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South Korea Aims to Compete in AI Race, Focuses on Talent Development Two recently released statistics have captured attention. One indicates that China's total research and development (R&D) spending has surpassed that of the United States for the first time, while the other reveals that Chinese students ranked first in mathematics and science in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Both indicators suggest that China is preparing for dominance in the AI era, starting from foundational strengths.According to the 'Science and Technology Indicators' report from Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, China's R&D expenditure is projected to reach approximately 847 trillion won in 2024, surpassing the U.S. figure of about 831 trillion won. This marks the first time since the survey began in 1981 that China has taken the lead. Additionally, China’s top ranking in PISA for mathematics and science reflects its strong talent pool.As the world enters an AI competition era, the importance of education in mathematics and science, which underpin AI, is paramount. Choi Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, recently stated, 'In the AI era, mathematicians will earn more than doctors,' emphasizing that a rote memorization and exam-focused education will struggle to keep pace in the AI competition. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, also remarked, 'If I could go back to being 20, I would study physical sciences over software.'Dan Wang, a technology industry analyst in China, contrasts the U.S. as a 'nation of lawyers' with China as a 'nation of engineers.' He notes that while U.S. bureaucrats often come from legal backgrounds, China's leadership is predominantly composed of engineers and technicians. In China, the cultivation of advanced industries is treated as an engineering project rather than mere rhetoric. Although Wang points out some negative side effects of this governance style, it is undeniable that it has propelled China to its current status as an AI powerhouse.In this context, South Korea, which has set a national goal to become one of the 'three AI superpowers,' must reassess its educational landscape. While the country is rapidly investing in infrastructure such as semiconductor and data center projects, questions arise about how well its educational policies align with the ultimate competitive factor: talent development. South Korean students have consistently performed at the top in academic assessments, and the country ranks second globally in R&D spending as a percentage of GDP at 5.13%. However, as South Korea aims to join the ranks of the U.S. and China as an AI superpower, this is not a time for complacency.Amid this, there have been hopeful reports that some semiconductor contract programs have surpassed admission scores of Seoul National University’s natural sciences. This shift has attracted top science students to practical career paths, such as employment with major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, slightly altering the previously dominant trend toward medical school. However, this change is limited to a few prestigious universities and does not yet represent a fundamental shift in the broader engineering education landscape.The goal of becoming one of the 'three AI superpowers' cannot be achieved through infrastructure investment alone. Unlike building semiconductor factories, talent cannot be produced on a short timeline. The ongoing global competition for AI talent is even more intense than the AI semiconductor race. Therefore, a consistent educational framework must be redesigned across all levels, from elementary to graduate school, to cultivate AI talent. This involves understanding AI through the lens of mathematics, science, and engineering, and fostering individuals who can create new technologies grounded in human values and ethics. This is the true starting point for AI education. 2026-09-10 14:36:00 -
Nongshim's new ad with Aespa draws 100 million views on YouTube SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Nongshim's latest global ad for its flagship Shin Ramyun, featuring K-pop girl group Aespa, has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube in just two weeks, the instant noodle giant said on Thursday. Released late last month, the ad reached the milestone in just two weeks, twice as fast as the first ad also featuring the quartet, which was released in November last year and took about a month to surpass 100 million views, reflecting the growing global popularity of the instant noodle brand. The ad connects the brand's signature spicy flavor with everyday moments of happiness, showing Aespa members enjoying the noodles in their daily lives. "Available in multiple languages, the ad is intended to help consumers around the world enjoy the taste of the noodles in a more familiar way," said a Nongshim spokesman. First launched in 1986, Shin Ramyun has generated more than 20 trillion won (US$14.4 billion) in cumulative sales, with 42.5 billion units sold worldwide. The product, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, is now available in more than 100 countries. AJP Takeaways - Nongshim's latest global Shin Ramyun ad featuring K-pop girl group Aespa surpassed 100 million YouTube views within two weeks of its release in late August 2026. - The latest Aespa campaign reached 100 million views about twice as fast as the first Shin Ramyun ad featuring the group, which took about a month after its November 2025 release. - Shin Ramyun, launched in 1986, has sold 42.5 billion units worldwide and generated more than 20 trillion won (US$14.4 billion) in cumulative sales, with the brand now available in more than 100 countries. 2026-09-10 14:33:00 -
