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  • Trial Begins for Former Military Intelligence Chief Over Alleged Political Profiling
    Trial Begins for Former Military Intelligence Chief Over Alleged Political Profiling The trial of Yeo In-hyung, the former chief of South Korea's military intelligence agency, has commenced amid allegations that he created a "blacklist" to assess the political inclinations of military generals and legal officers during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.On September 10, the 32nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Ryu Kyung-jin, held the first preparatory hearing for Yeo, who is charged with abuse of power. Yeo did not attend the hearing, as defendants are not required to be present.The second special investigation team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, stated that while serving as the head of the military intelligence agency, Yeo allegedly abused his authority to instruct subordinates to collect military personnel information and assess the political inclinations of military legal officers.According to the special prosecutor's office, starting in late April 2023, Yeo directed the then-head of the military intelligence agency's security office to investigate whether there were any progressive individuals among military legal officers.He is also accused of directing the preparation of personnel data on 59 reserve officers with experience at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for the purpose of providing it to the Presidential Security Service. The special prosecutor's office has applied charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act, alleging that Yeo used personal information held by the military intelligence agency for personnel verification without legal grounds.Investigations revealed that Yeo ordered the identification of military personnel with connections to Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo, fearing that military secrets could be leaked to Kim's office. Subordinates reportedly created 16 personnel verification documents using the military intelligence agency's information systems and intelligence to assess the positions and promotions of these individuals.These documents are said to include details about former Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Kang-wook's service as a military legal officer and a list of over 30 legal officers with ties to him. Yeo is also accused of directing the collection of personal information and career details, including political inclinations, of 25 legal officers, some of whom were military judges.Yeo's legal team stated, "We will review the evidence records in consultation with the special prosecutor's office starting on the 28th and will clarify our position on the charges afterward." The court plans to hold another preparatory hearing on October 22 to discuss evidence examination and future trial plans.The special investigation team indicted Yeo without detention on August 14. He is also facing trial for allegedly ordering the deployment of troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission during the December 3 emergency martial law and for directing the arrest of key political figures. The insurrection special investigation team has sought a 30-year prison sentence, with the first trial verdict scheduled for September 21.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 16:04:00
  • Shin Dong-bin Oversees AI Design Innovation at Lotte Strategy Meeting
    Shin Dong-bin Oversees AI Design Innovation at Lotte Strategy Meeting Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group, is directly overseeing the group's design innovation utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). On September 10, Lotte announced that it held the '2026 Lotte Design Strategy Meeting' at the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, attended by over 50 participants, including Shin, the CEO of Lotte Holdings, department heads, and representatives from major affiliates. Now in its third year, the design strategy meeting serves as a platform to review the group's brand identity and design strategies while discussing future directions. This year's theme is 'Imagine Beyond Imagination.' As Lotte approaches its 60th anniversary next year, the meeting focused on how to build a design process that carries forward the brand philosophy developed over the years while leading into the next 60 years. The group also shared strategies to integrate AI technology into its brand value to spearhead design innovation. To this end, Lotte plans to develop an internal design platform called the 'Lotte AI Design Studio.' The Lotte AI Design Studio will reflect the group's management, brand, and design philosophies in the AI generation and validation process, creating results that are distinctly Lotte. In June, Shin participated in the 'CEO AI Academy,' where he emphasized the importance of developing AI agents through a vibe coding method, stating, "AX is not just a choice; it is a top priority for the survival of the group." The meeting also featured an exhibition highlighting key brands and businesses launched by Lotte since its founding. A 'Creative Board' composed of young designers unveiled the 'Rotory Robot' for Lotte World guidance services and an augmented reality (AR) navigation service utilizing AI. They also presented innovative design processes that quickly materialize customer ideas into products. A Lotte representative stated, "This year's design strategy meeting focused on reflecting on the 60 years of Lotte Group from a brand and design perspective and preparing for the next 60 years. We will inherit and develop Lotte's unique heritage to strengthen 'Lotte-ness.'" 2026-09-10 15:56:00
