Latest by
-
U.S. Airstrikes Destroy Water Storage in Southern Iran, Disrupting Supply for 20,000 Residents Iranian authorities reported that U.S. airstrikes destroyed water storage facilities in southern Iran, temporarily cutting off water supply for 20,000 residents amid extreme heat. On June 10, Iranian state media, including PressTV, announced that the airstrikes targeted water supply in ten villages around Kuhestak and Bemani in Hormozgan Province. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) also reported on social media that desalination plants and water tanks were destroyed. Iranian outlets stated that the two damaged water storage facilities were made of reinforced concrete, with capacities of 2,000 cubic meters and 500 cubic meters, respectively. Approximately 20,000 residents in the affected areas faced water shortages as temperatures soared between 113°F and 122°F. However, local authorities managed to restore water supply about 12 hours after the airstrikes by connecting mobile water tanks to the pipeline. The New York Times cited experts analyzing debris images released by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, suggesting that the remnants likely came from a U.S. precision-guided GBU-39 glide bomb. The report noted a small hole in the roof of one facility, indicating a precision strike, and highlighted that deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime under international law. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) previously stated that it conducted precision strikes on air defense, ground control, and surveillance radar facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. However, CENTCOM did not publicly include water storage facilities among its declared targets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:39:00 -
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Recover After Early Decline Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have rebounded after an early drop in trading. Following a significant decline in U.S. semiconductor stocks, both companies fell more than 5% in pre-market trading but recovered as bargain hunters entered the market after the opening bell. As of 10:30 a.m., Samsung Electronics was trading at 303,500 won, up 1,000 won (0.33%) from the previous session. SK Hynix saw an increase of 6,400 won (3.13%), reaching 2,112,000 won. Earlier, both stocks experienced substantial losses in pre-market trading. At 8:05 a.m., Samsung Electronics was down 5.45% at 286,000 won, while SK Hynix fell 5.76% to 1,930,000 won. The initial decline in investor sentiment was triggered by a sharp drop in U.S. semiconductor stocks. Notably, Nvidia fell 3.73%, while Micron Technology, AMD, and Broadcom saw declines of 4.70%, 4.86%, and 5.12%, respectively. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index also closed down 3.57%. Concerns about the semiconductor sector have spread, leading to a more than 4% drop in the semiconductor ETF, SOXX. However, as the domestic market opened, perceptions of excessive losses prompted bargain buying, resulting in a rebound, particularly among large semiconductor stocks. Meanwhile, according to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI index turned positive around 10:32 a.m., recording 7,740.99. The index had opened down 221.20 points (2.86%) at 7,509.62 but managed to recover all losses during the session.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:39:00 -
KOSPI Declines, Leading to Drop in Securities Stocks; Mirae Asset Securities Falls 8% Securities stocks are experiencing a decline alongside the weak domestic stock market. As of 9:58 a.m. on June 11, Mirae Asset Securities shares were trading at 47,000 won, down 4,200 won (8.20%) from the previous trading day. The stock price fell to around 45,650 won shortly after the market opened, widening its losses. At the same time, Kiwoom Securities was down 12,000 won (3.50%) at 330,500 won. Korea Financial Group saw a decrease of 8,000 won (3.49%), trading at 221,000 won. NH Investment & Securities dropped 950 won (3.11%) to 29,550 won, while Samsung Securities fell 1,700 won (1.52%) to 110,500 won. The overall weakness in securities stocks is attributed to the sluggish performance of the domestic stock market. The KOSPI index continued its downward trend, showing a decline of 80.75 points (1.08%) to 7,647.03 as of 9:58 a.m. The index opened at 7,509.62, down 221.20 points (2.86%) from the previous close. The KOSPI had previously dropped over 4%, leading to a decline in investor sentiment. Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have contributed to increased volatility in the domestic stock market. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported additional strikes on various targets in Iran the previous day. In response, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed his stance to resist any pressure or threats. Market analysts believe that the growing uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East has weakened the appetite for riskier assets. As overall investor sentiment declines, securities stocks are also reflecting this downward trend.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:36:00 -
Red Velvet's Seulgi's Cousin, YouTuber Sookijin, Dies at 30 Sookijin (real name Kang Soo-jin), a YouTuber and cousin of Red Velvet's Seulgi, has reportedly died, shocking fans and followers. According to Sports Kyunghyang on June 11, Sookijin passed away unexpectedly due to an accident. The news was shared through a condolence comment left by someone believed to be a family member, who identified themselves as "Soo-jin's cousin living in the U.S." They expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that I share this sudden news with everyone who has cherished and supported Soo-jin." The commenter added, "Our beloved Soo-jin became a star in the sky on June 7 due to an unexpected accident," and noted that family and friends were with her during her final moments. They also requested that subscribers of Sookijin's YouTube channel send warm condolences and prayers as she embarks on her final journey. Born in 1996, Sookijin was known as the cousin of Red Velvet's Seulgi. Recently, she shared a video of a trip to Jeju Island with Seulgi, which has now added to the sadness surrounding her untimely passing.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:36:00 -
