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  • Samsung Electronics Forms Strategic Partnership with Mistral AI to Develop Specialized AI Models for Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing
    Samsung Electronics Forms Strategic Partnership with Mistral AI to Develop Specialized AI Models for Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing Samsung Electronics has partnered with French artificial intelligence (AI) company Mistral AI to develop a specialized AI model for semiconductor design and manufacturing. This initiative moves away from simply adopting external general-purpose AI, focusing instead on creating a dedicated model that learns from and utilizes Samsung's semiconductor data internally, applying it directly in production.On September 8, Samsung Electronics announced the strategic partnership with Mistral AI. The two companies will combine Samsung's Device Solutions (DS) division's semiconductor technology and manufacturing data with Mistral AI's AI models to jointly develop an optimized model and operational platform for semiconductor tasks.The areas of application include data analysis, defect prediction, and process optimization. Samsung plans to adapt Mistral AI's large language model, Mistral Large, to fit the DS division's data, aiming to shorten design timelines and enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality.A key aspect of this collaboration is the operational approach. The companies will implement an on-premises model, running AI on their own servers and data centers. This allows for the analysis of critical technical data generated during semiconductor design and manufacturing without transferring it to external cloud services, thereby reducing the risk of technology leakage.On the same day, Mistral AI announced it raised €3 billion in a funding round that included Samsung Electronics, valuing the company at €21 billion. This investment marks one of the largest equity raises for a private technology firm in Europe within just three years of its founding, with Samsung participating as a new investor.The collaboration between the two companies will extend across the entire DS division, including memory, foundry, and logic sectors. They plan to build an ecosystem that applies AI from semiconductor design to manufacturing, recognizing that the ability to quickly analyze production data and reflect it back into design and processes is becoming a key competitive advantage as semiconductor processes become more refined and manufacturing variables increase.Mistral AI, founded in 2023 by researchers from Google DeepMind and Meta, focuses on industries with high security requirements, such as finance, manufacturing, and energy, leveraging its technology to operate models internally.Jung Hyun-joon, head of Samsung's DS division, stated, "As the complexity of semiconductor design and manufacturing rapidly increases, the ability to safely and precisely utilize vast amounts of data is emerging as a core competitive advantage. We will build AI models and platforms specialized for the semiconductor industry."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 01:00:21
  • President Yoon Calls for a New 140 Years of Korea-France Relations
    President Yoon Calls for a New 140 Years of Korea-France Relations President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on September 8 that Korea and France have agreed to embark on a "new 140 years" of friendship and trust built over the past 140 years.Following a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, President Yoon outlined six key areas for cooperation: defense and security, economy and industry, advanced industry and science and technology, human exchange and public safety, culture, and international peace and prosperity.He emphasized, "As Korea and France become more deeply connected and broaden the horizons of cooperation, the lives of our citizens will become richer, and future generations will have more opportunities."Below is the full text of President Yoon's joint press statement with France.Dear President Macron and the people of France,I sincerely thank you for warmly welcoming me and our delegation to this historic Élysée Palace, where the history of the French Republic lives on.France is a key nation in the G7, EU, and NATO, leading Europe in economy, advanced science and technology, strategic industries, and security. It is also a representative soft power country that has long inspired the lives of people around the world through culture, art, thought, and language.The year 2026 marks a special milestone as it is the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.In April, President Macron's first visit to Korea since taking office, and the first state visit by a French president in 11 years, elevated our bilateral relationship to a "global strategic partnership" for the first time in 22 years, opening a new chapter in Korea-France relations.I am honored to be making a state visit to France as the President of Korea just five months later.During our meeting today, President Macron and I had in-depth discussions on six areas of cooperation to further solidify our "global strategic partnership" based on shared values and capabilities.First, we agreed to make substantial progress in defense and security cooperation to jointly respond to uncertainties in the international order.In April, President Macron began his state visit at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan. I also paid my respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe as the first event of my state visit to France today. This symbolizes our commitment to