Cosmecca Korea to Invest 200 Billion Won in Cheongju for K-Beauty Production Hub Cosmecca Korea will invest 200 billion won in the Ochang Science Industrial Complex in Cheongju, South Korea, to establish a production hub supporting the global expansion of K-beauty.On September 10, Cosmecca Korea announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Chungcheong Province and Cheongju City to establish a new cosmetics manufacturing facility. Key figures at the signing ceremony included Cosmecca Korea Chairman Jo Im-rae and North Chungcheong Governor Shin Yong-han.Under the agreement, Cosmecca Korea plans to invest a total of 200 billion won from 2026 to 2030 to expand its skincare production infrastructure and enhance manufacturing competitiveness.The new facility will be built on a 50,174.3 square meter (approximately 15,177 pyeong) site in the Ochang Science Industrial Complex in Cheongju's Heungdeok District. Cosmecca Korea aims to construct a skincare factory with a total floor area of 58,862.83 square meters (approximately 17,806 pyeong) to increase production capacity and establish a stable supply base for global business expansion.Notably, the new factory will be developed as a hub for 'intelligent manufacturing innovation' that goes beyond digital transformation (DX) to incorporate artificial intelligence (AX). Construction is set to begin this month, with the first phase of operations targeted for 2027, and production facilities will be gradually expanded by 2030. This process is expected to create around 500 new jobs.Chairman Jo Im-rae stated, "With the investment in the Ochang Science Industrial Complex, we have secured a production base for global market expansion. We will enhance AI-based manufacturing innovation and increase talent recruitment while growing together with the local community."Meanwhile, Cosmecca Korea reported growth in both revenue and profitability in the second quarter of this year, driven by increased exports of K-derma skincare products and the acquisition of new clients. Consolidated revenue reached 226.1 billion won, and operating profit was 32.1 billion won, marking increases of 39.8% and 39.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 14:32:10
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SK hynix revises bonus deal, raises cash portion to 50% SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - SK hynix and its labor union have reached a revised tentative wage agreement that increases the cash portion of employee performance bonuses, following the rejection of an earlier deal by union members. Under the revised agreement, 50 percent of the company's profit-sharing bonus, or PS, will be paid in cash and 50 percent in shares, compared with a 40-60 split under the previous proposal, said a company official. Of the total PS, 80 percent will be paid in the year following the performance period, consisting of 50 percent in cash and 30 percent in shares. The remaining 20 percent will be deferred and paid in shares over the following two years, with 10 percent distributed each year. The revision comes after union members narrowly rejected the previous tentative agreement last month. The proposal was voted down by just 25 votes, with 50.08 percent opposing the deal and 49.92 percent supporting it. The earlier agreement had drawn concerns among employees over the increased use of stock-based compensation, as the value of shares can fluctuate before they are received. Under the revised plan, employees who prefer a higher proportion of stock will be able to increase the share-based portion from the default 50 percent to as much as 100 percent in 10-percentage-point increments. The company also agreed to bring forward the remaining 20 percent of PS based on last year's performance that had originally been scheduled for deferred payment over the next two years. SK hynix and the union have been renegotiating details of the compensation structure since the first tentative agreement was rejected. Union members are scheduled to vote on the revised agreement on Sept. 15 and 16. If approved, the vote will finalize the wage agreement, the SK hynix official said. AJP Takeaways - SK hynix revised its tentative bonus deal to increase the cash portion of PS to 50 percent from 40 percent, while cutting the stock portion to 50 percent from 60 percent. - Under the basic structure, 80 percent will be paid upfront — 50 percent in cash and 30 percent in shares — while 20 percent will be deferred over two years. - Union members will vote on the revised agreement on Sept. 15-16 after narrowly rejecting the previous proposal by 25 votes. 2026-09-10 14:32:05 -
Coupang Supports Online Transition for Traditional Markets with Consulting and Meal Kits Coupang is taking steps to enhance the online sales capabilities of traditional markets.Coupang and Coupang Eats announced on September 10 that they will launch the 'Digital Jump-Up Program for Traditional Markets' starting with the Yukgeori General Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. They plan to expand support to other regional traditional markets, including Geoje, by the first half of next year.The program will focus on online sales strategy consulting, industry-academic collaboration, and meal kit production. Future initiatives will include support for packaging materials and the operation of online promotional events.For merchants lacking experience with Coupang Eats, the program will provide training for onboarding, as well as assistance with menu and product photography. Considering the demographics of traditional markets, which often include many elderly merchants, support will continue even after onboarding to help with online sales operations.Collaboration with local universities will also be utilized. University students will propose marketing strategies and new customer acquisition methods from the perspective of consumers in their 20s. Efforts will also be made to identify unique