LG CNS, LX Pantos to deploy humanoid robots at logistics hub SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - LG CNS and logistics firm LX Pantos have signed a memorandum of understanding to introduce humanoid and shuttle robots at a major distribution center, as South Korea's IT services industry accelerates its push into physical artificial intelligence. Under the agreement announced Thursday, the two companies will deploy an integrated robot automation system at LX Pantos' MegaWise Cheongna center. The setup envisions shuttle robots retrieving outbound goods from warehouse shelves while wheeled humanoid robots receive and load items onto automated sorting equipment before dispatch. LG CNS will train the robots using LX Pantos' logistics operation data, leveraging its PhysicalWorks Forge platform for robot learning and PhysicalWorks Baton for integrated fleet management. The humanoid hardware will draw on robots built by Dexmate — a Silicon Valley startup LG CNS invested in this past March. Park Sang-kyun, senior vice president and head of LG CNS's telecommunications and distribution services division, said the collaboration was "a proof-of-concept project applying diverse robots and learning and operations platforms to logistics environments," adding the company aims to raise productivity and operational efficiency at the site alongside LX Pantos. The two companies plan to open a tech driven logistics lab — a dedicated demonstration space for the automated workflow — in the second half of this year. They also intend to commercialize logistics robot solutions for external clients once the pilot matures. 2026-06-11 10:33:35 -
Han Byeong-do Calls for National Investigation into Ballot Shortage Han Byeong-do, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, announced on June 11 that a request for a national investigation into the ballot shortage is set to be reported at the upcoming plenary session. He stated, "The Democratic Party will swiftly uncover the truth and hold the Election Commission accountable." During a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly, Han emphasized, "The request for a national investigation into the ballot shortage will be reported at today’s plenary session. Elections are the heart of democracy. Election management must be stricter and fairer than any other administration. The Democratic Party will fulfill its promise to uncover the truth as quickly as possible and hold the Election Commission accountable." He also highlighted the need to comprehensively review the election management system to establish measures to prevent recurrence and reform administrative practices. "We will quickly finalize the schedule for the next plenary session to adopt the national investigation request and launch the special committee for the investigation," he added. Additionally, Han mentioned that the party's newly established 'Task Force for the Protection of Citizens' Voting Rights and System Reform' will continue its active efforts to resolve the situation. "We will reform the entire election system through the task force that was launched alongside the national investigation," Han said. "We aim to design an election management system that meets the expectations of the public and the spirit of the times through the swift operation of the task force." Addressing the ongoing situation, Han urged the People Power Party, which has been criticizing the government over issues like 'fraudulent elections and the abolition of early voting,' to recognize the seriousness of the national investigation. "This investigation is not about political advantage or disadvantage; it is a significant national issue. I ask you to stop attempts to politicize this matter and to work together to find fundamental solutions."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:33:00 -
First Search Warrant Issued in Voting Ballot Shortage Case, Naming Noh Tae-ak as Suspect Police have initiated their first forced investigation into the National Election Commission and local election offices regarding the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. The search warrant reportedly names over ten suspects, including Noh Tae-ak, the former chairman of the Election Commission, and Heo Cheol-hoon, the former secretary general. Starting at 9 a.m. on June 11, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's special investigation team conducted searches at seven locations, including the National Election Commission in Gwacheon, the Seoul Election Commission, and election offices in Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and dereliction of duty. This search is aimed at identifying the causes and accountability for the ballot shortage that occurred during the main voting process on June 3, marking the first forced investigation eight days after the incident. Approximately 100 personnel, including investigators from the special investigation team, members of the National Investigation Agency, and digital forensics experts from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were deployed. About ten members of the joint investigation team, including three prosecutors, also participated in the searches at the National Election Commission and the Seoul Election Commission. The search warrant reportedly names Noh and Heo, along with the chairpersons of various local election commissions, as suspects. Following the elections, both Noh and Heo expressed their intention to resign, taking responsibility for the incident. Subsequently, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae removed Noh from his position, and Heo's dismissal was also processed. The police plan to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage, including the internal reporting and decision-making processes within the Election Commission, as well as the overall response measures. They are also expected to conduct digital forensic work on the materials obtained. A police official stated, "We are focused on securing evidence to uncover the underlying causes of the violation of citizens' voting rights and to reveal the substantive truth of the case," adding, "We will proceed with the investigation swiftly in accordance with legal procedures." On June 3, the day of the local elections, an unprecedented situation arose when voting was halted due to a shortage of ballots at 12 polling places in the Jamsil area of Songpa District, as well as one polling place each in Gangnam and Gwangjin districts. Since the case was assigned, the special investigation team has been interviewing complainants, citizens who were unable to vote, public officials involved in election affairs, and representatives from printing companies. Meanwhile, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced on June 9 that it would establish a joint investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. The team will be led by Kim Tae-hoon, the deputy chief prosecutor, and will consist of 12 prosecutors and 15 police officers, totaling 27 members.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:33:00 -