firmly uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and peace that our two nations have jointly protected.We will also refine our institutional framework for information exchange by signing the amended protocol of the Military Secret Information Protection Agreement, which was concluded during our April summit.We agreed to expedite negotiations to conclude a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement to enhance the stability and efficiency of military cooperation between our two countries.Next week, the joint air force exercise "Pegasus" will take place in Seoul, and the mutual port calls of our navies scheduled for the second half of this year will serve as examples of increased mutual understanding and operational capability between our militaries, demonstrating our closer strategic cooperation.As a leading defense industry nation in Europe, France has participated in various projects to enhance the capabilities of the Korean military. Korean companies are also expanding next-generation technology cooperation with leading French defense firms like Airbus.We will actively explore mutually beneficial cooperation projects based on France's accumulated technological expertise and Korea's competitive manufacturing capabilities.Second, we aim to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation with a goal of achieving $20 billion in trade by 2030.During this visit, a Korea-France Business Roundtable involving over 20 companies from both nations will be held to seek new cooperation and investment opportunities in advanced technology and future industries.Two memorandums of understanding in the fields of industrial competitiveness enhancement and intellectual property cooperation will support the advancement of economic cooperation and joint growth between our countries.Additionally, the cooperation agreements signed between KOTRA and Business France will significantly contribute to strengthening comprehensive support systems for companies entering each other's markets.President Macron and I also candidly discussed the challenges faced by our companies on the ground. We will continue to work closely to ensure that businesses in both countries can operate in a stable and predictable environment and create more opportunities in each other's markets.Third, we agreed to specify cooperation in advanced industries and science and technology, which are core pillars of our collaboration, connecting them to industries and markets in areas such as AI, quantum, space, nuclear, and biotechnology.Following the signing of a letter of intent for cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technology in April, we have now signed memorandums of understanding that include specific cooperation plans such as expanding mutual market access for startups and joint R&D between companies and research institutions.Furthermore, based on the achievements of our joint research and practical cooperation accumulated through the Korea-France Space Forum, which has been ongoing for ten years, we have signed an agreement to promote cooperation in the space industry to expand collaboration in the private space industry ecosystem.We also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the nuclear field.We will further develop the comprehensive nuclear cooperation agreed upon with France in April by signing additional cooperation documents in nuclear research and development and fuel supply, enhancing collaboration in the development of next-generation reactors and diversifying supply chains in the long term.Based on the agreement made with President Macron in April, we will also establish a high-level dialogue channel for civilian nuclear cooperation.Additionally, three memorandums of understanding between the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and French research institutions and companies are expected to promote joint research in developing next-generation technologies that enrich the lives of future generations, such as eco-friendly materials, climate-resilient crops, and new drugs utilizing quantum computing, while also expanding opportunities for our biotech companies to enter the European market.Fourth, on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations, we agreed to expand exchanges and opportunities for our citizens, especially future generations, and to strengthen efforts to ensure public safety.The amendment of the air transport agreement between our two countries, which was signed in 1974, has finally been completed after more than ten years of negotiations since 2016, allowing for smoother travel for our citizens and businesses.By introducing fair competition clauses, we will enhance consumer rights in both countries, expand routes between the two regions through code-sharing, and modernize regulations to include provisions for expanding long-distance air networks, strengthening mutual support in case of emergencies, and ensuring environmentally friendly operations.This will provide our citizens with more stable and expanded air services when traveling between our two countries.In April, President Macron and I signed an amendment to expand participation in the working holiday program between our two countries, which will take effect on October 1. I believe this will open wider doors of opportunity for our youth, as President Macron mentioned.Additionally, under the memorandum of understanding signed in April for the exchange of language assistant teachers, Korean assistant teachers will be sent to France starting in October. I hope such opportunities will gradually expand, allowing our future generations to come closer to and understand