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SK Group Plans AI Data Center in Japan, Considers Semiconductor Investment SK Group has identified Japan as a key hub for artificial intelligence (AI). The company plans to establish a next-generation data center dedicated to AI and collaborate with NVIDIA to develop AI infrastructure, while also considering potential investments in semiconductor production facilities. On June 10, Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, stated in an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun in Tokyo that the company aims to build an AI-specialized data center, referred to as an "AI factory," by 2028-2029. The AI factory will be a next-generation data center optimized for training and inference of large language models (LLMs). It will combine SK's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) with NVIDIA's graphics processing units (GPUs) to achieve high computational performance while minimizing power consumption. SK plans to first establish its initial AI factory in South Korea by 2027, with Japan selected as the first overseas expansion site. The facility in Japan will be constructed in collaboration with local companies, and specific discussions are already underway, targeting operational readiness by 2028-2029. While the investment scale has not been disclosed, the facility is expected to have a gigawatt (GW) power capacity, comparable to the energy consumption of a major city. SK is currently searching for a suitable site with ample space and reliable power supply. Chey explained, "We expect to support Japanese companies in expanding their AI utilization while showcasing our semiconductor technology as a 'showcase.'" He also mentioned that if additional expansion is necessary, the company may consider building overseas production bases. He praised Japan as a "very excellent candidate" due to the concentration of semiconductor equipment and material companies, indicating that the necessary ecosystem is already in place. Earlier, on June 9, after attending the Nikkei Forum at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Chey shared his views on how to utilize investment returns from Kioxia. He stated, "If we earn money in a region, we should consider ways to grow together with that area. Just as our citizens would not feel positively if foreign companies invest in Korea and take all the profits away, Japan may feel the same way." He emphasized that there are many areas for cooperation between Korea and Japan, particularly in investing in Japan's semiconductor materials and components sector. Chey clarified that regarding Bain Capital's recent addition of 'management participation purpose' in Kioxia's public disclosures, SK's direct management involvement is not possible due to trust structure constraints. He noted, "Kioxia is both an investment company and a competitor in the market, so we must maintain a strict competitive order." However, he added, "While management operates independently, collaboration in other areas is certainly possible." Regarding Kioxia Holdings, with which SK has an indirect investment relationship, Chey expressed a desire to seek various collaborations in talent, research and development, and ecosystem development, even amid competition. He also expressed hope for the smooth construction of the Hokkaido plant by Rapidus, Japan's next-generation semiconductor national project company, and indicated a willingness to cooperate if necessary. Additionally, Chey has been consistently proposing the idea of a "Korea-Japan Economic Community," where both countries can collaborate as a single economic zone. He argued that amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions, private companies in Korea and Japan can create an environment conducive to cooperation through regulatory easing and joint procurement, leading to mutual growth for both nations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:51:00 -
U.S. Seizes 13 Domains Linked to Chinese Espionage Efforts U.S. federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains suspected of being used by Chinese intelligence agencies for information-gathering activities. On June 10, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of these domains linked to fake consulting firms created to extract information from current and former U.S. government and military officials. The Justice Department explained that these fraudulent firms posed as consultants or analysts to approach applicants, demanding access to proprietary or internal information. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves stated, "This seizure sends a clear message that any attempts to exploit trusted Americans who have access to our nation's most sensitive information will be uncovered and dismantled." This action came just a week after the intelligence-sharing alliance known as the Five Eyes—comprising the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—issued a joint warning regarding China's information-gathering activities. The Five Eyes had previously warned that China was using online job platforms to target individuals in government, military, and intelligence sectors, attempting to obtain confidential information by posing as private sector or think tank representatives. China has denied these allegations. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington stated, "The so-called claims of a 'Chinese espionage threat' are completely fabricated and malicious slander. China strongly condemns this." This is not the first time there have been suspicions that Chinese intelligence agencies are attempting to recruit U.S. and Western officials through fake consulting firms. Reuters reported last year that a similar network of fraudulent consulting firms tried to recruit federal employees who were laid off during the downsizing and restructuring of the Donald Trump administration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:51:00 -