menu items for each market and develop them into meal kit products.Previously, Coupang implemented a similar support program at the Cheongnyangni Market in Seoul. Following online sales strategy consulting, collaboration with Kyung Hee University's College of Hotel and Tourism, meal kit product development, and packaging support, merchants participating in the Cheongnyangni Market saw their Coupang Eats sales increase by approximately 40% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.Coupang Eats is also expanding online promotions targeting traditional markets. During a promotional event held in August at the Sokcho Tourism Fish Market, sales for participating stores increased by 87% compared to the same period the previous month. Some stores reported weekly sales increases of up to 220%, according to the company.Jang Young-cheol, Executive Director of Coupang's Social Contribution Division, stated, “We will support traditional market merchants to establish stable online sales channels and achieve sustainable growth, taking into account the unique characteristics of each local market.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 14:32:00
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Korea doubles disability care target, invoking 'Peter Pan' father SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - South Korea will double state-funded daytime care for adults with developmental disabilities to 30,000 by 2030, in a plan the health ministry closed by invoking a father who died searching for a home for his autistic son. Jeon Gyeong-chul, who for 26 years raised a severely autistic son he called Peter Pan after the boy who never grew up, died on Sept. 5 at 63. Given about six months to live in April last year, he spent most of what remained looking for somewhere his son could go. Roughly 1,000 residential facilities turned them away. His account of that search, published as an essay and retold on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," one of the country's most widely watched talk shows, in an episode that peaked at 7.1 percent of Seoul-area households. His son, 27, whose developmental age is about two, now lives in a community village for the most severely affected. Jeon spent his final months setting up a foundation for autistic adults. The Ministry of Health and Welfare laid out the plan on Thursday with seven other ministries at the Government Complex in Seoul, bundling 50 measures for people whose care needs outlast their parents. About 288,000 people had intellectual or autism spectrum disabilities at the end of last year, 11.0 percent of all registered disabled people, and adults account for 69.5 percent of them. The government expects 335,000 by 2030. "Next year's related budget across ministries has been reflected at about 2.8 trillion won ($2.1 billion), a 15.9 percent increase," said Jeong Eun-kyeong, the health minister, who promised yearly funding as the population grows. Integrated care for the most severely affected will reach 2,760 people next year from 2,340 this year, and emergency care providers will grow to five from two. Round the clock one-to-one support, confined to weekdays, will stretch into weekends. "We will remember the life and the will of the late Jeon Gyeong-chul," Jeong said, pledging a society where people with developmental disabilities can live safely once their parents are gone. AJP Takeaways - South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, joined by seven other ministries, announced a developmental disability care plan on Sept. 10, 2026, that recasts lifelong care as a state responsibility rather than a family one. - Daytime activity services for adults with developmental disabilities will expand to 20,000 people in 2027 and 30,000 by 2030 from 15,000 now, while integrated care for the most severe cases rises to 2,760 from 2,340. - About 288,000 people in South Korea had a developmental disability at the end of 2025, or 11.0 percent of registered disabled people, and the government projects 335,000 by 2030. 2026-09-10 14:28:47 -
Ice Cream Edu Shares Surge Following Major Shareholder's Buyout Announcement Shares of Ice Cream Edu have surged after its largest shareholder, Sigong Tech, announced a public buyout offer at 1,200 won per share. The buyout price is more than 30% higher than the previous day's closing price, attracting significant buying interest. However, concerns about potential delisting remain due to ongoing issues that led to the company's designation as a management issue.As of 1:47 PM on September 10, Ice Cream Edu's stock was trading at 1,130 won, up 212 won (23.09%) from the previous trading day. The stock opened at 1,125 won and briefly reached a high of 1,168 won during the session.The surge in stock price is attributed to the filing of a public buyout report by Sigong Tech the previous day, which prompted increased buying activity. Sigong Tech announced it would buy up to 3.6 million shares of Ice Cream Edu at 1,200 won each, a 30.72% premium over the previous closing price of 918 won.The buyout targets 3.6 million shares, representing 25.82% of the total issued shares. The buyout period runs from today until September 29. Sigong Tech currently holds 3,983,857 shares of Ice Cream Edu, equating to a 28.57% stake.Sigong Tech explained that the purpose of the buyout is to provide all shareholders with an opportunity to recover their investments under more favorable conditions than the current market environment, as the company's management performance has not been adequately reflected in market evaluations. Additionally, it aims to strengthen responsible management by acquiring more shares of Ice Cream Edu and establishing a foundation for consistent long-term management strategies.Previously, Ice Cream Edu was designated as a management issue on August 4 due to its market capitalization falling below 20 billion won. On August 13, the designation was further justified as the stock price continued to remain below the threshold.With the stock price recovering above the 1,000 won mark today, concerns about delisting have not been alleviated. If Ice Cream Edu fails to resolve the issues leading to its management designation within the specified period, delisting procedures may be initiated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 14:28:10
