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  • Exploring the Complex Dynamics of The Boy in the Last Row with Choi Min-sik and Choi Hyun-wook
    Exploring the Complex Dynamics of 'The Boy in the Last Row' with Choi Min-sik and Choi Hyun-wook Every work contains numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ significantly. 'Choi Song-hee's B-Cut' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the intense 'B-Cut' moments through interviews with the director and actors, revealing a deeper narrative.Netflix's series 'The Boy in the Last Row' is a suspense drama that tells the story of a peculiar Korean literature professor, Heo Mun-oh (played by Choi Min-sik), who is consumed by feelings of inadequacy, and a mysterious student, Lee Gang (played by Choi Hyun-wook), who sits in the last row of the classroom. What begins as a personal literature class proposed by Heo Mun-oh spirals into an obsession with Lee Gang's writing, leading their relationship to evolve into an unpredictable tension that defies typical teacher-student dynamics.In 'The Boy in the Last Row,' Lee Gang is the character who most accurately touches on Heo Mun-oh's desires and insecurities. Choi Hyun-wook aimed to portray Lee Gang differently in the early and later parts of the series, considering the blending of fiction and reality. He sought to create distinctions in Lee Gang's speech, voice, and actions.“In the end, you can't tell what's fiction. I thought the scenes at Se-hyun's house or Heo Mun-oh's actions reflected Lee Gang after they grew closer during personal lessons and built their relationship through interviews. So, as Heo Mun-oh and Lee Gang spent more time together, I tried to approach him more intimately, and in the end, I aimed to create differences in behavior, speech, and voice to contrast with the real Lee Gang's feelings,” said Choi Hyun-wook.Regarding Lee Gang's obsessive plans against Heo Mun-oh, Choi Hyun-wook reflected on childhood traumas. He did not view Lee Gang as an emotionless character.“I believed Lee Gang had experienced trauma with Heo Mun-oh. The wounds he suffered when he opened up as a child would have felt like a significant trauma for a friend who grew up without parents. I thought that might be the starting point for his actions. Even while reading the script and filming, I didn’t see Lee Gang as a completely emotionless psychopath. He is kind and caring towards the orphanage director, so I thought he had some emotions and acted accordingly,” Choi Hyun-wook explained.Choi Min-sik, who portrayed Heo Mun-oh, found the character difficult to understand. However, he acknowledged that he had to accept aspects of the character that were hard to comprehend as an actor.“Humans can be quite disgusting. I wondered if someone could be this repulsive. Judging him through my values and experiences often led to many contradictions. But I have to act him out. To enter this character, I need to understand everything about him. I believe there is nothing in this world that cannot be understood,” Choi Min-sik stated.However, Choi Min-sik noted that his own feelings of inadequacy differ from Heo Mun-oh's. He described the character as someone who does not crumble under comparisons with others.“I didn’t say I have no feelings of inferiority. Why wouldn’t I? I envy Elon Musk. When I see rockets parking, I think, ‘Wow, he’s doing that.’ A few crazy people change the environment. But I live as myself, so I don’t get stressed by others. I think, ‘You’re great, but I have my own things,’ and I’ve always felt that way,” Choi Min-sik added.'The Boy in the Last Row' is based on the French-Spanish co-production film 'In the House' and its original play. Choi Min-sik revealed that he did not read the original work before filming, believing it could influence his portrayal of Heo Mun-oh.“I plan to read the original play now. If I read it beforehand, I can’t help but be influenced. That would not help me in portraying Heo Mun-oh in 'The Boy in the Last Row.' From what I’ve heard, the original is more serious and has a richer literary quality. Our work incorporates Korean thriller and suspense elements. I think it’s different from the original. I don’t believe it’s just a matter of becoming more commercial. The director and writer have different things they want to express, and that’s what is being shown now. I agreed with that adaptation, which is why I participated,” Choi Min-sik explained.Choi Hyun-wook also approached the script without having seen the original work. He expressed shock when the true nature of Lee Gang's writing was revealed.“I hadn’t seen the original. I was reading the script and was shocked when I realized the writing was fictional. I thought, ‘None of this was real,’ and that was a shocking moment. I remember enjoying the reading experience,” Choi Hyun-wook said.After the success of his plans, Choi Hyun-wook interpreted Lee Gang's character as someone who would not feel regret or emptiness but would continue to live a life similar to before.“I don’t think Lee Gang would feel emptiness or regret after his plans succeeded. I believe he would continue to live like an ordinary person. He seems like a character who doesn’t receive much affection and has clear negative traits. I acted with that in mind, so I think viewers should see him in a negative light,” Choi Hyun-wook noted.Choi Min-sik praised Choi Hyun-wook, calling him “an actor who knows exactly how to act.” He was impressed by Hyun-wook’s understanding of the meaning of lines and the psychology of scenes.