  • Exchange Rate Drop Complicates Profit Calculations for Food Industry
    Exchange Rate Drop Complicates Profit Calculations for Food Industry The won-dollar exchange rate has dropped to the 1300s for the first time in about ten months, complicating profit calculations for the food industry. Companies with high import ratios for raw materials may benefit from lower procurement costs, while those with significant overseas sales could see a decrease in their won-converted earnings, leading to mixed fortunes across the sector.As of 3:30 PM on September 10, the won-dollar exchange rate stood at 1339.2 won, a decline of over 200 won compared to 1541.8 won on June 24.Once accustomed to the new normal of the 1500 won range, the food industry is now experiencing relief as the exchange rate falls. Many food companies source a substantial portion of their key raw materials, such as wheat, soybeans, corn, palm oil, raw sugar, and cocoa, from abroad. According to a survey by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), domestic food manufacturers rely on imported raw materials for about 70% of their needs.Companies' semi-annual reports also reflect the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on profits. Lotte Wellfood estimates that a 10% drop in the won-dollar exchange rate would increase its pre-tax profit by approximately 3.55 billion won. In the first half of this year, Lotte Wellfood's cost of sales reached 1.56 trillion won, accounting for over 70% of total sales. The price of cocoa, a key ingredient, has recently become a significant variable affecting profitability, suggesting that both international prices and exchange rate movements will influence performance in the second half of the year.CJ CheilJedang also estimates that a 10% decrease in the won-dollar exchange rate would boost its after-tax profit by about 1.52 billion won. In the first half of this year, CJ CheilJedang spent approximately 1.19 trillion won on purchasing raw materials like sugar, wheat, soybeans, and corn, with the exchange rate for these imports averaging over 1483 won per dollar, more than 100 won higher than the current rate. Ottogi, which sources key ingredients like palm oil and soybean oil from abroad and has a domestic sales ratio of around 90%, is also expected to benefit from the falling exchange rate.Conversely, companies with a high proportion of overseas sales may find the declining exchange rate detrimental to their performance. Samyang Foods generated 82% of its 1.48 trillion won in sales during the first half of the year from international markets, amounting to 1.23 trillion won. Given its structure, which relies heavily on exports from domestic production facilities like the Miryang plant, a continued appreciation of the won could reduce the won-converted value of its foreign sales and profits. Analysts estimate that a 10 won change in the exchange rate could affect Samyang Foods' profits by about 2 billion won.However, some experts caution against oversimplifying the situation by stating that importers benefit while exporters suffer from the exchange rate drop. More companies are expanding their overseas operations while importing raw materials, and there is often a lag before exchange rate fluctuations impact actual performance.A representative from Samyang Foods stated, "The decline in the exchange rate will alleviate some of the pressures from raw material import costs that have been affecting profitability. Additionally, our overseas sales occur in various currencies beyond the dollar, creating a structure where foreign income and expenses offset each other."A representative from CJ CheilJedang noted, "While a lower exchange rate may lead to relatively lower sales or advantageous conditions for raw material purchases, there is a time lag before these effects are realized, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. As we expand our global business, the diversification of foreign income sources has reduced our sensitivity to exchange rate fluctuations compared to the past." 2026-09-10 15:52:00
  • Korean games swap console blockbusters for phone anime in Tokyo
    Korean games swap console blockbusters for phone anime in Tokyo SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - South Korea's biggest game publishers arrive at Tokyo Game Show next week with a lineup that fits in a pocket, trading the console blockbusters they hauled to Gamescom three weeks ago for free-to-play anime games built mostly for phones. Nexon, Netmarble, NC and Smilegate are all bringing what the industry calls subculture titles — character-driven games drawn in Japanese animation style and largely monetized through randomized character draws. Nearly all are mobile-first. Not one is a packaged single-player console release. Their Japanese hosts are moving in the opposite direction. Capcom is showing new expansions for "Monster Hunter Wilds" and "Dragon's Dogma 2." Sega has "Crazy Taxi: World Tour," Konami is unveiling three new intellectual properties, and Square Enix has dated "Final Fantasy VII Revelation" for April 8. All are built around console and PC gaming. The contrast follows a disappointing Gamescom for Korean titles. Korean games won nothing at the Gamescom awards on Aug. 28. Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert" was nominated for Best PC Game and Most Epic but took neither, while Krafton's "Age Twisters" lost in the Most Wholesome category. Capcom's "Onimusha: Way of the Sword," still a week from release at the time, walked away with two awards. In Tokyo, however, Korean publishers are playing on more familiar ground. Nexon Games' "Blue Archive" is the template many are working from. Japan accounted for 72 percent of the game's revenue and 34 percent of its downloads between its Japanese launch in February 2021 and August 2024, according to market tracker Sensor Tower. Japan's own mobile game developers, meanwhile, are under growing pressure. Research firm Teikoku Databank counted 10 smartphone game operator bankruptcies from January through July, compared with three in all of 2025 and approaching the record 12 recorded in 2015. The firm pointed to development budgets that now routinely run into hundreds of millions of yen and competition from Chinese and South Korean companies with what it described as "abundant financial resources and high development capabilities." Nexon goes back to the 'Blue Archive' well Nexon is returning to that market with "Fareidolia," developed by the same IO division behind "Blue Archive" and built on Unreal Engine 5. Players manage a restoration center in Anima City and share an office building called Tasogare Hall with girls known as Mates. "Fareidolia is set in Anima City, a world that resembles our own yet feels subtly different," said Cha Min-seo, the game's director. Nexon has recreated Tasogare Hall inside the TGS exhibition halls, where visitors will get the world's first hands-on session and can play rock-paper-scissors against a character on screen. The game is also one of the bigger leaps of faith on the show floor. No gameplay footage has yet been released under its official name. Its first trailer arrives on Sept. 17, meaning almost everything audiences have seen so far was revealed while the title was still known by its Project RX code name. NC's entry carries an unusually direct link to "Blue Archive." "Astrae Oratio" is being developed by Dynamis One, founded by Park Byung-rim after he resigned in April 2024 as producer of the Japanese service for "Blue Archive" at Nexon Games. The new game unfolds in an alternate Tokyo in 1889, where magic and industry have pushed the city a century ahead of schedule. Players handle municipal paperwork for the city's mages before dealing with the problems that follow. The studio arrives in Tokyo carrying some baggage. Its first announced game, Project KV, was scrapped in 2024 after fans accused it of resembling "Blue Archive" too closely. Seoul police raided the studio's offices in February 2025 over allegations that former Nexon Games employees had taken unpublished company material with them. Netmarble borrows fame, then builds its own Netmarble, the last of Korea's traditional "3-N" gaming giants alongside Nexon and NC, is bringing three titles, two of them powered by established intellectual property. "Shangri-La Frontier: The Seven Colossi" is the first game adaptation of a manga franchise that has surpassed 1 billion views in Japan and 17 million copies in circulation. "Solo Leveling: KARMA" takes the Korean webtoon franchise into roguelite action, adopting some of the genre's repeat-run structure without the heavier penalties associated with traditional roguelikes. "Pearl in Blue," by contrast, is Netmarble's own creation — a romantic-comedy collectible RPG about girls who double as influencers, scheduled for release in 2027. All three will be playable in Chiba. Netmarble has also booked the anime voice cast of "Shangri-La Frontier" to play the demo live on Sept. 20. Taito Ban, who voices Sung Jin-woo, will race streamers k4sen and Vodka through a timed run of "Solo Leveling: KARMA" the same day. Smilegate is showing "Mirai Vision: Unseen Future" and "Dead Account: Two Blue Flames," a roguelite centered on exorcising the social media accounts of the dead. Masangsoft, meanwhile, is attempting to revive "King's Raid," two years after original developer Vespa collapsed. The approaches differ, but the target is much the same: Japan's enormous appetite for character-driven games and the recurring revenue they can generate long after launch. Tokyo Game Show turns 30 this year and runs for five days for the first time, from Sept. 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Organizer CESA said Thursday that 1,138 companies from a record 53 countries and regions will occupy 3,999 booths, making this the largest edition in the show's history. About 300,000 visitors are expected. Three weeks ago in Cologne, Korean publishers tested their biggest games against the global PC and console industry. In Chiba, they are making a different bet. Cologne handed out trophies. Tokyo will test whether players reach for their phones. AJP Takeaways - South Korean publishers Nexon, Netmarble, NC and Smilegate will exhibit mobile-first, anime-styled collectible role-playing games at Tokyo Game Show 2026 from Sept. 17 to 21, a genre and platform shift away from the PC and console blockbusters they showed at Gamescom in August. - No South Korean title won a Gamescom award on Aug. 28, 2026. Pearl Abyss's "Crimson Desert" lost in two categories and Krafton's "Age Twisters" lost in one, while Capcom's then-unreleased "Onimusha: Way of the Sword" took two trophies. - Japan accounted for 8.3 percent of South Korea's $8.5 billion in game exports in 2024, down from 13.6% in 2023, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. - Japanese research firm Teikoku Databank recorded 10 smartphone game operator bankruptcies between January and July 2026, compared with three in all of 2025, citing rising development costs and competition from Chinese and South Korean publishers. 2026-09-10 15:49:44
