AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Slow Bed Opens First Store in Daejeon, Expanding into Central Korea
    Slow Bed Opens First Store in Daejeon, Expanding into Central Korea The mattress brand Slow Bed announced the opening of its Daejeon Dunsan store on July 3, marking its first location in the Daejeon and Chungcheong region.This new store comes about two months after the opening of the Nowon store in Seoul, expanding the brand's presence beyond the metropolitan area into central Korea.According to the company, the Daejeon Dunsan store is designed to allow customers to experience the value of deep sleep and complete relaxation through a hands-on approach.Customers can compare the different comfort levels and support of each mattress and receive personalized consultations based on actual sleeping environments.To celebrate the opening, the store will hold a promotion until August 2, offering discounts on all products and gifts based on purchase amounts.A representative from Slow Bed stated, "We are pleased to introduce a base in the Daejeon and Chungcheong region that conveys the value of sustainable and healthy sleep. We hope local customers can find the mattress that suits them through ample experience and consultation, allowing them to regain complete rest."Slow Bed, operated by Ilum, a subsidiary of the Persis Group, is a brand that offers products and services for a healthy sleep environment. It has pioneered eco-friendly management by developing the country's first resource-recycling memory foam, 'Recotec Foam,' and achieving 100% conversion to Korean-style renewable energy (K-RE100) at its production facilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:56:00
  • Seouls Mayor Oh Se-hoon Plans to Transform G-Valley into a Green Innovation Hub
    Seoul's Mayor Oh Se-hoon Plans to Transform G-Valley into a Green Innovation Hub Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has unveiled plans to transform G-Valley, once a symbol of gray industrial zones, into a 'Green Innovation' space where young people want to work and live. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for youth by integrating green spaces with cultural and artistic elements. On July 7, Mayor Oh stated on his Facebook page, "Guro and Gasan Digital Complex (G-Valley) has played a pivotal role in South Korea's industry for over 60 years since its inception as the Guro Industrial Complex in the 1960s. However, despite being a workplace for 160,000 young people, the park green space ratio remains at 0%." He shared that he became aware of the issue after reading a post in an online community where a young person expressed feeling inexplicably down when visiting the area and wanting to leave immediately after work. Mayor Oh remarked, "This indicates a problem that urban planning has long neglected," and he announced that measures would be implemented promptly. He emphasized that this project is not merely a landscaping effort but a new urban philosophy aimed at realizing 'green space and cultural and artistic rights.' "Humans instinctively gravitate towards nature," he said, adding, "A space devoid of greenery is not a workplace but a space of exhaustion." He acknowledged that while there has been sensitivity to income and housing disparities, the environmental and emotional gaps that people experience daily have been overlooked for too long. He defined these issues as matters of green space and cultural and artistic rights. On the same day, the Seoul City government announced the completion of the Guro Forest Garden, marking the creation of green space equivalent to one soccer field just six months after the commitment was made. In the second half of this year, an additional 10,000 square meters of green space will be developed in Geumcheon-gu, with plans to secure a total of 100,000 square meters of green space across G-Valley by 2030. Alongside this, the city plans to gradually expand spaces where culture and art can be enjoyed in daily life, aiming to transform G-Valley into a representative green industrial area of Seoul. Mayor Oh concluded, "Regardless of where one works or what job one has, everyone should have equal quality of life without disparities," and he pledged to turn G-Valley, once synonymous with gray urban landscapes, into the 'heart of green innovation and quality of life' for young people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:56:00
  • National Assembly Speaker Urges Justice Minister to Ensure Smooth Prosecutorial Reform
    National Assembly Speaker Urges Justice Minister to Ensure Smooth Prosecutorial Reform On July 7, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik urged Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho to ensure that prosecutorial reform proceeds without setbacks.During their meeting at the National Assembly, Cho stated, "The success of prosecutorial reform is not about the system itself, but rather how effectively it protects the rights and human rights of the people." He emphasized the need for a fair judicial system that earns the public's trust, asking Jung to maintain a steady course.Cho also expressed the National Assembly's commitment to collaborating in realizing the rule of law to protect citizens' lives.In response, Minister Jung noted that the fundamental stance on prosecutorial reform is already established and urged the National Assembly to work towards maximizing respect for citizens' rights.Meanwhile, the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Agency, part of the prosecutorial reform, is set to launch in October. However, delays have arisen due to the failure of the criminal procedure law amendment to pass in the plenary session.The Democratic Party plans to address the amendment before the party convention scheduled for August 17. Other ruling party factions, including the Justice Reform Party, argue that the amendment must be processed before the Constitution Day to ensure the normal launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Agency. 2026-07-07 14:52:00