each other's languages and cultures.We also signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation between leading universities in the field of science and technology. As the President has already explained, this will enhance exchanges and joint research between our young researchers and the Paris-Saclay University, which has produced twelve Fields Medal winners, and allow them to participate directly in research activities in each other's university laboratories, thereby activating the network among the next generation of researchers from both countries.We have also strengthened cooperation for the safety of our citizens. Based on the security cooperation agreement to be signed between our police forces, we will work together to respond more effectively to transnational crime and ensure that our citizens can enjoy safer daily lives.Furthermore, we agreed to enhance consular cooperation between our two countries to promote human, economic, and cultural exchanges between our citizens, and to support the smooth settlement of our citizens, including students, businesspeople, and artists who stay long-term, through information sessions on residence permits and the establishment of ongoing consultation channels.Fifth, we will deepen cultural cooperation between our two countries to contribute to the development of international creative industries and enhance international cooperation.In April, President Macron invited me to co-chair the "Lumière Summit," and I accepted without hesitation. Thank you.Yesterday, in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, our two countries agreed to a €1 billion Lumière Partnership to promote the development and globalization of the film industry.The "Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation" signed between our cultural ministries last May has also been newly established to include training talent in the film industry and activating joint investments, thereby laying the groundwork for combining the strengths of our creative industries and expanding opportunities for K-content in Europe. I sincerely appreciate your consideration.As France has led the emergence and growth of the film industry, and Korea has gained global attention for its unique storytelling and outstanding production capabilities, I look forward to our two countries joining hands to usher in a new golden age of cinema, often referred to as the "seventh art."Sixth, we agreed to further expand our close cooperation as a joint effort for peace and prosperity in the international community.I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year's G7 summit at President Macron's invitation, where I was able to contribute to discussions on building new partnerships, restoring international solidarity, and achieving balanced, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.Korea will continue to responsibly contribute to solving common challenges facing our international community through cooperation with the G7.In April, I expressed Korea's commitment to contributing to the stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting led by France and the UK.Korea and France will continue to work closely to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the prompt recovery of global supply chain stability.France is playing a central role in mobilizing European capabilities to end the war in Ukraine and restore peace. Korea has also supported Ukraine in various fields. Our two countries pledge to continue working with the international community for the swift restoration and reconstruction of peace in Ukraine.Dear President Macron, you have shown unwavering support and willingness to cooperate on our policies regarding the Korean Peninsula. On behalf of the people of Korea, I thank you for your special attention.In a time when security in Northeast Asia and Europe is more closely interconnected than ever, our two countries have agreed to continue working closely for peace and stability in the international community, including the Korean Peninsula.Today, in Paris, just five months after our meeting in Seoul, we have prepared for a new 140 years based on the deep friendship and trust built over the past 140 years.As Korea and France become more deeply connected and broaden the horizons of cooperation, the lives of our citizens will become richer, and future generations will gain more opportunities and hope. Furthermore, I believe our capacity to address common challenges facing the international community and contribute to global peace and prosperity will also grow.Once again, I sincerely thank President Macron and the people of France for the warm hospitality shown during this visit. Merci beaucoup!* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 00:20:20
  • Korean Basketball Aims for Joint Gold at 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