  • Kim Garam, former LE SSERAFIM member, transitions to acting career
    Kim Garam, former LE SSERAFIM member, transitions to acting career Kim Garam, who left the group LE SSERAFIM amid school bullying controversies, is embarking on a new career as an actress.Management Goo announced on September 10 that it has released a new profile photo of Kim Garam, stating, "Kim Garam, an actress with diverse charms and limitless potential, has joined Management Goo."The agency added, "Kim Garam is constantly working to show the public a new side of herself, honing her skills in acting as well as foreign languages (English and Japanese) and sports."They continued, "We wanted to showcase her diverse charms and potential as an actress through this profile. We will provide full support to help her grow and shine in great projects in the future."Previously, Kim Garam debuted as a member of LE SSERAFIM in May 2022. However, she became embroiled in school bullying allegations both before and after her debut. At the time, her agency claimed that the issues arose during her early middle school years when she was making friends and were maliciously edited to defame her, asserting that she had been confirmed as a victim of bullying through third-party testimonies. However, it later emerged that Kim Garam had received a disciplinary action for being a perpetrator of school bullying, leading to widespread criticism.Ultimately, Kim Garam ceased her activities shortly after her debut and left LE SSERAFIM in July 2022. She later enrolled at Konkuk University in 2024, majoring in media acting, and this year launched a personal YouTube channel where she shares videos of her acting practice.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:48:20
  • Emart Sees Record 21.2% Increase in Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets
    Emart Sees Record 21.2% Increase in Pre-Orders for Chuseok Gift Sets Emart has reported a record high in pre-orders for Chuseok gift sets.The company announced on September 10 that sales during the first pre-order period, from August 6 to September 4, increased by 21.2% compared to the same period last year, marking the highest level ever.On the final day of the event, September 4, sales reached their peak for any single day during the pre-order period for holiday gift sets. During the same timeframe, sales at Traders and Emart Everyday also rose by 31.6% and 11.6%, respectively.The surge in sales this year was driven by so-called 'affordable premium' sets, which maintained product quality while lowering prices. Emart explained that it enhanced price competitiveness through diverse sourcing, varying product sizes, and bulk purchasing.Notable items include the $40 'Wando Live Abalone Set' and the $70 'Special Selection of Red Tilefish and Hairtail Set.' In the meat category, the $90 American and Australian-style LA ribs topped the sales charts.Sales of apple and pear gift sets priced between $30 and $50 increased by 10.3% year-on-year, while sales of ginseng, deodeok, and dried mushrooms surged by 42.9%. A mixed set of processed foods, including canned goods and cooking oil, sold over 1.6 million units.High-end gifts also saw increased demand, with sales of premium gift sets priced over $200 rising by 91% compared to last year.In addition to traditional holiday gifts like Hanwoo beef and dried yellow corvina, premium alcoholic beverages such as whiskey and wine, which emphasize brand and rarity, drove high-end demand.From August 6 to September 7, sales of wine gift sets increased by 39.6%, while sales of liquor sets rose by 38.6%, compared to the previous year's pre-order period.Demand for early discounts also contributed to the strong pre-order performance. Emart will continue pre-orders until September 16.Customers can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on select items when paying with event cards or accumulating Shinsegae points, along with gift vouchers based on purchase amounts, interest-free installments, and free shipping.An Emart representative stated, “In light of high inflation, consumers are looking to reduce their purchasing burden through pre-order benefits, while still valuing quality and prestige in gifts for special individuals during the holiday season.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:48:00
  • Seragem Hosts Support Event for National Team at Jincheon Training Center