LS Eco Energy Enters Hyundai Rotem Supply Chain, Supplies First Railway Communication Cables LS Eco Energy has entered the supply chain of Hyundai Rotem, marking its first foray into the railway special cable business. On June 11, LS Eco Energy announced that its Vietnamese subsidiary, LSCV, has supplied railway communication cables to Hyundai Rotem for the first time. These cables will be used in hydrogen tram vehicles for the Daejeon and Ulsan urban rail systems.Railway communication cables are essential components that connect control devices and communication systems within trains, transmitting operational data in real time. Given their critical role in railway safety, these cables must meet high standards for quality and durability. In a market characterized by verified supply chains, securing supply performance is seen as a significant competitive advantage.With this supply, LS Eco Energy aims to establish a reference in the railway special cable sector and expand its opportunities to participate in Hyundai Rotem's domestic and international railway projects.The company is also accelerating its transition to a business structure focused on high-value products. This supply is part of a strategy to increase the share of special cables for railway and industrial infrastructure.Particularly, as the Vietnamese government pushes forward with large-scale railway infrastructure projects, including the North-South High-Speed Railway and urban rail systems, LS Eco Energy plans to capitalize on local production facilities like LSCV to capture related demand. The company is committed to strengthening its presence in the Southeast Asian railway market from its base in Vietnam.An LS Eco Energy representative stated, "Entering the Hyundai Rotem supply chain and achieving our first success in the railway special cable market is significant. We will expand our efforts in the global railway infrastructure market in conjunction with overseas projects in K-Rail."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:51:00 -
Democratic Party Pushes for Strengthened Election Commission Powers Amid Controversy Amid ongoing controversy surrounding a shortage of ballots during the June 3 local elections, the National Election Commission (NEC) is facing renewed scrutiny as the Democratic Party's proposed amendment to the National Referendum Act comes back into focus. Recently, various online communities and social media platforms have circulated information about the amendment, which passed through the National Assembly's Administrative Safety and Legislation and Judiciary Committees in February. Notably, the proposed amendment includes provisions that would impose penalties of up to 10 years in prison for spreading false information related to election activities and expands the investigative powers of the NEC. In February, the Democratic Party argued that the amendment was necessary to ensure voting rights for overseas citizens, lower the voting age, and establish early voting, in response to a constitutional ruling requiring legal adjustments. At that time, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik explained that the legislative adjustments were a precautionary measure in anticipation of potential constitutional amendments. However, the People Power Party (PPP) strongly opposed certain provisions included in the amendment. During a party strategy meeting, PPP floor leader Song Eon-seok claimed, "The amendment expands the powers of the NEC and includes measures to suppress public criticism. It could intimidate those who voice concerns or criticisms against the NEC." The PPP specifically highlighted the expanded investigative powers of the NEC, which would allow NEC staff to demand the submission of documents and conduct investigative activities to secure evidence related to election-related crimes. The amendment also includes a provision that would punish acts of spreading false information related to election activities with prison sentences of up to 10 years. In response, PPP lawmakers held a press conference expressing concerns that excessive powers could be granted to the NEC. Conversely, the Democratic Party countered that the PPP had not participated in the committee review process or adequately examined the proposal before raising objections. The controversy has resurfaced in light of various management issues surrounding the NEC. Some internet users expressed surprise that a bill to further strengthen the NEC's powers was being pushed by the Democratic Party, with comments such as, "If there hadn't been any controversy surrounding the NEC, this issue would have gone unnoticed," and, "They claim to be an independent agency while trying to increase their powers. Will they punish everyone who criticizes them? It's astonishing that there are still supporters for this."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:51:00 -
Spear Sees Gains After Expanding Contracts with U.S. Space Launch Companies Spear is experiencing strong gains in early trading following news of expanded contracts with U.S. space launch companies. As of 9:30 a.m. on June 11, Spear's stock was trading at 31,050 won, up 1,400 won (4.72%) from the previous trading day. At one point, the stock surged to 33,450 won, a 12.81% increase. The company announced that it signed a supply contract for special alloys worth 201.6382 million won with a global U.S. aerospace launch firm. This amount represents 21.08% of its consolidated revenue from the previous year. The contract is set to last until February 15, 2027. The contract is conditional, and the name of the partner company has not been disclosed due to a request for confidentiality. Spear noted that it has a track record of similar contracts with the partner over the past three years. Additionally, Spear reported that its cumulative purchase orders from the U.S. global space launch company have exceeded $228 million (approximately 330 billion won) for the first time in over a year. Spear stated, "This exceeds the initial minimum confirmed amount of the 10-year long-term supply contract between the two companies," adding, "As the customer accelerates the production schedule for next-generation launch vehicles, the demand for key materials has increased, leading to a larger order volume."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:45:00 -