“Choi Hyun-wook did well. I was genuinely surprised. I wondered if I acted like that at his age. The important thing is that he knows exactly what he’s doing. There’s a difference between knowing how to deliver a line with a certain feeling and doing it without understanding. When he first says, ‘Stay,’ and talks about how Lee Gang envies Kim Soo-hoon, there’s a line where he asks, ‘Professor, do you know that feeling?’ Heo Mun-oh is taken aback. Knowing the psychology and meaning behind that is different from just saying it. It shows he has thought deeply and understood. He’s reliable and impressive. I hope that lasts. He did so well, and I hope he continues to grow as an actor, performing diligently in different roles,” Choi Min-sik said.For Choi Hyun-wook, working alongside Choi Min-sik was a special experience. He felt more enjoyment in acting than pressure.“I think it’s rare for a young actor to have the opportunity to work with Choi Min-sik. The genre is limited, so I really wanted to do it. When I acted in front of him, I felt that the experience of acting with him made it more enjoyable than feeling pressure. He treated me in a way that allowed me to feel that way. I think 'The Boy in the Last Row' will motivate me to continue searching for answers within myself as I act,” Choi Hyun-wook reflected.Seeing Choi Min-sik up close left a lasting impression on Choi Hyun-wook. He recalled the different impressions Min-sik conveyed during conversations, acting, and moments of advice.“When talking or acting, I noticed the subtlety in his expressions and thought, ‘So much can be conveyed in one person’s face.’ When he smiles, he exudes boyish charm, and when he gives advice, he feels like a great senior, yet he can also be playful. It was astonishing. Even when discussing topics unrelated to acting, he felt like a character. I realized that a senior with this level of experience is different,” Choi Hyun-wook concluded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:36:00
  • Divergence in Bidding for Seized Virtual Asset Custody by Police
    Divergence in Bidding for Seized Virtual Asset Custody by Police The bidding process for the selection of custodians for seized virtual assets by the National Police Agency is showing significant differences among participating firms. Small custody companies argue that the agency's requirements for full compensation and security systems on par with financial institutions effectively create barriers to entry. Conversely, there are opinions that, given the potential for seized virtual assets to be returned to victims or become state property, only firms with robust security and compensation capabilities should be entrusted with these assets.According to financial sector sources, the National Police Agency plans to finalize the proposal evaluation for the 'seized virtual asset custody and management project' and select a preferred negotiation partner after conducting technical and price assessments. This initiative aims to manage virtual assets seized by the police through specialized custodians. Bidders include Upbit Custody, Bidex, KDAC, Hectowallet One, and AhnLab Blockchain Company.The police agency has set conditions that include 100% full compensation, a 24/7 response system, and security and internal control measures equivalent to those in the financial sector. Small custody firms have expressed disappointment, suggesting that these requirements are tailored for large corporations, as few firms can meet these criteria.However, many in the financial sector argue that strict standards are necessary given the unique nature of seized assets. Cases of voice phishing often involve laundering through virtual assets via fake bank accounts, and incidents of hacking leading to virtual asset theft are becoming more frequent.Custody of virtual assets is not merely a storage task. It requires a security system that includes private key management, cold wallet storage, access control, and monitoring for unusual transactions to prevent incidents. Particularly, since seized assets may be returned to victims or become state property depending on investigative and judicial processes, the stakes are higher in case of mismanagement. Relying solely on insurance is insufficient; both accident prevention systems and compensation capabilities must be evaluated.Concerns about the financial conditions of small custody firms are also noted in the industry. The total custody assets of domestic firms plummeted by 98% from 13.8 trillion won in June 2024 to 307.1 billion won in December 2025. Some firms have reported operating losses for five consecutive years and have only about 20 employees, making it challenging to establish a 24/7 response system.Small custody firms assert that they will meet the full compensation requirement through insurance. However, critics argue that insurance merely compensates for losses after incidents occur and cannot replace a firm's real-time control and accident prevention capabilities. Coverage may vary depending on the type of incident, and factors such as coverage limits and exclusions are also variables.A financial sector official stated, "For small custody firms, the related insurance premiums are excessively high, making continuous enrollment burdensome, and there are no insurance products that adequately cover the actual types of incidents, compensation scope, and loss amounts. Given the limitations on coverage, exclusions, and deductibles, it is crucial to closely examine the capabilities of the custodians."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:36:00