    Korean Basketball Aims for Joint Gold at 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Korean basketball is set to pursue a joint gold medal for both men and women at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming for a feat not achieved in 12 years. The men's team, which finished with the lowest ranking in its history at the last tournament, seeks to restore its honor, while the women's team, facing key player absences, aims to secure a medal to uphold its pride.Basketball is the first event to take place in this tournament. The men's team, led by head coach Nikolajs Mazulis, will begin the group stage on the 10th and compete in the finals on the 20th, the day after the opening ceremony on the 19th. The women's team, under coach Park Soo-ho, will start its group stage on the 17th and play in the finals on the 26th.Korea has won a total of four gold medals in men's basketball (1970, 1982, 2002, 2014) and four in women's basketball (1978, 1990, 1994, 2014) at the Asian Games. The 2014 Incheon Games marked the first and only time both teams achieved gold simultaneously. In total, Korea ranks second in gold medals combined, following China, which has eight in men's and seven in women's basketball.However, the men's team is coming off a disappointing performance at the last tournament. In the 2023 Hangzhou Games, they recorded their lowest finish ever, ending up in seventh place after losing to China in the quarterfinals. This broke a streak of medals that included a silver in 2010, gold in 2014, and bronze in 2018.The current team is coached by Mazulis, a Latvian who took over at the end of last year, marking the first time a foreign coach has led Korean basketball. The team's performance has yet to meet expectations, with a record of four wins and six losses, falling below a 50% win rate. In recent exhibition games in Japan, they suffered defeats by margins of 20 and 29 points.In addition, the roster is stretched thin. MVP winner Ahn Young-jun (Seoul SK) and 'homegrown big man' Ha Yoon-ki (Suwon KT) are unable to participate due to injuries, and the absence of naturalized players leaves the team at a height disadvantage.There are signs of potential improvement. On August 31, Korea defeated Saudi Arabia 85-72 in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asia qualifiers. They followed this with victories over the Philippines in two exhibition games, winning 81-55 and 69-42, marking a three-game winning streak.Expectations are high for ace Lee Hyun-jung, who has averaged 14 points and 12.7 rebounds in the last three games (against Saudi Arabia and the Philippines). He scored a team-high 25 points in the game against Saudi Arabia and recorded 15 rebounds in both exhibition games against the Philippines.Korea is placed in Group A and will face Saudi Arabia on the 10th, Indonesia on the 11th, and host nation Japan on the 13th. A key point of interest will be whether they can avenge their previous loss to Japan.The women's team has never missed a medal at the Asian Games. They first claimed gold at the 1978 Bangkok Games and followed with golds in 1990 Beijing, 1994 Hiroshima, and 2014 Incheon. They won silver as a unified team in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games and bronze at the last Hangzhou Games.Heading into this tournament, the women's team faces some challenges. They lost both exhibition games against Japan on August 13-14, suffering an 18-point defeat in the first game and narrowly losing the second by one point after leading for much of the match.Injuries have also taken a toll. Key guard Park Ji-hyun, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, is unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. The participation of 'national treasure' center Park Ji-soo (Cheongju KB), who is recovering from an ankle injury, remains uncertain.The women's team is currently competing in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany and will travel to Japan after completing their schedule. In the group stage, they will compete in Group C against Taiwan, Malaysia, and Mongolia for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. 2026-09-09 00:04:00
  • U-23 South Korean Mens Soccer Team Aims for Fourth Consecutive Gold at Asian Games
    U-23 South Korean Men's Soccer Team Aims for Fourth Consecutive Gold at Asian Games The U-23 South Korean men's soccer team, led by coach Lee Min-sung, is set to pursue its fourth consecutive gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Meanwhile, the women's team, under coach Shin Sang-woo, aims to surpass its best-ever performance of bronze and capture its first gold medal.Soccer matches will commence before the official opening ceremony on September 19. The women's team will play Myanmar on September 14, followed by the men's team facing Qatar on September 15 in their group stage opener.The men's tournament features 15 countries divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. South Korea's Group D consists of three teams, including Qatar, and they will also face Saudi Arabia on September 22. With only two matches determining their advancement, a single mistake could jeopardize their entire campaign.Winning a gold medal at the Asian Games comes with military service benefits, prompting South Korea to consistently field its strongest squad. As a result, the team achieved a perfect record in the 2014 Incheon Games, winning all seven matches without conceding a goal, and continued its success with gold medals in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and the 2023 Hangzhou Games.However, the path to a historic fourth consecutive title is not without challenges. Questions have arisen regarding coach Lee's leadership, as the U-23 team has recorded only eight wins, four draws, and seven losses in 19 matches since his appointment. In the AFC U-23 Asian Cup earlier this year, the team lost 1-0 to Japan in the semifinals, and then fell to Vietnam in the third-place match after a penalty shootout.Concerns also linger about the team's overall strength. The absence of standout players like Son Heung-min (LAFC), Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid), and Lee Seung-woo (Jeonbuk Hyundai) has led to a perception of diminished impact. Among the final 23-player roster, nine players are based in Europe. The three wild card spots are filled by Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), and Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon