on July 8 for a pre-arrest hearing related to allegations of staging an attack during the June 3 local elections. A decision on his detention is expected later in the day.The Busan District Court began the hearing at 2 p.m. for Jeong, who faces charges of obstructing public duties and violating election laws, as well as for an individual identified as A, who allegedly threw a beverage at him.Jeong arrived at the court at 1:55 p.m. and stated, "I apologize. I will sincerely clarify the facts regarding today’s matter in court and throughout the ongoing investigation." He added, "I also want to express my apologies to the citizens of Busan. I will do my utmost in light of this incident," before proceeding into the courtroom.The court is expected to decide on the detention of Jeong and A by late afternoon.Jeong reported that on April 27, while campaigning near an interchange in Busan's Geumjeong District, he fell while trying to avoid a beverage thrown by a driver, resulting in a concussion and a muscle strain.However, police began investigating the possibility that Jeong had staged the attack, conducting a search of his campaign office on June 4, the day after the election. They have been analyzing seized materials and interviewing related parties to determine the relationship between Jeong and A, their communications before and after the incident, and the campaign's response on the day of the event.It was revealed that A is a personal trainer and director of a gym with ties to Jeong.On July 1, police requested arrest warrants for both individuals, and prosecutors filed for the warrants on July 3, leading to the hearing on July 8.Additionally, police are investigating potential violations of medical laws at the hospital run by Jeong's father, where he was treated after the alleged attack. They are looking into the circumstances surrounding his diagnosis and the issuance of medical records.There are also allegations that employees of a subsidiary of Jeong's father's company were mobilized for his campaign, and that a polling research firm associated with the group included questions that could be interpreted favorably for Jeong.If the court issues an arrest warrant for Jeong, it is expected to accelerate the police investigation. Conversely, if the warrant is denied, it may raise concerns about the adequacy of the evidence presented and weaken the momentum of the investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:36:00
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60-Year-Old Man Charged After Assaulting Police During Polling Station Protest A 60-year-old man has been charged and transferred to prosecutors after allegedly assaulting police during a protest at a polling station in Seoul.The Songpa Police Station announced on July 8 that the man, identified as A, was transferred to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office on charges of obstructing official duties.A is accused of pushing a police officer who was trying to remove protesters blocking the entrance to the National Assembly's investigation committee at the Olympic Park handball stadium on July 2 at around 1:10 p.m.During the protest, participants linked arms and chanted, "No entry without a warrant," as police began to remove them one by one.Police arrested A in the act and applied for a warrant to secure his detention. The Seoul Eastern District Court issued the warrant on July 4, citing concerns of flight risk.Additionally, on July 7, the Songpa Police Station transferred two men in their 20s and one man in his 40s to prosecutors without detention on charges of aggravated obstruction of official duties.These individuals are accused of assaulting police officers near Gate 1-5 of the handball stadium at 6:40 p.m. on June 5, when ballots were being transported to the polling station.They reportedly blocked police officers exiting after the transport and continued to assault them, claiming that election commission staff were disguised as police.Police have identified all three suspects and applied for arrest warrants for the two men in their 20s who were more heavily involved in the incident on June 29.However, the court denied the warrants on July 2 after a pre-arrest interrogation, stating there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight.Police also transferred a woman in her 20s to prosecutors on July 6 for violating the Information and Communications Network Act after she posted false information about the incident on her social media.As of now, there are 2.47 million ballots from the June 3 local elections remaining at the Olympic Park handball stadium. These ballots have been processed but could not be removed due to the ongoing protests outside the venue.The blockade protest at the Olympic Park handball stadium, triggered by a shortage of ballots for the June 3 local elections, has now lasted over a month.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:36:00
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Nam Joo-hyuk set to return with Netflix series after completing military service SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - Actor Nam Joo-hyuk was still serving in the military when the script for The East Palace landed in his hands. Reading it inside the barracks, he found himself drawn to an unusual idea: a swordsman who hunts ghosts by crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead. That script has now become his first project since completing military service. Set for release on July 17, Netflix's eight-episode series "The East Palace" blends palace intrigue, supernatural horror and Korean folklore into a mystery set inside the Joseon court. The story begins with a string of unexplained deaths among the royal heirs. Rumors spread that a ghost haunting the palace pond is wiping out the king's bloodline, but the king dismisses the stories as superstition. Only after his last surviving son falls gravely ill does he secretly summon Goo-cheon (played by Nam), a drifter capable of entering the spirit world to destroy ghosts, while assigning palace maid Saeng-gang (played by Roh Yoon-seo), who can hear spirits, to watch his every move. While the premise centers on ghosts, much of Tuesday's production presentation focused