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Seoul spy agency says Trump-Kim summit possible at any time SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s intelligence agency said Tuesday that a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could take place at any time, pointing to signs that the two sides may be moving toward renewed dialogue. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment during a closed-door meeting of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, according to lawmakers Yoon Kun-young of the ruling Democratic Party and Yoo Young-ha of the People Power Party. “We should view a U.S.-North Korea summit as possible at any time,” Yoon quoted the NIS as saying. The agency said it had not confirmed any concrete contact between Washington and Pyongyang but had seen “signs of dialogue.” The assessment comes as Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in meeting Kim again and emphasized his personal relationship with the North Korean leader. Asked about President Lee Jae Myung’s proposal in his Aug. 15 Liberation Day speech for talks among the parties concerned to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, the NIS said it had no contacts with North Korea related to the proposal, according to Yoon. The intelligence agency also told lawmakers that it had obtained and was analyzing internal documents from North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party as well as missile design documents. Separately, the NIS said North Korea has expanded its Reconnaissance General Bureau, the country’s main military intelligence organization, to strengthen counterintelligence capabilities and better process operational intelligence from the war in Ukraine. The agency said Ri Chang-ho, head of the bureau, has been given an additional role related to handling intelligence gathered from North Korea’s overseas military operations. Ri, a colonel general equivalent to a three-star general in South Korea, was seen leading a contingent of overseas-deployed troops during a military parade marking the ninth congress of the Workers’ Party in February. AJP Takeaways · South Korea’s NIS says a Trump-Kim summit could happen at any time, citing signs of renewed U.S.-North Korea dialogue. · The spy agency says it has not confirmed direct contact between Washington and Pyongyang but sees indications that talks may be possible. · The NIS also says North Korea is strengthening counterintelligence and expanding its military intelligence structure amid lessons from the war in Ukraine. 2026-09-01 15:14:41 -
U.S. EV plants may lay "golden eggs" for Korean battery makers SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - South Korea's battery industry, groomed to build on the EV boom, is hurriedly moving to ride a new power "golden goose" — data centers — anchored in the United States' drive to catch up with China in AI infrastructure. "Let data reign," U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed Monday. "The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor," Trump wrote on Truth Social amid community opposition to power-hungry data centers. "If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame," he added. "China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement." Washington has now made the infrastructure supporting that expansion a security asset, moving to screen foreign-made storage equipment from the U.S. grid. That gives South Korean battery makers an unusually strong opening. LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On are among a relatively small group of non-Chinese producers combining global manufacturing scale, increasingly competitive lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, technology and, crucially, factories already operating in the United States. Those plants were largely built for an EV market that has lost momentum, leaving production capacity that can be redirected toward stationary storage just as AI data centers drive a surge in electricity demand. The U.S. factories also give Korean suppliers a potential advantage over Chinese rivals as Washington tightens scrutiny of foreign-made batteries and other equipment connected to critical power infrastructure. Trump signed Executive Order 14420 on Aug. 26, declaring a national emergency over the foreign supply of bulk-power equipment and naming battery energy storage systems, grid-connected inverters and transformers among the covered goods. Such equipment could carry "digital backdoors built into their systems" that would allow a foreign country to access them remotely, the order said, citing the mounting strain that data centers, artificial intelligence and defense production are placing on America's electricity supply. The administration intends to restrict new purchases of suspect foreign-made transformers, storage batteries, inverters and grid control systems and establish procedures for replacing equipment already installed. The direction poses a particular challenge for China, whose suppliers dominate the global LFP storage-cell market largely on cost. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted last year, also ties access to storage investment tax credits to reducing content linked to prohibited foreign entities, adding another incentive for U.S. developers to diversify their supply chains. "The U.S. government sees batteries for AI data centers and military drones as a core national security industry and will widen its support for critical mineral and battery supply chains," said Kim Hyun-soo, an analyst at Hana Securities. "Korean battery makers with U.S. production bases are expected to benefit." Their advantage is particularly significant because the pivot comes just as the market Korean battery makers originally built those factories to serve has slowed. Global electric-vehicle sales reached 11.5 million units in the first seven months of this year, up 4 percent from a year earlier, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. North American sales fell 18 percent over the same period to 900,000 units, while China slipped 12 percent, leaving Europe as the only major market still expanding. Energy storage is moving in the opposite direction. SNE Research expects global demand for ESS batteries to expand from about 353 gigawatt-hours in 2024 to around 1,870 GWh in 2035, driven by renewable-energy deployment, grid stabilization and increasingly the enormous electricity requirements of AI data centers. For Korean battery makers, that creates a rare convergence: weaker EV demand is freeing capacity just as U.S. energy storage demand accelerates and Washington is making Chinese dependence increasingly difficult. EV plants find a second life SK On moved quickly. The company signed a contract with U.S.