    Seragem Hosts Support Event for National Team at Jincheon Training Center Seragem announced on September 10 that it held a support event for the national team athletes training for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at the Jincheon National Training Center on September 9.Prior to the event, Seragem collected supportive comments for the national team athletes through its official Instagram account. The messages from customers were then delivered to the athletes at the Jincheon National Training Center.Customers expressed their encouragement with messages such as, "We wholeheartedly support the athletes during their intense training," "We are proud of all the athletes who have endured so much," and "Most importantly, we hope they finish healthy and injury-free." Seragem organized these messages into content to provide strength to the athletes during the event.On the day of the event, a coffee truck was set up for the national team and officials, offering refreshing beverages. Additionally, sports towels featuring the phrase "Seragem supports the national team" were given to the athletes, allowing them a moment to rest and share in the spirit of encouragement.Since 2023, Seragem has collaborated with the Korea Sports Council to support a relaxation space within the Jincheon National Training Center, equipped with Seragem products. This area was fully renovated in May and renamed the "Seragem Champions Recovery Lounge." The upcoming Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4.A Seragem representative stated, "It is meaningful to deliver our customers' heartfelt support directly to the national team athletes who are in the final stages of their training ahead of the Asian Games. We hope the athletes can showcase their best abilities and that their hard work pays off with great results."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:44:20
  • Is the New Hyundai Avante Worth Its Price Tag?
    Is the New Hyundai Avante Worth Its Price Tag? The Hyundai Avante stands out in the compact sedan segment. It offers more space than a subcompact while maintaining lower maintenance costs than a mid-size car, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers. Recently, it has been relaunched as the fully redesigned eighth-generation model, the 'All-New Avante.'The new Avante has undergone significant changes, with an increase in length by 55 mm and a height increase of 5 mm. Its width is now 1,855 mm, just 5 mm less than the Sonata (1,860 mm). These dimensions bring the Avante closer to mid-size sedan standards, effectively blurring the lines between it and the Sonata.However, the pricing is a concern. The gasoline 2.0 model starts at 23.98 million won, while the hybrid 1.6 model begins at 30.42 million won (before eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits). Compared to previous models, the starting price has increased by 3.36 million won for the gasoline version and 3.87 million won for the hybrid. Adding options to the higher trim of the hybrid can push the price over 40 million won.When looking solely at price, the gap between the Avante and Sonata has narrowed significantly. The Sonata's 1.6 gasoline model ranges from 29.33 million to 36.66 million won, while the hybrid ranges from 34.18 million to 41.37 million won. The distinction between the new Avante hybrid and the Sonata is becoming less clear in terms of both size and price.Expanding the competition, the Avante faces more rivals, particularly from Chinese electric vehicles that are gaining traction in the domestic market due to their lower prices. The BYD Dolphin starts at 24.5 million won for the base model and 29.2 million won for the active model, while the Ato3 is priced at 34.9 million won. Although the Avante differs in class and type, consumers looking for new cars in the 20 million to 30 million won range may consider these alternatives.Hyundai maintains that the price increase is not merely a hike but a reflection of enhanced product quality. Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor, stated, "As advanced technologies are integrated into vehicles, costs are rising. Technologies that were unimaginable five years ago are now included, and better materials are being used, which ultimately affects pricing."A Hyundai representative added, "In the era of electrification and software-defined vehicles (SDV), customer expectations are rising. The eighth-generation Avante is designed to offer high product quality from the base trim and provide advanced mobility experiences through various options."While the rationale for the price increase due to improved quality is understandable, it may lead to hesitation among consumers when it comes time to make a purchase. The significant price increase of hundreds of thousands of won could be a burden for the core buying demographic of young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The elimination of the lowest trim has also raised the perceived entry price, contributing to psychological resistance.Despite market concerns, the eighth-generation Avante achieved over 10,000 contracts (11,094 units) on its first day, surpassing the previous record set by the seventh-generation Avante (10,058 units). This achievement is notable, especially as the shift toward electric vehicles accelerates and the preference for SUVs strengthens, demonstrating strong demand for a traditional three-box internal combustion sedan.Particularly noteworthy is the trim selection. An analysis of the contracts reveals that the top trim, Inspiration, accounted for 52% of the total, while the base trim, Modern, and the mid-level trim, Premium, each made up about 24%. This indicates a growing consumer preference for advanced features and differentiated product quality even within the compact segment.An industry insider remarked, "The new Avante has evolved from being a compact car competing solely on price to offering a product quality closer to that of higher-end vehicles. Initial contracts show that despite the price increase, there is demand for higher trims, but the key question will be how consumers accept the increased prices once the initial excitement fades." 2026-09-10 15:44:10