  • Trump Threatens Iran with Military Action; Irans Foreign Minister Responds
    Trump Threatens Iran with Military Action; Iran's Foreign Minister Responds U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of resuming military action against Iran, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered that final negotiations will not begin as long as U.S. threats persist.On July 7, Araghchi posted a photo on social media platform X of the massive crowd attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He wrote, "Millions of proud Iranians united to honor the great Ayatollah Khamenei and his legacy. They and our brave military will not be shaken by any threats."Seemingly addressing Trump, he added, "MOU Article 13 is clear. Negotiations for a final agreement will not begin as long as threats continue. You must honor what you signed."The MOU Article 13 stipulates that negotiations for a final agreement will commence only after key provisions, such as the lifting of maritime blockades, resumption of navigation, sanctions relief, and the use of frozen assets, are implemented and maintained. Thus, Iran maintains that the U.S. must cease sanctions and threats before engaging in final agreement negotiations.Earlier, Trump spoke to reporters at the White House regarding peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, stating, "We will either reach an agreement or end it. Ending it is not difficult," while expressing his desire for a deal. He added, "I do not want to affect the 91 million (Iranian) people." He also mentioned, "We could destroy their bridges within an hour and cut off their energy supply," asserting, "They have no money now. We have not given them a dime."Last week, the U.S. and Iran held indirect negotiations in Qatar, where the U.S. proposed the release of frozen funds. However, Iran maintained its position on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in no significant progress. Both countries plan to hold follow-up negotiations after the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Khamenei. 2026-07-07 15:32:00
  • Hana Asset Managements Kim Seung-hyun: AI as a Tool, Medical Sector Next Beneficiary
    Hana Asset Management's Kim Seung-hyun: AI as a Tool, Medical Sector Next Beneficiary As artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key investment theme driving global stock markets, analysts suggest that attention should shift from AI itself to how it will transform various industries. While investments in AI infrastructure, such as semiconductors and data centers, remain crucial, the focus is expected to move toward industries that leverage AI to enhance productivity and create new value.In a recent interview with Aju Economy, Kim Seung-hyun, head of the ETF and Quant Solutions Division at Hana Asset Management, stated, "The reason for developing AI is ultimately to use it in existing industries. Among various sectors, I believe the medical field is likely to benefit the most from AI applications."AI will enhance productivity in the medical industrySince taking the helm of the ETF and Quant Solutions Division last year, Kim has overseen the overall strategy for 1Q ETFs. With over 15 years of experience in securities firms and asset management companies, he is a seasoned expert in the ETF sector.Kim identifies the medical sector as a key investment theme. He noted, "Fields such as drug development, robotic surgery, and personalized medicine using patient data are areas where AI can play a significant role. As AI accelerates, productivity in the medical industry will also increase."He also highlighted physical AI as an area to watch. Kim remarked, "Factory automation and physical AI are sectors that will gain attention in the future. With rising labor costs and increased efficiency, humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles will become more prevalent." He added that an expansion in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) supply would enhance the performance and utility of AI chips, leading to faster adoption of AI in industries like autonomous driving and humanoid robotics.In fact, Hana Asset Management launched the '1Q U.S. Medical AI' ETF last July, which invests in U.S. biotech companies. According to Koscom ETF Check, as of today, this ETF includes major holdings such as Tempus AI (25.14%), Recursion Pharmaceuticals (15.01%), and Intuitive Surgical (7.73%). This product targets sectors where AI and healthcare intersect, anticipating significant growth.Semiconductor and AI cycles will not end soonDespite recent profit-taking in major semiconductor stocks raising concerns about a potential peak, Kim views the AI and semiconductor cycles from a long-term perspective. He stated, "Rather than expecting the semiconductor cycle to end in 2-3 months, I believe that demand for memory semiconductors and