Gulf States Warn Iran of Increased Isolation Amid Military Tensions As military clashes between the United States and Iran escalate in the Gulf region, countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait have jointly condemned Iran. On June 10, foreign ministers from Gulf states met in Bahrain and issued a statement urging Iran to "immediately and completely cease all attacks targeting Gulf nations and their people." They warned that Iran's continued aggressive posture would lead to greater isolation. Previously, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait in response to U.S. airstrikes. The Bahraini military reported intercepting and shooting down several Iranian missiles and drones, while Kuwait's foreign ministry strongly condemned the attacks. Iran claims that its strikes on U.S. military facilities in the Gulf are a form of self-defense against American airstrikes. They assert that if attacks are made from specific U.S. bases targeting Iran, those facilities will inevitably become targets. Following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter on June 8, the U.S. and Iran have been exchanging retaliatory strikes. The U.S. military reported that it used precision-guided munitions to strike Iranian air defense facilities, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz the day before. While Gulf foreign ministers demanded an end to the attacks, they also left the door open for dialogue. They stated, "If Iran chooses the language of friendship, the door to understanding and cooperation will be open." A Qatari negotiating team, which has been mediating peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, returned from Tehran the previous day without any significant progress.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:33:00 -
LG Electronics and Cesco Join Efforts to Improve Indoor Environments for Vulnerable Households The government is partnering with 17 companies, including LG Electronics and Cesco, to improve indoor environments for 1,000 vulnerable households. They plan to provide eco-friendly wallpaper and air purifiers to 250 households identified as having poor indoor air quality.On June 11, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute announced a memorandum of understanding at Korea Job World with the Community Chest of Korea and the participating companies to enhance indoor environments for those at risk from environmental health issues.Under the agreement, participating companies will donate eco-friendly materials and products, such as wallpaper, flooring, and air purifiers, while the Community Chest of Korea will support tax deductions and promotional efforts for the donated items.This year, LG Electronics and Cesco have joined as new sponsors. Since 2013, the Ministry of Climate has collaborated with businesses and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute to implement indoor environment improvement projects for vulnerable groups. The involvement of companies in home appliances and indoor hygiene management is expected to strengthen support for air quality improvement and hygiene management.The support will target 1,000 households receiving basic living assistance or those in the next lower income bracket with children under 13. Environmental health professionals will visit each home to assess eight indoor air quality factors, including fine dust, ultrafine dust, radon, formaldehyde, mold, and dust mites, and select 250 households in urgent need of environmental improvements for renovation work.Additionally, the Ministry is operating an environmental health voucher program that provides access to products and services, medical expense support, and indoor environment consulting for vulnerable groups affected by environmentally related diseases.Kim Han-seung, the First Deputy Minister of Climate, expressed gratitude to the sponsoring companies for their ongoing donations, stating, "We will continue to work closely with the private sector to strengthen the safety net for environmental health among vulnerable groups." 2026-06-11 10:33:00 -
Kim Yong Criticizes Jeong Cheong-rae's 'Power is Short' Comment Kim Yong, a former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute and a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung, criticized Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, for his statement the previous day that "the people are eternal, and power is short." He described the comment as something that would typically come from the opposition party and called for accountability regarding the results of the June 3 local elections and by-elections. In an appearance on CBS Radio's "Park Seong-tae's News Show" on June 11, Kim stated, "As the leader of the ruling party, this is an inappropriate remark. It is a significant blunder." He added, "To maintain the position of party leader while claiming that power is short is truly contradictory." Kim further remarked, "The statement 'power is short' resembles comments made by opposition leaders or past dissidents rather than a sincere apology to the public." He asserted that the recent elections could be considered a near-total defeat for the party, particularly highlighting that the Democratic Party won 119 local government positions while the People Power Party secured 95. Additionally, Kim noted, "Up until a month before the election, various opinion polls indicated that the public had high expectations for the Democratic Party," emphasizing that the lack of strategy from the leadership was the primary reason for the defeat.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 10:30:00