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National Gyeongju Museum to Re-excavate Seokchim Tomb After 117 Years National Gyeongju Museum announced on September 10 that it will re-excavate the Seokchim Tomb (石枕塚), a Silla stone chamber tomb first investigated by the Japanese in 1909.The name Seokchim Tomb comes from the discovery of a 'seokchim' (石枕, stone pillow) inside the tomb. The 1909 investigation confirmed the existence of the stone chamber, a corpse bed (屍床), and the stone pillow, but the techniques and recording methods of that time were limited. No formal excavation report was published.This new excavation will not only employ traditional excavation methods but also actively utilize scientific analysis techniques that have significantly advanced since Korea's liberation. The research conducted by Japanese scholars at that time lacked sufficient methods and documentation compared to today. Moreover, it was conducted in a historical context where ancient Korean culture was interpreted through a colonial lens.During the 1909 investigation, the focus was primarily on artifacts within the tomb, neglecting important aspects of modern archaeology such as the construction process of the burial mound, the relationship between the stone chamber and the mound, the structure of the tomb path (墓道) and surrounding stones (護石), and traces of rituals performed at the tomb. The National Gyeongju Museum plans to meticulously compare existing records with actual remains to uncover traces that were either overlooked or not documented by the Japanese researchers in 1909.In particular, the museum aims to reassess the structure and construction methods of the stone chamber, as well as the characteristics of burial facilities such as the corpse bed and stone pillow. They will analyze artifacts and burial traces that were not collected to determine when, for whom, and how the Seokchim Tomb was constructed. Alongside this re-excavation, the museum will also investigate and research artifacts excavated in 1909 that are currently housed at the University of Tokyo in Japan. It is known that artifacts from the Seokchim Tomb were taken to Japan by researcher Seiichi Yatsui and donated to institutions like the University of Tokyo.The Seokchim Tomb is located in the Seoak-dong tomb complex, a key area for Silla studies that includes the large tomb of King Muyeol. However, despite its significance, systematic excavations have been insufficient since liberation, making it difficult to clarify the dating and characteristics of the Seoak-dong tomb complex and the relationships between the individual tombs.The museum stated, "This excavation is the first step in filling these research gaps," adding, "We hope it will provide foundational data for a new understanding of the historical significance of the Seoak-dong tomb complex and the transition of burial practices from stone mound tombs (積石木槨墳) to stone chamber tombs in Silla."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 14:28:10
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Government Reintroduces Debt Relief for Small Business Owners Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles The government has reintroduced debt adjustment measures for small business owners and self-employed individuals who have struggled to repay loans taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative targets long-term overdue debts that originated before June 2023 and remain unpaid. From 2020 to 2023, personal business loans amounted to 358.7 trillion won, with an outstanding balance of 154.7 trillion won, or 43.1%. The proportion of loans overdue by more than three months stands at 6.3 trillion won, representing 4.1% of the unpaid balance.The COVID-19 pandemic dealt an unprecedented blow to self-employed individuals. Government-imposed business restrictions and social distancing measures led to a significant drop in sales, forcing many small business owners to rely on loans to cover rent and labor costs. Expecting individuals to bear sole responsibility for debts that became unmanageable due to these circumstances is not a realistic solution. Ignoring long-term defaulters who have lost their ability to repay not only increases collection costs for financial institutions but also raises welfare and social costs. This is why a structured debt adjustment system is necessary to facilitate a return to normal economic activity.Since October of last year, the government has been implementing a program through the New Leap Fund to purchase long-term overdue debts of up to 50 million won that have persisted for over seven years, with the option to write off debts for those unable to repay.While the intention to provide a second chance to struggling self-employed individuals is understandable, the challenge lies in determining the criteria for assistance. If the distinction between those who can repay their debts and those who genuinely cannot is not clearly made, debt adjustment could quickly devolve into a controversial debt forgiveness program. If the principle of debt relief is applied indiscriminately, it could undermine the very credit order of our society, fostering a misguided expectation that “if you default and hold out, the government will eventually resolve it.”The most significant issue is equity among diligent repayers. Many self-employed individuals have tightened their belts to repay both principal and interest