AI will persist for a much longer period. This cycle is not expected to conclude quickly but will continue over the medium to long term."This outlook is reflected in the composition of Hana Asset Management's ETF products. The firm manages '1Q K Semiconductor TOP2+' and '1Q K Semiconductor TOP2 Bond Mixed 50', both of which have grown their net assets to over 500 billion won. These products heavily feature top stocks like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, with low total expense ratios of 0.20% and 0.01%, respectively. Recently, the base index for '1Q K Semiconductor TOP2+' was rebalanced to include SK Square and Samsung Electro-Mechanics.Kim explained, "I believed that investors would prefer a medium- to long-term approach rather than short-term investments, which is why I considered expense ratios to be an important factor. I think this reflects the needs of investors looking for long-term investment opportunities."ETF market shows signs of concentrationKim identified 'concentration' as a significant variable in the domestic ETF market. He expressed concern, stating, "It seems that there is increasing concentration in various aspects. While concentration can be advantageous when returns are high, it can also exacerbate market volatility during turbulent times."He emphasized the importance of diversification as volatility increases. "Instead of focusing on a single area, I believe it is better to diversify assets across countries, sectors, some commodities, and bond-mixed types," he advised.Additionally, he suggested that holding cash-equivalent assets, such as parking ETFs, at around 5-10% could be a prudent strategy. He cautioned that filling a portfolio solely with growth stocks could be burdensome if diversification is challenging.Growth in the ETF market driven by performance-based productsThe domestic ETF market continues to grow rapidly, with total net assets reaching approximately 500 trillion won. Kim assessed that there is still ample room for market growth, particularly noting that inflows from retirement pension funds will be a key driver of expansion.He stated, "As of the end of last year, retirement pension reserves surpassed 500 trillion won, and the proportion of performance-based products has doubled over the past three years. It is significant that funds are continuously moving into performance-based products, including ETFs, from retirement pensions."Kim added, "If the proportion of performance-based products increases further, it could create a structure where tens of trillions of won in new funds flow into the retirement pension market annually. I believe the growth potential for the ETF market is substantial."Regarding product strategies for the second half of the year, he mentioned, "We are currently considering what new growth industries can be developed using AI. There are still many lineups to fill out. We expect to continuously introduce innovative thematic products that reflect the latest industry trends and developments, including U.S. dividends, covered calls, and income-generating products."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:28:00
  • Kim Min-seok: Next Party Leader Must Support Three Major Mega Projects
    Kim Min-seok: Next Party Leader Must Support Three Major Mega Projects Kim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, stated on July 7 that "the Lee Jae-myung administration has prioritized the three major mega projects as the nation’s top agenda, and the next party leader must take responsibility to support them." He also announced plans to hold discussions on youth politics and party unity in the future.During a forum titled "Three Major Mega Projects and Local-led Growth, Beyond Balanced Development," held at the National Assembly, Kim emphasized, "The success of the mega projects is the top national agenda for the Lee Jae-myung government. Following the government, the Democratic Party must also commit fully to this primary initiative." He asserted that the upcoming party convention should serve as a platform to solidify the commitment to an irreplaceable path for South Korea, stating that the new party leader must take charge of the mega projects.Kim highlighted the urgency for the Democratic Party to align with the pace of President Lee’s governance, given that the three major mega projects have emerged as the administration's top priority. He expressed confidence that President Lee will not experience a lame-duck period until the end of his term. "As the ruling party, the Democratic Party must not only support President Lee, who is advancing the government agenda at an astonishing speed, but also proactively lead and accelerate our initiatives," he said. He urged party members to transform into a ruling party that outpaces the government through vigorous legislative and policy activities.Additionally, Kim announced that the forum on the three major mega projects would be the first in a series of discussions covering topics such as youth politics, party unification, and member sovereignty and artificial intelligence (AI) democracy.He remarked, "I believe that setting the agenda for the party convention is crucial for providing important direction for both the party and the nation, and I will prioritize discussing four key issues at the forum." He also indicated that a second agenda focusing on the Democratic Party's reform tasks and local-led growth would be presented later.Meanwhile, Kim made remarks aimed at former party leader Jung Cheong-rae, stating, "Unfortunately, the results of the recent local elections and by-elections have created a somewhat concerning atmosphere. However, we must overcome this and open the path to an irreplaceable South Korea."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:28:00