  • Fire Breaks Out in High-Rise Apartment in Paju, Residents Evacuate
    Fire Breaks Out in High-Rise Apartment in Paju, Residents Evacuate A fire broke out in a high-rise apartment in Unjeong New Town, Paju, prompting an emergency evacuation of residents. Footage from the scene showed thick black smoke billowing from the upper floors of the building, raising concerns among local citizens.According to fire authorities, the blaze started at 10:46 a.m. on the 11th floor of a 20-story apartment building in Wadong-dong, Paju.Videos captured from outside the apartment depicted large amounts of black smoke rising into the sky from the affected unit. The apartment is located near Unjeong Lake Park and a large shopping mall, leading to numerous reports and alerts from witnesses.Three residents were treated for smoke inhalation, while 21 others evacuated on their own. A family of four lived in the affected unit but was not home at the time of the fire, avoiding any injuries.During the firefighting efforts, one firefighter experienced exhaustion and was transported to a hospital.In response to the potential for casualties, fire authorities declared a level 1 response at 11:05 a.m., deploying 90 personnel and 26 pieces of equipment to combat the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 12:51 p.m., and the response level was lifted at 1:14 p.m.Fire officials are currently working to extinguish any remaining embers and will investigate the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage once the situation is fully under control.Online reactions from the public included concerns about the challenges of firefighting, the lingering smell of smoke and soot, and hopes that no further injuries occurred. Comments also noted that damage to the internal structure of the building could be a significant issue, and many suggested that fire insurance is essential for multi-family housing. 2026-07-07 14:52:00
  • New Minister of SMEs and Startups to Face Urgent Challenges
    New Minister of SMEs and Startups to Face Urgent Challenges Han Seong-sook, the former Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, has moved to the position of Prime Minister earlier this month, prompting the Lee Jae-myung administration to accelerate the selection of a new minister for the ministry. The incoming minister will face significant responsibilities, including the urgent tasks of normalizing the 'Everyone's Startup' initiative and addressing the Homeplus crisis upon taking office.According to government sources on July 7, if a ministerial candidate is nominated this month, the new minister is expected to be inaugurated by early August after undergoing a National Assembly confirmation hearing. This will conclude the two-month vacancy in the leadership of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups that followed Han's nomination as Prime Minister on June 7.The new minister will be tasked with leading the Lee Jae-myung administration's policy shift from merely supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups to fostering growth and scaling up these businesses.One of the most pressing issues is restoring trust and normalizing the 'Everyone's Startup' initiative, which is a flagship project of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Launched this year, the initiative attracted significant interest, with 62,944 applicants in its first round. However, the project faced setbacks when personal data of all 5,000 successful applicants was leaked, leading to a halt in its progress and a postponement of the second round of recruitment originally scheduled for this month.The new minister will need to swiftly address the data breach while overhauling security systems to ensure the second round of the initiative can launch without further issues and to restore overall trust in the program. The crisis surrounding Homeplus, which is effectively on the brink of bankruptcy, is also an urgent matter. Following a court decision to terminate the corporate rehabilitation process, Homeplus is facing increasing damage to its supply chain, affecting small suppliers and local businesses. Payment delays have persisted for several months, leaving some partner companies with millions of dollars in unpaid bills, prompting layoffs and even considerations of closure. Industry voices are calling for prompt payment of outstanding debts and liquidity support to prevent a chain of bankruptcies.Additionally, the transition of manufacturing and local SMEs to artificial intelligence (AI) is a task that can no longer be delayed. As the use of AI becomes a key factor in determining business competitiveness, there is a growing demand for accelerated digital transformation among SMEs.Addressing the 'K-shaped polarization' among businesses is another challenge the next minister will need to tackle. While large corporations, particularly in the semiconductor sector, continue to grow, many SMEs are struggling with declining profitability and employment due to high inflation, exchange rates, and interest rates. As disparities in growth widen within the SME sector, there are calls for tailored support systems that consider the growth stages and characteristics of different industries.Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University, stated, "Our economy is currently undergoing a structural transition both internally and externally. The issues the next minister will face go beyond simple departmental tasks; they are core challenges to restore the backbone of the Korean economy and enhance its growth potential."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:48:00
  • People Power Party Calls for Halt to Abolishing Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights
    People Power Party Calls for Halt to Abolishing Prosecutorial Supplementary Investigation Rights 국민의힘은 7일 '광주 여고생 피살 사건'과 관련해 이재명 대통령과 더불어민주당에 검찰의 보안수사권을 포함한 범죄 수사 시스템 개편을 논의하자며 여야정 협의를 제안했다. 정점식 원내대표는 이날 국회에서 열린 원내대책회의에서 장윤기 사건과 관련해 "이번 사건은 단순히 경찰의 부실 수사가 아니라 비뚤어진 내부 유착 문제가 더해진 고의적 범죄 은폐 사건"이라며 이같이 말했다. 정 원내대표는 "경찰은 장윤기 주거지에서 발견된 리얼돌, 혈흔과 지문을 채취한 차량을 압수하지 않고 놔두는 이상한 행태를 보였다"며 "검찰의 보완 수사가 아니었다면 사건의 진상이 영영 은폐됐을지도 모른다"고 지적했다. 이어 "이런 상황에서 범죄 수사를 경찰에만 맡길 수 없다"며 "경찰에게는 수사권 독점이 아니라 견제와 균형이 필요하다"고 주장했다. 그러면서 여당에 "경찰이 범죄 수사 역량에 대한 국민의 신뢰를 충분히 회복할 때까지 검찰 보완수사권 폐지는 중단할 것을 촉구한다"며 "문재인 정부의 검경 수사권 조정 이후 대한민국 범죄 수사 시스템 개편 작업을 제로베이스에서 재검토하라"고 촉구했다. 김미애 원내정책수석부대표도 "이번 장윤기 사건은 검찰의 보완수사권이 왜 필요한지를 단적으로 보여준 사건"이라며 "이런 상황에서도 경찰의 수사권을 독점시키고 검찰의 보완수사권까지 폐지하자는 것이 과연 국민을 위한 제도인지 묻지 않을 수 없다"고 목소리 높였다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:48:00
  • Chami-Young Cha: Addressing Misinformation in the AI Era Requires Algorithm Transparency
    Chami-Young Cha: Addressing Misinformation in the AI Era Requires Algorithm Transparency “In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), relying solely on humans to verify misinformation has its limits. Platforms must continuously manage and disclose the biases and fairness of their algorithms,” said Chami-Young Cha, director of the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) in Germany and a professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), during an interview after her keynote speech at the 2026 World Korean Scientists and Engineers Conference held in Gangnam, Seoul.Cha diagnosed that the ecosystem of fake news is changing dramatically. “In the past, misinformation spread like a patchwork, rapidly gaining traction when combined with anger,” she noted. “In the future, it will be difficult to track and respond to misinformation in this way.”She added, “The spread of misinformation may occur over an extended period through groups of AI accounts masquerading as people.” Cha expressed concern that if AI continuously injects misinformation, it could undermine not only individual choices but also democracy. “The key issue is the intent and purpose behind the creation of AI,” she stated.Regarding government regulations aimed at eradicating misinformation, Cha pointed out that legal and institutional measures alone are insufficient. “There are many entities responsible for fake news,” she explained, citing the creators of fake news, platforms that allow it to spread on social media, and users who share it.She emphasized that it is practically impossible to monitor every area, suggesting that issues formed in online public discourse, such as elections and significant social topics, should be closely monitored.Cha also assessed that technology to detect AI-generated content is still not fully developed. “While technologies to determine whether content is AI-generated are emerging, methods to circumvent these detections are also advancing,” she explained, adding that it is not yet a field that can be considered fully effective.She pointed out that the structure of information distribution is changing. In the past, the verification of misinformation was primarily conducted by humans, but now platforms are increasingly using algorithms to manage content.“Nowadays, many people ask AI questions before consulting others,” Cha noted. “Conversations between AI and users are not visible from the outside, making it difficult to measure what information AI provided to users and whether it was incorrect.”As interactions between AI and users increase, Cha stressed that platforms will have a greater responsibility to verify the reliability and biases of their algorithms and explain them to society. “We need to create benchmarks for various aspects such as bias and fairness and transparently disclose the results,” she said, emphasizing that this is essential to confirm the efforts platforms are making for social value.Cha is a data science expert researching solutions to social issues such as misinformation, poverty, and public administration using data science and AI. Her main research area is 'Data Science for Humanity.' She has conducted studies on the mechanisms of fake news dissemination using AI and big data, misinformation detection, analysis of impoverished areas based on satellite imagery, and AI for public services. Her research achievements have been recognized with the Hong Jin-ki Creative Award in 2024 and the Innovation Medal of Science and Technology this year. 2026-07-07 14:44:00
  • Samsungs Lee Jae-yong Attends Sun Valley Conference to Expand Memory and Foundry Business
    Samsung's Lee Jae-yong Attends Sun Valley Conference to Expand Memory and Foundry Business Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, is attending the Sun Valley Conference in the United States for the second consecutive year. This participation is seen as an effort to strengthen global business networks and secure a leading position in the artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor market.According to industry sources on July 7, Lee departed for Seattle via a private jet from the Gimpo Business Aviation Center in Seoul. He is set to attend the Sun Valley Conference, held in a resort in Idaho.The Sun Valley Conference, hosted by the investment bank Allen & Company since 1983, gathers media, IT, and investment industry leaders to discuss key issues such as partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. While it has a strong social gathering aspect, it is often referred to as a 'summer camp for billionaires' due to the significant strategic alliances that emerge among CEOs.This year's event will take place from July 7 to 11 and is closed to the public.Lee has consistently attended the conference from his time as an executive from 2002 to 2016. After a nine-year hiatus, he returned last year and is attending again this year.In the past, Lee has remarked, "The Sun Valley Conference is the busiest and most important