Government Funding for '21st Century Great Lady' Sparks Controversy "Sending emails to the members of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee will speed things up. They will raise a fuss during the National Assembly audit. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism will have to face their criticism. Let's send emails regardless of party affiliation." (From a community post) As controversy surrounds the historical inaccuracies in the drama '21st Century Great Lady,' it has come to light that the series received production support from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a government body, prompting calls for the recovery of the funding. On the 21st, various online communities began sharing email addresses of committee members to protest the issue. '21st Century Great Lady' was selected as a final project in KOCCA's 2025 'OTT-Specialized Content Production Support (IP Acquisition)' program. While the exact amount of funding allocated to the project has not been disclosed, long-form dramas can receive up to 2 billion won. The series has received the full amount of funding in two installments. A KOCCA official stated, "After being selected, 70% of the funds were disbursed as an advance, and the remaining 30% was released after a mid-term evaluation. We have received all the funding." However, there is a possibility that the funding could be reclaimed. KOCCA plans to conduct a performance evaluation this month to determine the success of the project. According to Article 55 of KOCCA's Content Support Project Management Regulations, if the evaluation is unsuccessful, the full amount of funding and any accrued interest must be returned within 30 days. A KOCCA official noted, "The evaluation schedule is still undecided," but added, "We are comprehensively reviewing overall measures, including potential recovery of funds." Some critics argue that it is problematic for government funds to have been allocated to a drama that initially sparked controversy over historical distortion. Some community members have filed requests for information disclosure with KOCCA. One user stated, "KOCCA should be required to disclose the evaluation criteria and the assessment details for 'Great Lady.' They need to explain why historical accuracy was not addressed in the evaluation of a historical drama and clarify whether there are regulations regarding compensation or repayment of funds if issues arise in future productions." In response, a KOCCA official stated, "Currently, historical accuracy is not mandatory at the project selection stage," but added, "We are considering measures to strengthen compliance checks, such as making it mandatory to submit plans for consultation or historical verification from the production support application or selection stage." They also emphasized their commitment to preventing similar cases in the future. Meanwhile, in the 11th episode, during the coronation scene, ministers shouted 'cheonsae' instead of 'manse,' and the king wore a crown befitting a vassal state rather than the imperial crown. Viewers criticized this portrayal as inappropriate, even considering the fictional context, as it depicted Joseon royal ceremonies in a manner more suited to a vassal state.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:45:00 -
NHN Appoints Yang Cheol-woong as New CTO to Accelerate AI Native Innovations NHN announced on June 11 that it has appointed Yang Cheol-woong as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The company aims to respond to the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) native transformation and future technological competitiveness by accelerating innovation at the group level. According to NHN, Yang, who holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is a technology expert with over 20 years of experience in internet infrastructure, traffic optimization, networking, security, and cloud computing. He joined NHN Cloud in 2022 and has led security technology research and platform enhancement as the head of the Security Development Lab. As CTO, Yang plans to enhance the organization's execution speed through innovative development utilizing AI. He will also systematize the technology roadmap and research and development direction to boost the group's technological competitiveness. Yang is expected to lead the expansion of AI utilization and technological collaboration across the group while focusing on advancing AI transformation (AX). Given his expertise in cloud security, Yang is anticipated to contribute to building data security infrastructure and establishing a reliable AX environment during the implementation of advanced AI technologies. During a town hall meeting with NHN employees on June 10, Yang identified "speed and direction" as key themes for technology organizations in the AI era. He emphasized that enhancing productivity and execution through AI will make it increasingly important to focus on strategic choices regarding the technology roadmap and business direction. "AI is becoming more than just a tool; it is becoming a colleague we work with," Yang said. "While moving quickly is important, it is equally crucial to move in the right direction. We will connect and create synergies in the group's technological capabilities based on our technology strategy and execution power." NHN has established a C-level leadership structure led by CEO Jeong Woo-jin, along with Yang Cheol-woong as CTO, Ahn Hyun-sik as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hwang Sun-young as Chief Legal Officer (CLO), Lee Seung-chan as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Kim Sang-ho as Chief Gaming Officer (CGO) representing the gaming division. The company plans to strengthen its position as a technology firm by expanding joint research and development based on its leadership structure and enhancing its foundation for future growth. It is expected to create synergies across various business sectors, including gaming, payments, and commerce. An NHN representative stated, "Based on this, we plan to strengthen our mid- to long-term technology strategy to respond to the AX era and solidify our competitiveness and position as a technology company."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:45:00 -