  • Belgiums Izaï International Music Competition to Hold Finals in South Korea
    Belgium's Izaï International Music Competition to Hold Finals in South Korea Belgium, a hub of classical music, has chosen South Korea as the first overseas host for the Izaï International Music Competition since its inception.Joel Smilnoff, a judge for the competition, stated at a press conference on July 7 at the Rode Art Center in Seocho, Seoul, "It is now time for the West to learn from the East," adding, "The passion and diligence of Korean performers have been confirmed through numerous students and educators."Having served as president of the Cleveland Institute of Music, he emphasized the significance of holding the finals in South Korea, which is emerging as a center for classical music, and noted, "Korea is a country that produces excellent educators and performers."The Izaï International Music Competition was established in 2018 to carry on the musical spirit of Belgian violinist and composer Eugène Izaï (1858-1931). The competition prioritizes musical interpretation and cultural exchange over mere technical skill. This year marks the first time the finals will be held in South Korea, establishing Asia as a new focal point.Elena Labrenov, the competition's director and co-founder, expressed hope that the finals would serve as a cultural bridge between Belgium and South Korea. He noted, "When I first met Namkara, the head of the Korea International Arts School, I was surprised by how similar our views on education and music were," adding that he realized the education they envisioned is already being realized in Korea.As a result, the Izaï International Music Competition plans to hold finals in South Korea in 2026 and 2027, followed by joint hosting with Belgium starting in 2028. The organizers aim to facilitate cultural exchange among young musicians by alternating the finals between Europe and Asia, establishing a foundation for Korea and Belgium to grow as partners in classical music.This year's competition has also introduced a unique judging method, incorporating orchestral collaboration finals for the senior category for the first time. Participants will be evaluated not only on their musicality but also on their ability to perform with an actual orchestra, rather than just with piano accompaniment.Namkara, the organizer of the Korean finals and head of the Korea International Arts School, cited the philosophy of the Izaï Competition as a key reason for bringing it to Korea. He remarked, "What impressed me most when I participated as a judge in Belgium last year was that the depth of musical interpretation was valued more than just speed and technical skill."He added, "The judges' discussions and consensus-building were also impressive, and I believe this philosophy makes the Izaï Competition very special, which is why I pursued hosting it here."The finals will take place at the Icheon Art Hall from July 10 to 11, featuring a total of 20 finalists, including 8 juniors and 12 seniors, who advanced from the preliminary and semifinal rounds held in Belgium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:24:00
  • Daekyo and Jeong Jae-seung: AI-Driven Korean Language Learning Boosts Student Focus and Comprehension
    Daekyo and Jeong Jae-seung: AI-Driven Korean Language Learning Boosts Student Focus and Comprehension A study has found that AI-based personalized learning effectively enhances students' focus and reading comprehension.Daekyo announced on July 7 that a research team led by Professor Jeong Jae-seung of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) verified the educational benefits of AI-driven Korean language learning at the Daekyo-KAIST Cognitive Enhancement Research Center.The center, operated by Daekyo and Professor Jeong's team, compared and analyzed the learning effects of customized reading passages and questions among 90 first-year middle school students.The results showed that the highest levels of student focus were achieved under fully personalized conditions, where both reading passages and questions were tailored to the learners' levels. Significant improvements in reading comprehension were also confirmed, measured using KReaD, Daekyo's self-developed Korean reading comprehension index.Additionally, the long-term learning effects of the AI-based Korean language program, 'Summit Suneung Korean Training,' were analyzed among 1,582 middle school students in grades 1 to 3 over a period of more than a year. The study found that overall academic achievement significantly increased, regardless of the students' reading levels.Professor Jeong Jae-seung stated, "Personalized learning tailored to the learner's level is a key factor in enhancing engagement and achievement."A Daekyo representative remarked, "We have scientifically proven that AI-based personalized learning positively impacts student achievement and will continue to enhance personalized education services through our collaboration with KAIST."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:24:00