on something else: making two versions of the same palace feel like entirely different worlds. Rather than relying primarily on visual effects, director Choi Jung-kyu said the production physically built separate versions of many sets. The crew altered lighting, textures and even seasons, sometimes filming the same location twice, so viewers could instinctively distinguish the living world from the spirit realm. "We wanted it to feel as though gravity itself worked differently," Choi said, adding that changes in editing rhythm, sound design and color grading were all used to separate the two realities. The supernatural creatures also draw heavily from Korean folklore instead of being entirely original creations. Choi said the production simplified their visual designs without losing the traits found in traditional legends, making them immediately recognizable even to viewers unfamiliar with Korean mythology. That approach extended beyond the creatures themselves. Palace architecture, costumes and props were rooted in historical references, while the pacing was designed with international audiences in mind. "We focused more on rhythm than explanation," Choi said. "Even if the language and cultural background are different, we wanted viewers everywhere to simply enjoy the story." For Nam, the hardest part of filming had little to do with sword fighting. Although he trained extensively at an action school before and throughout production, he said many scenes required him to fight creatures that would only exist after post-production visual effects were added. "You constantly have to imagine what's in front of you," he said. The physically demanding shoot also meant spending long hours in the water during both summer heat and winter cold, something co-star Jo Seung-woo jokingly described as being "500 times harder" than anything his own character endured. Jo, making his first Netflix original series, plays a king who refuses to believe in ghosts until tragedy forces him to reconsider everything he knows. Rather than portraying him simply as a monarch, Jo said he approached the role as that of an isolated leader carrying the weight of protecting both his family and the throne. "It's a lonely position," he said. "He keeps questioning everything while trying to protect what's left." Roh Yoon-seo faces several firsts with the series — her first historical drama, first fantasy project and first leading role in a long-form series. She said adapting to the physical discipline of acting took time, particularly maintaining the posture and restraint expected in a period drama while expressing emotion through subtle changes in voice and facial expression. More important, she said, was the evolving relationship between Saeng-gang and Goo-cheon. The two begin as reluctant partners who distrust one another but gradually become indispensable as they unravel the palace's curse from opposite sides of the supernatural divide. The series also marks another milestone for Nam. Earlier this year, he was the only Korean actor featured in Netflix's global slate announcement alongside stars including Cillian Murphy and Lily Collins. Looking back, Nam said the experience was both exciting and daunting. "I went there by myself," he said. "I felt a huge sense of responsibility and just wanted to do my best." Whether Korean palace ghosts resonate with international audiences as strongly as Netflix hopes remains to be seen. But rather than explaining away Korean folklore, The East Palace leans into it — betting that a compelling mystery, memorable characters and confident storytelling will cross borders on their own. 2026-07-08 15:35:02 -
South Korean Government to Accelerate Power Supply for New Semiconductor Complex by 2030 The South Korean government is set to begin constructing a power grid to supply electricity to a new semiconductor industrial complex in the Honam region by 2030. On July 8, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that Second Vice Minister Lee Ho-hyun chaired a meeting with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to discuss early power supply plans for the new semiconductor complex located at the Gwangju military airport site.This meeting follows the confirmation of the semiconductor complex's location. The ministry and KEPCO reviewed plans to establish new supply lines connecting the KEPCO public power grid to the complex to ensure early power supply by 2030. They also discussed the need for cooperation from local governments and relevant ministries.KEPCO has formed a task force led by Kim Jae-gun, head of the power system division, to ensure timely construction of the power grid necessary for the government's three major mega projects.The task force aims to innovate construction and procurement methods during the power grid development process, allowing for the establishment of a power supply system ahead of the needs of businesses.The government believes that the Honam region, rich in renewable energy and nuclear power facilities, can provide stable electricity supply even with high demand. Therefore, it anticipates that a separate new inter-regional power line for the semiconductor complex will not be necessary.However, to ensure a stable 24-hour power supply to semiconductor factories despite fluctuations in renewable energy generation, the government plans to review the current status of existing inter-regional power lines and future expansion plans.South Korea's power system is interconnected nationwide, allowing for the exchange of electricity between regions when generation is insufficient or excessive. The government is developing a national power supply basic plan and transmission and transformation facility plans based on this framework.Plans to enhance power supply stability through energy storage systems (ESS) and pumped storage power generation will also be included in the 12th basic power supply plan.Vice Minister Lee emphasized, "The core competitiveness of advanced semiconductor factories lies in securing stable and rapid infrastructure. We will proactively build power infrastructure to ensure that the semiconductor complex can become a key hub driving advanced industries and regional growth based on the Honam region's abundant carbon-free power infrastructure."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:32:00