  • Yong Hye-in Stands Firm on Dual Role as Lawmaker and Minister
    Yong Hye-in Stands Firm on Dual Role as Lawmaker and Minister Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, reiterated her decision not to resign from her position as a proportional representative lawmaker during a press conference held at the National Assembly on September 10.During the conference, she stated, "The nomination of an opposition lawmaker as a minister is the first case since the Kim Dae-jung government and the DJP alliance, making it difficult to evaluate as a mere precedent."She emphasized, "It is a principle that lawmakers can concurrently hold ministerial positions as permitted by law," and questioned whether the tradition of resigning from proportional representation positions has been perceived as a form of political patronage. She expressed agreement with the need for legislative discussion on the potential drawbacks of lawmakers holding ministerial roles, stating, "It is hard to agree with applying different principles and standards only to proportional representatives."Yong added, "If my personal advancement had been more important than serving the nation and the people, I would not have accepted the ministerial position. I accepted the nomination to create a gender-equal society for all under the Lee Jae-myung government."Addressing various allegations against her, she remarked, "Since my nomination, absurd accusations have been reported as if they were factual. Although I have been preparing for the confirmation hearing, the schedule has yet to be set. The fundamental cause seems to be the stubbornness of the People Power Party, and I feel disappointed that even some within the Democratic Party are being swept up in speculation and malicious manipulation."Regarding the so-called 'ghost regional party' allegations against the Basic Income Party, to which she belongs, she clarified, "By law, a regional party must have an office address, and the only full-time staff member, who is also the chairperson, used their home address as the office."In response to criticisms labeling her party as a 'family party' due to her spouse holding a party position, she stated, "There are no procedural flaws, and I consulted thoroughly with party officials and activists during the founding process and meeting preparations. After appointments, there are additional approval processes, so it is not solely my decision."She further asserted, "My income alone is sufficient to support my family, and there is no reason to pay my spouse a salary of 2.5 million won from party funds."On the controversy surrounding her involvement in an alleged 'under-organization' with discriminatory internal regulations, she acknowledged her participation, stating, "I do not intend to deny my involvement in the private faction. The faction disbanded in 2017 due to issues raised by my former colleagues regarding its discriminatory and hierarchical culture, which lacked the capacity for self-correction. I agree with my colleagues' concerns, and it was appropriate for a group with outdated cultural practices to disband."After the press conference, when asked about Kim Gil-o, the CEO of Korea Board Games, related to the 'under-organization' allegations, she replied, "The private faction disbanded in 2017, and I have not been in contact since then."When questioned about her willingness to step down due to high negative ratings in public opinion polls, she said, "I am aware that there are various opinions within the Democratic Party regarding the nomination by the appointing authority, but I have no further comments at this stage."Meanwhile, the schedule for Yong's confirmation hearing has not yet been finalized. The Gender Equality and Family Committee of the National Assembly attempted to adopt a plan for the confirmation hearing during a full meeting, but the session was canceled due to a breakdown in negotiations over witness testimonies between the ruling and opposition parties. 2026-09-10 15:44:10
  • The Stage for Robot Competition is Changing
    The Stage for Robot Competition is Changing The IFA 2026 in Berlin featured the largest number of humanoid robots ever, with a notable presence from Chinese robotics companies. Firms such as Aizhi Robotics, Dubot, Engine AI, and DEEP Robotics showcased their innovations. Unitree's humanoid robot demonstrated its capabilities by assembling a sandwich using bread and vegetables.In late January 2025, 16 Unitree H1 robots performed the traditional Chinese dance Yangge while distributing handkerchiefs during the popular CCTV Spring Festival Gala. In April of that year, humanoid robots participated in a 21.0975 km half marathon in Beijing, with the winning Tian Gong Ultra completing the race in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds. At that time, the robots required human guidance and operated in a semi-autonomous mode. This year, Tian Gong Ultra completed the marathon autonomously, reducing its time to 1 hour and 15 minutes.The evolution from dancing robots to those capable of performing tasks