  • Musinsa Accelerates IPO Process with New KKR Board Member
    Musinsa Accelerates IPO Process with New KKR Board Member Musinsa has replaced its non-executive director representing major financial investor KKR. Lee Hyung-geon, who has been involved in KKR's investment in Musinsa, has joined the board, succeeding Mukul Chaula, KKR's head of Asia-Pacific investments. This change raises expectations that Musinsa's preparations for its initial public offering (IPO) will gain momentum. According to industry sources on July 7, Musinsa held an extraordinary general meeting on June 30 at its headquarters in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where it approved the appointment of Lee Hyung-geon as a non-executive director. Non-executive directors do not engage in the company's daily operations but participate in key management decisions by exercising voting rights on the board. Musinsa's non-executive directors include representatives from major financial investors such as KKR, IMM Investment, and Hongshan. As a result of this meeting, Lee has taken over the position previously held by Chaula, who was appointed as a non-executive director in March 2022 and participated as the head of KKR's Asia-Pacific growth investment sector during the $190 million Series C funding round led by KKR in 2023. Lee, who has been with KKR since 2020, has been involved in investments in Musinsa, Samsung SDS, and HD Hyundai Marine Solutions. Before joining KKR, he worked at Kailin Management, Apax Partners, and Moelis & Company. KKR, along with Wellington Management, led the $190 million Series C funding round for Musinsa in 2023, which secured over 200 billion won in new capital and valued the company at approximately 3.5 trillion won. With this change, KKR maintains its single board seat at Musinsa. However, the shift from a senior executive overseeing Asia's investment strategy to a Seoul-based professional involved in Musinsa's investment may enhance communication between the two parties regarding key management issues and investment recovery strategies. This board change comes as Musinsa accelerates its IPO preparations. The company selected Citigroup Global Markets and Korea Investment & Securities as lead underwriters at the end of last year, with JP Morgan and KB Securities included in the underwriting team. Recently, Musinsa has been working on establishing a data room for due diligence and preparing for the presence of the underwriting team's personnel at its headquarters, indicating a more concrete IPO process. A Musinsa representative stated, "This appointment maintains KKR's single non-executive director seat while changing the individual in that role. This director is designated by the investor KKR." The representative did not provide further comments on the connection between the board change and the IPO efforts. Additionally, during the same general meeting, the reappointment of Choi Young-jun, Musinsa's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a former Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at SSG.com and Chief Financial Officer at TMON, was also approved. This strategic decision is interpreted as a commitment to enhancing profitability and financial soundness in the e-commerce sector ahead of the IPO. Analysts suggest that the synergy between KKR's on-the-ground expertise and CFO Choi's thorough financial management will lay the groundwork for a successful IPO. Industry insiders noted, "Changing the board communication channel to someone directly involved in investments is a practical step for discussing corporate value, IPO structure, and investment recovery strategies more effectively."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:24:00
  • Police Clear Yoo Seung-min of Allegations of Misappropriating Sponsorship Funds
    Police Clear Yoo Seung-min of Allegations of Misappropriating Sponsorship Funds Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, has been cleared of allegations that he misappropriated sponsorship funds during his tenure as president of the Korean Table Tennis Association.According to police sources on July 7, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crimes Investigation Unit decided not to pursue charges against Yoo due to insufficient evidence regarding allegations of breach of duty and obstruction of business.Yoo, along with Kim Taek-soo, head of the Jincheon National Training Center and former vice president of the table tennis association, and Jeong Hae-cheon, former secretary general of the association, were all found to have no charges against them.Last July, civic groups including the Sports Citizens' Alliance and the Cultural Alliance filed a complaint with the Seoul police, claiming that Yoo operated a sponsorship incentive system based on regulations that had lost their validity, causing financial harm to the association.They alleged that an individual identified as A, the brother of Yoo's agency representative, received approximately 200 million won in incentives, which they claimed actually belonged to Yoo and was funneled through a proxy.In October of last year, police formally began an investigation, identifying