FC), while Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), who is not subject to age restrictions, also joins the squad.Before the training camp at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, which began on September 1, coach Lee stated, "For just over a year, we have been steadily working towards the Asian Games. The journey to this point has not been easy, but that time has been a great tonic. We must treat every match as a final. I will do my best to ensure we perform well from the group stage and aim for a gold medal, as this is a tournament where we must strive for that goal."The women's soccer team, which will kick off a day earlier, is also targeting its first-ever gold medal at the Asian Games.Since women's soccer became an official event at the 1990 Beijing Games, South Korea has reached the finals nine times but has never made it to the championship match. The team's best results have been three consecutive bronze medals in 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang. In the previous Hangzhou Games, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after a 4-1 loss to North Korea.The competition is fierce. In the past nine tournaments, gold medals have been shared among China, North Korea, and Japan, each winning three times. Defending champion Japan, benefiting from home advantage, is again considered the strongest contender for the title.South Korea is determined to break through and claim its first gold medal, aiming to surpass Japan, China, and North Korea. Coach Shin expressed optimism before the final training camp on September 7 at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, saying, "The women's team has previously won bronze medals at the Asian Games. This time, our major goal is to reach the finals and change the color of our medal. You can expect us to aim for victory."The women's tournament will feature 12 countries divided into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. South Korea, in Group F, will face Myanmar, followed by matches against Bangladesh on September 17 and North Korea on September 21. 2026-09-09 00:00:20
  • President Yoon Sets $20 Billion Trade Goal with France by 2030
    President Yoon Sets $20 Billion Trade Goal with France by 2030 President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced plans to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation with France, aiming for bilateral trade to reach $20 billion (approximately 26.84 trillion won) by 2030. This initiative includes signing a protocol to amend the military information protection agreement and detailing cooperation in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology.During a joint press conference following a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on September 8, Yoon stated, "We discussed six areas of cooperation to further develop our 'global strategic partnership' based on shared values and capabilities."This year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which were elevated to a 'global strategic partnership' during Macron's state visit to South Korea in April. Yoon's visit comes five months after that summit.The two leaders agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation in response to uncertainties in the international order. They signed the protocol to amend the military information protection agreement, establishing a framework for improved information exchange between the two nations.They also agreed to expedite negotiations for a mutual logistics support agreement to enhance the stability and efficiency of military cooperation. Joint military exercises, including the upcoming 'Pegasus' training in Seoul and mutual port calls by naval forces later this year, are planned to improve military understanding and interoperability.Yoon began his state visit by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, expressing a commitment to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and peace that both nations cherish.In the economic sector, a Korea-France business roundtable involving over 20 companies will explore cooperation and investment opportunities in advanced technology and future industries.The two countries also signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to enhance industrial competitiveness and intellectual property cooperation. Through a cooperation document between the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and Business France, they aim to strengthen comprehensive support for companies entering each other's markets. The leaders agreed to maintain close communication to address challenges faced by businesses and create a stable and predictable business environment.Plans are underway to connect cooperation in advanced industries and scientific technology, including AI, quantum, space, nuclear, and biotechnology, to industry and markets. Based on the intention to cooperate in AI, semiconductors, and quantum technology established in April, they signed an MOU to support mutual market access for startups and joint research and development between companies and research institutions.Building on the achievements of the Korea-France Space Forum, which has been ongoing for a decade, they established an implementation agreement to expand cooperation in the private space industry ecosystem. In the nuclear sector, additional documents for research and development and fuel supply cooperation were signed to promote the development of next-generation reactors and diversify long-term supply chains. The leaders also agreed to establish a high-level dialogue channel for private nuclear