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Preparing a Hearty Samgyeopsal Spread in Saemangeum Samgyeopsal, or grilled pork belly, has evolved into more than just a meal for South Koreans. Gathering around a sizzling grill, people celebrate their achievements with cheers of "Well done today, let’s do even better tomorrow!" This tradition has become a unique community culture that fosters hope and unity. Recently, during a visit to South Korea by Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, the culture of enjoying samgyeopsal with soju, known as 'samsso,' gained international attention. When Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, proposed an investment in Saemangeum, Huang responded, "If there’s great pork barbecue, I’d be happy to do it." This exchange transcended mere humor, symbolizing the trust and shared vision for the future that NVIDIA and South Korean companies have built through close collaboration. It also highlights the significance of Saemangeum as a new hub for advanced industries in the context of global cooperation. The government recently unveiled three major mega-projects aimed at propelling South Korea into a new era of growth. These initiatives include establishing advanced semiconductor production bases in the region, supported by essential infrastructure such as power and water supply. With the government promising comprehensive support for regional investments, fostering strategic hubs for balanced regional development and creating a business-friendly investment ecosystem have become more crucial than ever. Saemangeum is one of the regions attracting increased investment interest from companies, including Hyundai Motor Group. As the establishment of an advanced industry cluster based on physical artificial intelligence (AI) gains momentum, Saemangeum is equipped with optimal locations and industrial foundations to meet the demands of corporate investment and business development. Notably, in June 2023, the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex was designated as the first investment promotion district, covering 8.1 square kilometers. This initiative created a competitive investment environment for businesses. Since then, approximately 7.5 trillion won in investments have been secured, with companies from various sectors, including advanced industries like LS-E&F Battery Solutions and Future Graph, establishing operations there. To further expand these achievements, an additional investment promotion district covering 6.0 square kilometers was designated in April 2023, nearly doubling the area of the previous district. The expansion of investment promotion districts is expected to facilitate discussions on investments from companies like Hyundai Motor Group and respond to the growing demand in future mobility, electric batteries, advanced materials, and data industries. This marks a turning point for industrial concentration and investment expansion. Accordingly, the Saemangeum Development Agency plans to ensure sufficient industrial land and stable power and water supply for companies residing in the investment promotion district. Additionally, the agency aims to continuously enhance transportation and logistics infrastructure by establishing a 'Tri-Port' system that integrates ports, railroads, and airports, allowing companies to benefit from reduced logistics costs throughout the entire process of production, raw material procurement, and import/export activities. The expansion of the comprehensive bonded zone will also be pursued to provide various benefits, such as customs deferral and exemptions, further alleviating the financial burden on businesses. Corporate investment is not merely about providing factory space. It requires a combination of fast permitting, stable infrastructure, workforce availability, logistics cost reduction, and living conditions that allow workers and their families to settle together. The Saemangeum Development Agency understands this well. It focuses on closely monitoring the entire process from planning and investment decisions to actual production activities, swiftly addressing any challenges that arise on-site. Particularly in advanced industries, where initial investment scales are large and the pace of technological change is rapid, it is crucial for administration and infrastructure to keep pace with corporate investment speeds. Saemangeum offers ample industrial land and excellent scalability, allowing companies to design future projects from a long-term perspective. If supported by a robust power, water, transportation, and logistics system, Saemangeum can evolve into a new growth platform for South Korea's advanced industries, beyond just an industrial complex. Moving forward, Saemangeum must create a virtuous cycle where companies invest and produce, talent gathers to work, and the region grows together. It is essential to connect investment attraction results to quality job creation and regional economic revitalization, translating industrial competitiveness into tangible changes that citizens can feel. The transformation of Saemangeum is just beginning. Our task is to seize this opportunity and develop it into a future hub where companies, regions, and the nation can grow together. What does Jensen Huang mean by 'great pork barbecue'? It signifies a favorable investment environment characterized by swift administration, stable infrastructure, and predictable regulatory conditions. Saemangeum is creating an environment where companies can invest with confidence, equipped with the desired locations and institutional foundations centered around the investment promotion district. We will not stop here. We will further enhance the competitiveness of the investment promotion district and continuously improve the conditions for industry, logistics, and settlement to create a more satisfying investment environment for companies. Our goal is to make Saemangeum the first choice for investment and the preferred space for future industries, preparing a rich and appetizing 'great samgyeopsal spread' with care.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 15:32:00