Yoo and others as suspects. They conducted searches of the office and home of Jeong, and on June 8, they summoned Yoo for questioning.However, the police concluded that Yoo and others did not have the authority to decide on performance bonuses, making it difficult to establish charges of breach of duty. They also found a lack of objective evidence to support claims that the 200 million won was funneled to Yoo.Additionally, regarding allegations of interference in the selection process for the national team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, police determined that Yoo and Kim acted within their legitimate authority.Furthermore, various allegations concerning the selection of venues for division league matches, visits to U.S. leagues, and personal use of sponsorship airline tickets were also deemed to lack sufficient evidence to substantiate any criminal activity, leading to a final conclusion of no charges.In response to the police's decision, the complainants, including the Sports Citizens' Alliance, are reportedly considering requesting a re-investigation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:16:00
  • Chinese AI Models Surpass U.S. in Token Usage on OpenRouter
    Chinese AI Models Surpass U.S. in Token Usage on OpenRouter Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) models have overtaken U.S. models in token processing share on the world's largest AI model brokerage platform, OpenRouter. This shift in market dynamics suggests that the competition between the U.S. and China in AI is moving from model performance to actual usage.According to an analysis of OpenRouter data by Bloomberg, as of the last week of June, Chinese models accounted for 48% of token processing share, while U.S. models held only 20%. This marks a complete reversal from a year ago, when U.S. models dominated with a 74% share compared to China's 20%.OpenRouter allows developers worldwide to access over 400 AI models through a single API, with a weekly processing volume reaching 25 trillion tokens, making it a key indicator of model selection in real-world development.The volume gap is significant, with Chinese models using approximately 18 trillion tokens weekly, far surpassing the 5.5 trillion tokens used by U.S. models.In June's leaderboard, DeepSpeed's 'V4 Flash' ranked first in token usage, followed by Tencent's 'Hy3' in second place, with six of the top ten models being Chinese open-source models. OpenAI, which once dominated the market, has fallen to fourth place, significantly trailing behind DeepSpeed.The driving force behind this shift is pricing. The API costs for Chinese models are 10 to 20 times cheaper than those of major U.S. models, with DeepSpeed's V4 Flash being up to 150 times less expensive than GPT-5.5 based on output tokens. As the share of coding and agent tasks in overall platform usage surged from 11% to over 50% since early last year, cost has become a primary criterion for model selection. According to venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, about 80% of startups using open-source AI stacks are running Chinese models.The performance gap has also narrowed. In the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, China's top open-weight models, MoonshotAI's 'Kimi K2.6' and Xiaomi's 'MiMo-V2.5-Pro,' scored 54 points each, just six points behind the U.S. leader, GPT-5.5, which scored 60. This is a significant improvement from a year ago when the top Chinese model scored only 22 points.In response to China's aggressive expansion, the U.S. has begun to take measures. In April, the U.S. House China Task Force and the Homeland Security Committee sent letters to Airbnb and AI coding tool developer Anisphere, expressing national security and data privacy concerns regarding the use of Chinese models. There are concerns that DeepSpeed's explicit use of data inputted into its API for training could be subject to China's National Intelligence Law, which may require companies to provide data related to their operations.However, in the premium enterprise market, where safety and data protection are paramount, U.S. models still maintain an edge. Anthropic held a 14.8% share of weekly token usage on OpenRouter as of June, ranking second, and the revenue gap with Chinese models is much larger due to higher prices per token.Korean models have virtually no presence in this competition. Upstage's 'Solar Pro 3' has been listed on OpenRouter since January, but its cumulative processing volume is only in the billions of tokens, with no Korean model ranking among the top users on a platform that processes 25 trillion tokens weekly. Companies like Naver and LG AI Research also have their own models, but their usage in the global developer market remains minimal.As the government-led independent foundation model (Dopamo) project is still in progress, there is no clear understanding of the scale at which domestic developers and startups are using Chinese models through platforms like OpenRouter. Concerns are growing that domestic models are losing price competitiveness due to factors like electricity costs, and the AI Basic Law lacks regulations on the use of foreign model APIs, leaving little means to curb the penetration of Chinese models in the domestic market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 15:12:00