trip of the year," highlighting his commitment to the event.With the global focus on restructuring the AI semiconductor supply chain, attention is on Lee's activities as he leads both the memory and foundry businesses. Notable figures from the global AI ecosystem, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, are also expected to attend.Lee is anticipated to hold discussions with these leaders regarding long-term supply plans for sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4), foundry orders, and advanced packaging collaborations.Currently, major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta are key clients of Samsung Electronics. Meetings with these companies, which are looking to establish independent AI chip production systems, could lead to additional large orders or long-term supply agreements (LTA).In fact, after meeting with Tim Cook at last year's event, Lee secured contracts for image sensors for iPhones.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:40:00
  • S.Korea launches support center to boost domestic AI chip adoption
    S.Korea launches support center to boost domestic AI chip adoption SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - South Korea's science ministry opened a dedicated support center aimed at helping local companies adopt domestically made artificial intelligence chips, part of a broader push to strengthen the country's semiconductor industry. The Ministry of Science and ICT said Tuesday the technical support center for AI and semiconductor held its opening ceremony in Gangnam, southern Seoul, at the Korea Association for AI & ICT Promotion. The government has designated domestic AI chips, known as neural processing units, as a core technology underpinning its megaproject unveiled last month, which spans semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers. The new center will offer consulting, in-depth sector-specific advice, testing and verification support, software optimization after installation, and networking between chip suppliers and prospective buyers, according to the ministry. It will also work with the Physical AI Alliance, which includes the Korea Fabless Industry Association, to identify demand for domestic chips in physical AI applications. "The core competitiveness of domestic AI semiconductors lies in low power consumption and cost efficiency," said Ryu Je-myung, second vice minister at the science ministry, adding that the fast-growing inference chip market presents "an important opportunity for our companies." 2026-07-07 14:36:02
  • 365mc Launches AI Transformation Champions to Drive Medical Innovation
    365mc Launches AI Transformation Champions to Drive Medical Innovation 365mc is accelerating its efforts in medical innovation through artificial intelligence (AI). The company aims to enhance its data-driven medical system by integrating AI across clinical and operational areas.On July 7, 365mc announced the launch of 'AX Champions' (AI Transformation Champions), a dedicated organization focused on AI implementation. This group will apply AI across all areas, from clinical practice to operations, to improve efficiency and advance precision medicine.Choi Ji-hyun, head of 365mc, has been appointed as the inaugural Chief AI Officer (CAIO). The organization comprises 16 members selected from various fields, including medical staff and administration, to promote AI adoption centered on practical applications.365mc has been integrating AI technology into healthcare for several years. Starting with the 'AI Liposuction System' developed in collaboration with Microsoft in 2017, the company has advanced related technologies through its AI research group, HOBIT Lab. It is leveraging approximately 1.4 billion data points to enhance safety and improve demand forecasting across various sectors.Recent research achievements include the development of algorithms for predicting fat extraction amounts and models for predicting respiratory decline during surgery, in collaboration with university researchers. These studies have been published in the international journal 'Scientific Reports.'In clinical settings, 365mc is expanding AI-based services, including systems for predicting post-surgery swelling and bruising, as well as programs for forecasting treatment outcomes, covering everything from consultations to post-operative care.The company plans to strengthen its AI-based medical system further with this new organization. Kim Ha-jin, chair of the 365mc representative council, stated, "Involving those who understand the field best in the AI adoption process is essential for genuine service innovation. We aim to enhance patient safety and satisfaction through data-driven healthcare."CAIO Choi Ji-hyun emphasized, "As digital transformation accelerates, AI is a core competitive advantage. We will combine our data and technological capabilities to establish a globally competitive smart healthcare model."Meanwhile, 365mc is actively implementing AI systems in real clinical environments. For instance, the AI-based 'APPA (Artificial Intelligence Post-operative Symptoms Prediction Algorithm)' system, which predicts symptoms after liposuction, is currently in operation at Busan 365mc Hospital.The APPA system analyzes 730,000 liposuction data points accumulated over 23 years, assessing factors such as body shape, fat volume, treatment area, and surgery duration to predict recovery processes. This allows for advance estimation of bruising severity, pain intensity, and recovery speed for specific symptoms. The system was developed by HOBIT Lab, 365mc's dedicated AI and big data team.The APPA system is designed to proactively address potential post-surgery symptoms using predictive data, enabling personalized care for each patient. There are plans to expand its application to all 365mc hospitals nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 14:28:00