cooperation.The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and French research institutions and companies signed three MOUs related to eco-friendly materials, climate-resilient crops, and drug development using quantum computing. This aims to promote joint research and expand opportunities for Korean biotech companies in the European market.To enhance exchanges between the peoples and future generations of both countries, the aviation agreement signed in 1974 was amended for the first time in 52 years. The new agreement includes provisions for fair competition, code-sharing, expansion of medium- and long-haul air networks, mutual support in case of emergencies, and environmentally friendly operation requirements.The revised working holiday agreement signed in April will take effect on October 1. Starting in October, South Korea will send language assistant teachers to France as a pilot program. Exchanges and joint research between Paris-Saclay University and Korean young researchers will be expanded, and a security cooperation agreement between the two countries' police will facilitate joint responses to transnational crime.In the cultural sector, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in the film and video industry through the €1 billion 'Lumière Partnership' established the previous day in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The cultural ministries of both nations also signed a cultural cooperation intention document to enhance training for film industry talent and promote joint investments, strengthening the foundation for K-content's entry into Europe.Yoon expressed hope that France, which has led the emergence and growth of the film industry, and Korea, known for its unique storytelling and outstanding production capabilities, will join hands to usher in a new golden age for cinema, the 'seventh art.'The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation on international issues. They will work closely to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global supply chains. They will participate in international efforts to end the war in Ukraine and restore peace and reconstruction, while continuing to cooperate for peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the international community.Yoon emphasized, "Based on the deep friendship and trust built over the past 140 years, we have agreed to open a new chapter for the next 140 years. As Korea and France become more closely connected and the horizons of cooperation expand, the lives of our citizens will become richer, and future generations will have more opportunities."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 23:52:00
  • Defense Ministry Sends Team to Assess Situation in Hormuz, Returning This Week
    Defense Ministry Sends Team to Assess Situation in Hormuz, Returning This Week The Defense Ministry has dispatched a team to the Middle East to assess the situation ahead of a potential deployment to the Hormuz Strait, as requested by the United States. According to Yonhap News Agency on September 8, the assessment team left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the weekend to evaluate the operational conditions of local deployed forces. The team is expected to return as early as this week. Upon their return, the findings of the assessment team will be reported to the National Security Council (NSC). A Defense Ministry official stated, "We sent the assessment team to understand the local situation in Hormuz," adding, "The dispatch is to gauge the regional situation and security conditions, and this investigation is not a precondition for an actual deployment." The official further noted, "No decisions have been made regarding deployment." While it is true that the assessment team was sent to assist in making a judgment about deployment, it does not mean that a decision has been made regarding the Hormuz deployment. Regarding reports that the U.S. has requested a deployment deadline of November, the official clarified, "It is not true that the U.S. has set a deadline for the deployment of our assets to the Hormuz Strait." Earlier, a media outlet reported that the U.S. Department of Defense has pressured the South Korean government to finalize deployment decisions, including the forces to be sent and their missions and scale, by November at the latest. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 21:44:20
  • Defense Ministry: U.S. Did Not Set Deadline for Troop Deployment to Hormuz
    Defense Ministry: U.S. Did Not Set Deadline for Troop Deployment to Hormuz The Defense Ministry stated on September 8 that reports claiming the United States set a deadline of November for the deployment of South Korean troops to the Hormuz Strait are false. The ministry clarified, "It is not true that the U.S. requested a deadline for the deployment of our assets to the Hormuz Strait." This statement comes in response to reports suggesting that the U.S. had proposed a November deadline and that the ministry was sending a team to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assess local operational conditions. However, the Defense Ministry acknowledged the dispatch of a local investigation team but drew a line against interpreting it as a preliminary step for troop deployment. The ministry stated, "We have sent a local investigation team to understand the situation in Hormuz. The purpose of this team is to assess the regional situation and safety conditions, and this investigation is not a precondition for actual troop deployment." The ministry emphasized, "There are no established matters regarding troop deployment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 21:32:10
  • Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Meets Former Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, Emphasizes Trust Between Nations
    Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Meets Former Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, Emphasizes Trust Between Nations Han Seung-soo, the Prime Minister of South Korea, met with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on September 8, emphasizing the need to continue fostering positive relations between the two countries based on mutual trust among their citizens.During their meeting at the Government Seoul Building, Han and Ishiba discussed the current state of Korea-Japan relations and potential avenues for cooperation.Han praised Ishiba for laying the groundwork for improved relations during his tenure, particularly through the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of the two nations. She urged Ishiba to continue contributing to the development of Korea-Japan relations, drawing on his experience and insights in diplomacy and security.Both sides acknowledged the increasing necessity for cooperation between South Korea and Japan in light of rapidly changing international circumstances, discussing mutual interests in security, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.They positively assessed the discussions on issues such as low birth rates, aging populations, and suicide prevention, which have been ongoing through the 'Common Social Issues Consultative Body' established during Ishiba's administration. They also agreed to expand cooperation in areas that can bring tangible changes to citizens, including future industries like artificial intelligence (AI).Ishiba stressed the importance of confronting historical issues as a foundation for strengthening Korea-Japan cooperation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 21:24:00
  • KIAs Kim Do-young Hits 40 Home Runs This Season, First Domestic Player Since 2018
    KIA's Kim Do-young Hits 40 Home Runs This Season, First Domestic Player Since 2018 Professional baseball player Kim Do-young of the KIA Tigers has achieved 40 home runs this season. On September 8, during a game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Lions Park, Kim hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, bringing the score to 1-4. Leading off the inning, Kim targeted the first pitch fastball from Samsung's second pitcher, Satoshi Miyamori, sending it soaring over the left field fence. Having hit his 39th home run against the Lotte Giants on August 26, Kim reached this milestone after just seven games. This marks the first time in his career that he has hit 40 home runs in a single season. While he missed the record for the youngest player to reach 40 home runs in the KBO League, held by Lee Seung-yeop (Yomiuri Giants coach), this home run allowed him to set several other records. Kim became only the second player in KIA history to hit 40 home runs, following Tracy Sanders in 1999, and he is the first domestic player to achieve this feat. In the KBO League overall, he is the first domestic player to reach 40 home runs since 2018, when Kim Jae-hwan (Doosan Bears) hit 44, Park Byung-ho (Nexen Heroes) hit 42, and Han Yoo-seom (SK Wyverns) hit 41. Leading the league in home runs, Kim's latest home run increased his lead over LG Twins' Austin Dean, who has 36 home runs, to four.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 20:56:00
  • Mirae Assets GlobalX Japan Launches Korean Semiconductor ETF in Japan
    Mirae Asset's GlobalX Japan Launches Korean Semiconductor ETF in Japan Mirae Asset's GlobalX, a subsidiary of Mirae Asset Management, is set to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Japan that focuses on investments in South Korean semiconductor companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. According to Yonhap News and the Japan Exchange Group (JPX), the 'GlobalX Korean Semiconductor Top 10 ETF' managed by GlobalX Japan is scheduled to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on September 9. Approved by the Tokyo Stock Exchange on August 20, this ETF tracks the yen-denominated index of the 'FnGuide Semiconductor TOP10 Index,' which comprises ten South Korean semiconductor firms. The ETF will distribute dividends twice a year, with a trust fee of approximately 0.4775% annually. It allocates 25% each to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, totaling 50%, while the remaining 50% is invested in the top eight companies involved in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials. This ETF is designed to provide exposure to the entire South Korean semiconductor value chain, including major memory semiconductor stocks and key material, component, and equipment firms. The launch is driven by increasing global investor interest in South Korean semiconductor companies, fueled by the growing demand for memory semiconductors, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM), due to the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. GlobalX Japan noted that as of the second quarter of this year, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix together held approximately 65% of the global DRAM market share, and their combined share in the HBM market reached about 79%. GlobalX Japan was established as a joint venture between GlobalX, an American ETF management firm acquired by Mirae Asset Management in 2018, and Japan's Daiwa Securities Group. Currently, GlobalX holds a 50% stake, while Daiwa Asset Management and Daiwa Securities Group own 40% and 10%, respectively.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 20:40:00