marks a significant advancement in China's humanoid technology. However, it is premature to equate the robots showcased at exhibitions with fully operational 'working robots.' Many challenges remain before they can reliably function in industrial settings for extended periods.Factories and warehouses do not operate under fixed conditions. Variations in component locations or task sequences can occur, and unexpected situations may arise, such as a person entering a robot's path. Simply repeating predetermined actions is insufficient to handle these variables. For robots to work reliably over long periods, they must be able to perceive their surroundings and respond appropriately, which requires accumulating diverse data from real-world tasks. This is part of the Chinese government's push to accelerate the deployment of humanoid robots in industrial environments.In June, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission launched a special initiative for 'humanoid robots and embodied intelligence practical training.' This initiative focuses on training and validating robots in real work environments. 'Embodied intelligence' refers to the ability of AI to perceive and act upon its environment through a physical body, closely related to physical AI.The goal of this policy is clear: to generate data through practical experience. As robots pick up and move objects, they create various types of information, including video and location data, movement trajectories, force adjustments, joint movements, and task sequences. China aims to utilize this data to improve models, algorithms, and key components. By the end of this year, the government plans to identify over 100 high-value application scenarios and develop the capacity for 'mass-scale field application.'Moreover, the deployment of robots is not limited to factories. Their applications extend to logistics, commercial services, healthcare, caregiving, safety production, and emergency response. Data accumulated in factories alone may not suffice for hospitals or disaster sites, as different environments require distinct judgments and actions. Expanding the range of applications not only broadens the market but also lays the groundwork for acquiring necessary data across various work environments.However, it is crucial not to equate policy goals with current technological capabilities. 'Mass-scale' does not imply that such a number of robots have already been sold or deployed; rather, it signifies the ability to expand to that scale. The Chinese government has also identified challenges such as durability, thermal management, power consumption, collision detection, and emergency braking for long-duration, high-load tasks.South Korea is also ramping up investments in this area. In August, the government announced plans to invest 2.3 trillion won in fostering a humanoid ecosystem by 2030 and an additional 2.8 trillion won for demonstrations in eight key sectors, including autonomous manufacturing, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, construction, logistics, ports, caregiving, and defense. Furthermore, over 500 demonstrations are scheduled for 2027, with data from various sectors being consolidated into a government-wide integrated library for domestic companies' model training.However, the most critical consideration for South Korea is not the scale of investment but the type of data to be secured in practical demonstrations. The country has already accumulated extensive production experience and process know-how in related fields such as automotive, shipbuilding, semiconductors, batteries, and electronics. If this data, including video, location information, force, torque, and joint movements, can be utilized for training rather than merely confirming the performance of completed robots, it could significantly enhance the value of its manufacturing base.That said, merely increasing the volume of data can lead to limitations in its applicability. Each factory has different equipment and workflows, and companies use various robots and sensors. Even if data is generated from the same task, differences in format and units can hinder its use in other environments or models. While it is impossible to standardize all data into a single format, establishing minimal common standards for what information to record and in what units and structures is essential. It is important to create mechanisms that allow for the use of necessary information while protecting companies' technologies and trade secrets.In the competition for generative AI, computational resources and digital data were crucial. In the next phase, where robots and AI converge, real-world work environments will be the key resource. This shift presents a new opportunity for South Korea, which has a strong manufacturing base. However, China is rapidly expanding robot development and deployment with robust policy support, making it challenging for South Korea to match that pace in the short term. Competing on scale in the same manner is also not realistic for South Korea. Therefore, the country must leverage its strengths in manufacturing to gradually accumulate advanced practical data and refine the process of connecting this data to technological advancements. It is time to build competitiveness not through scale but through the quality of the field and the depth of accumulation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:44:00