despite declining sales, while others have liquidated their businesses and used their deposits to settle debts. If policies repeatedly reduce the principal owed by defaulters, how can we justify this to those who have been responsible in their repayments? The moment diligent debtors feel they are at a disadvantage, the foundational principles of credit and trust in finance are compromised.The government is aware of these issues. The existing New Leap Fund is designed to assess repayment capacity before deciding on debt write-offs, and the New Start Fund also evaluates income and assets to support borrowers lacking repayment ability. Recently, the government has included virtual assets and unlisted stocks in asset assessments and is strengthening investigations into fraudulent activities, such as intentionally reducing assets or filing false reports. This indicates that the government is seriously considering the potential for moral hazard.Therefore, before expanding support, it is crucial to establish stringent assessment mechanisms. Stricter criteria should be applied for those who repeatedly seek debt adjustments. The focus should not only be on debt forgiveness but also on providing support for business closures, career transitions, and re-establishment to prevent falling back into the cycle of debt.Compensation for diligent repayers must also be implemented. The government has announced plans to expand incentives, such as lowering interest rates and guarantee fees for small business owners and SMEs who have consistently repaid their debts. These measures need to be more aggressively expanded. If there are no benefits for those who have repaid their debts and support is concentrated solely on defaulters, the sustainability of the policy will be jeopardized. Eliminating the perception that responsible individuals are at a disadvantage is essential for gaining social consensus on debt adjustment policies.Finance ultimately operates on promises and trust. Helping society recover from unavoidable failures is entirely different from the state erasing debts that should be repaid. Support should be precisely targeted at those in urgent need, assessments must be strict, and diligent repayers should be clearly favored. The moment government debt adjustments are perceived as a system that erases debts for those who simply endure, the credibility of the policy and the financial order will collapse. 2026-09-10 14:28:00
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Celltrion's Omilclo Sales Surge in Europe, Capturing 90% Market Share in Spain Celltrion's biosimilar omalizumab, branded as Omilclo, is making significant strides in the European market, now available in 26 countries. As of July, it is estimated to hold over 90% market share in Spain, with sales in Italy also exceeding initial business targets.On September 10, Celltrion announced its participation in the '2026 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Conference' held in Barcelona from September 5 to 9, aimed at expanding Omilclo's presence in key European markets. The ERS is the largest respiratory conference in Europe, attracting around 20,000 healthcare professionals and researchers annually to share the latest research findings and treatment strategies.Following the launch of Omilclo in Europe at the end of last year, Celltrion accelerated its market expansion by introducing a 300mg formulation in August. At the conference, the company showcased Omilclo's competitive advantages under the theme 'Similar, but Different' at its independent booth.Omilclo is available in various dosages, including 75mg, 150mg, and 300mg, and offers multiple delivery devices such as pre-filled syringes (PFS) and auto-injectors (AI), providing flexibility based on patient conditions and administration settings. The product's storage stability, convenience, latex-free composition, and reliable supply capabilities were also highlighted as key competitive strengths.A Celltrion representative stated, "Based on the initial successes observed in key markets like Spain and Italy, we plan to expand participation in country-specific tenders and strengthen connections with healthcare institutions and professionals. This will enable us to implement sales and marketing strategies tailored to the characteristics of each market and spread Omilclo's success across Europe."On the second day of the conference, an 'Expert Insights' event focused on the clinical significance of omalizumab treatment and its practical applications in healthcare settings. Renowned asthma expert Professor Roland Bull from Mainz University in Germany participated as a speaker, sharing insights on the clinical utility and long-term safety of omalizumab in allergic asthma patients, as well as the role of biosimilars in treating respiratory diseases and future trends.Celltrion aims to convert the interest generated among healthcare professionals at the ERS into increased prescriptions and sales by enhancing academic, sales, and marketing activities tailored to each country's market environment. The company plans to continue its existing sales efforts focused on tendering institutions while expanding its network with healthcare institutions and professionals that influence product purchases and prescriptions.Additionally, Celltrion is launching an open innovation program in collaboration with the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) in Japan, aimed at supporting the global market entry of Korean and Japanese biotech startups. This initiative seeks to combine Japan's basic research capabilities with Celltrion's experience in drug development, production, and commercialization to identify promising technologies and achieve tangible business outcomes through joint research and the establishment of next-generation pipelines.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 14:24:00