SpaceX debut drains capital from South Korea as KOSPI falls for 2nd day SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI opened about 4 percent lower on Thursday, falling for a second straight session as foreign investors pulled money out ahead of SpaceX's record Nasdaq listing slated for Friday. The index dropped 316.2 points to 7,414.6 within minutes of morning trading, pulling further away from the 8,000 level it had only reclaimed days earlier. Investors see the world's largest-ever IPO acting as a magnet for global capital, drawing money out of markets such as South Korea, where foreign investors have been net sellers for an extended stretch of weeks, and into a debut that offers one of the year's marquee growth stories. Foreigners sold a net 196.0 billion won, while domestic institutions and individuals absorbed the selling, buying 81.2 billion won and 112.5 billion won. The sell-off has hit chipmakers, which are among the most heavily held by foreign investors. SK hynix dropped 4.0 percent to 1,966,000 won ($1,290) and Samsung Electronics fell 4.6 percent to 288,750 won ($190), the most liquid positions in the market and the first to be sold when investors raise cash for a new bet. Declines swamped the board, with 689 stocks falling against 157 gainers. Additionally, two shocks have sharpened the retreat, a hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation reading and the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, but neither fully explains an outflow that began well before this week and now appears to be shifting decisively toward Nasdaq-listed assets. The junior KOSDAQ held up better, slipping 2.9 percent to 923.5, reflecting how concentrated the selling was in the large-cap, foreign-held stocks that are easiest to convert to cash. It was further fueled by a slightly stronger won, which traded at around 1,524 against the dollar, making dollar-denominated assets more attractive for South Korean investors and encouraging a shift of funds toward the listing. But the impact was regional. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 fell 2.0 percent to 62,901.9, while Chinese markets had yet to open after the Shanghai Composite closed slightly lower on Wednesday, leaving South Korea, the most foreign-dependent market in Asia, the most exposed as capital continues to withdraw. Whether the outflow eases once SpaceX begins trading or deepens into a broader retreat from Seoul is now the question hanging over the market. 2026-06-11 09:43:16 -
Samsung Expands 'Bespoke AI Steam' Lineup, Accelerating Robot Vacuum Popularity Samsung Electronics is accelerating the popularization of K-robot vacuums with the launch of a standard model of its 'Bespoke AI Steam' series, which combines premium performance with practicality.On June 11, the company announced that it has expanded consumer options for the 'Bespoke AI Steam' series by introducing this standard model, following the earlier releases of the 'Bespoke AI Steam Ultra' and 'Bespoke AI Steam Plus' earlier this year.The new standard model retains the core features of the 'Bespoke AI Steam' series while offering a more affordable price.Specifically, it includes features that consumers prefer, such as the 'Steam Cleaning Station' for hygienic management of mops through high-temperature washing, steam sterilization, and hot air drying; the 'Easy Pass Wheel' that can overcome single thresholds up to 45mm in height; and the 'Pop Out Combo' function for wall-adjacent cleaning with an extended brush and mop.The new product is equipped with Samsung's security solution, Knox, allowing consumers to use it without concerns about personal data leaks.The 'Bespoke AI Steam' robot vacuum has received the highest security rating of 'Diamond' from UL Solutions, a global certification body, based on Knox technology, officially recognizing the product's security reliability.Meanwhile, the 'Bespoke AI Steam' robot vacuum surpassed 20,000 units sold in May, gaining popularity in the domestic robot vacuum market.Notably, it has been selected as the first robot vacuum option for a large-scale apartment complex with 1,875 units scheduled for sale in July in Bugok-dong, Uiwang City, expanding its reach into the B2B market. Residents who choose the 'Bespoke AI Steam Ultra' model will receive the product along with furniture installation services.Kim Yong-hoon, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, "By launching the standard model of 'Bespoke AI Steam' with competitive pricing and performance, we aim to lead the popularization of K-robot vacuums and further strengthen our market competitiveness."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:42:00 -
Bithumb Launches 'AI Trade Kit' for Easy Trading with AI Bithumb announced on June 11 that it has launched the 'AI Trade Kit' service, allowing users to trade easily through conversations with generative AI such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini.The AI Trade Kit enables users to interact with AI to perform tasks ranging from checking prices to executing actual trades via Bithumb's Open API. Users can make simple inquiries or conditional orders using everyday language, such as "Tell me which stocks are surging" or "Buy one Ethereum at 2 PM," without needing complex coding or procedures.With this kit, users can also build an 'automated trading bot' that responds to the market 24/7. This development allows general investors to create automated trading programs, which were previously considered the domain of professional developers, enabling them to respond to market changes seamlessly.A Bithumb representative stated, "This service is designed to allow general investors without specialized knowledge to utilize generative AI for everything from price checks to automated trading. We will continue to expand the trading environment with a focus on convenience and safety."Meanwhile, Bithumb is concentrating on AI transformation by implementing AI agents for data collection and analysis, report generation, development, and customer service.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-11 09:42:00