-based NeoVolta Power on Aug. 27, a day after Trump's executive order, covering 9 GWh of LFP pouch cells to be supplied between 2027 and 2031. The cells will be produced at SK On's Georgia plant and are worth about 1.5 trillion won ($1.09 billion) by industry estimates, equivalent to nearly half of the company's 20 GWh ESS order target for the year. LG Energy Solution entered this year with about 140 GWh of cumulative storage orders and booked more than 3 trillion won in new contracts during the first half, led by a 6 GWh deal with Michigan utility DTE Energy. The company said Monday it had also signed a 10-year binding offtake agreement with Smackover Lithium for 8,000 metric tons a year of battery-grade lithium carbonate from an Arkansas project. "By bringing both battery production and sourcing to the U.S., we will deliver competitive and sustainable products to our customers driving the global energy storage and EV markets," said Lee Kang-yeol, procurement center leader at LG Energy Solution. The local sourcing adds another layer to the company's positioning as Washington increasingly scrutinizes not only where batteries are manufactured but where their critical materials originate. LG Energy Solution has already accelerated the shift in its business mix. ESS accounted for about 10 percent of revenue last year but rose to 25 percent in the first half. The company is targeting 35 percent by December. Its Lansing, Michigan, plant began full operations in August as the company's seventh North American production site, putting more than 50 GWh of LFP capacity within reach by year-end. Samsung SDI is making a similar move. After signing U.S. ESS contracts worth more than 2 trillion won in December and about 1.5 trillion won in March, the company is converting part of its StarPlus Energy joint venture plant in Indiana and plans to begin LFP production there in the fourth quarter. The Korean companies therefore enter the storage boom with something difficult to replicate quickly: large battery plants already sitting on U.S. soil that can be repurposed from EV production toward ESS. Investors price in the pivot Investors have already begun pricing in the shift. Samsung SDI shares surged 48.13 percent in August and LG Energy Solution gained 19.62 percent, while SK Innovation, SK On's parent, rose 16.2 percent. The benchmark KOSPI increased 8.9 percent over the same period. Domestic demand could provide another outlet. The Korea Power Exchange is weighing a third centrally contracted storage auction that industry officials say could exceed 1 gigawatt, compared with about 560 megawatts in each of the first two rounds. Most capacity in the earlier auctions was awarded in South Jeolla Province. But the United States remains the bigger prize. AI data-center construction is creating enormous demand for generation, transmission and storage infrastructure just as Washington is seeking greater control over the equipment connected to the grid. For LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On, that convergence provides a new home for capacity built during the EV investment boom while placing them among the few large-scale alternatives available as the United States tries to reduce Chinese exposure in critical power infrastructure. The next test comes from the U.S. Energy Department. Rules due Dec. 24 will define covered foreign entities, establish licensing procedures and set pre-qualified vendor lists that could ultimately determine which suppliers clear Washington's security screen. For Korean battery makers, the details will determine how far an EV-era manufacturing buildout can be turned into an advantage in the AI power race. AJP Takeaways • South Korean battery makers stand to benefit from tighter U.S. scrutiny of foreign grid equipment because LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On already operate large-scale battery manufacturing bases in the United States. • Slowing EV demand is freeing capacity that Korean producers can convert to LFP energy-storage batteries just as AI data centers drive rapidly rising demand for electricity and grid storage. • Global ESS battery demand is projected to expand from about 353 GWh in 2024 to around 1,870 GWh in 2035, while Korean battery makers are already securing multibillion-dollar U.S. storage orders. • U.S. Energy Department rules due Dec. 24 will define how the new foreign-supplier restrictions are implemented and could further shape competition between Korean and Chinese battery makers in the U.S. ESS market. 2026-09-01 15:13:36 -
Kwak Jae-sun Appointed Chairman of KG Mobility Platform, Aims to Lead Future Mobility Kwak Jae-sun has been appointed as the chairman of KG Mobility Platform. He plans to enhance the company's capabilities in new car manufacturing, finance, rental services, and certified used cars to strengthen its competitiveness in future mobility.KG Group announced on September 1 that it held an inauguration ceremony for Kwak Jae-sun at the Harmony Hall in KG Tower, located in Jung-gu, Seoul, officially declaring a new leap toward becoming a sustainable mobility company.The event was attended by Kwak, the CEO of KG Mobility Platform, key executives, branch managers from the metropolitan area, and representatives from major subsidiaries of KG Group.In his inaugural speech, Kwak proposed the core vision for KG Mobility Platform as being a 'sustainable company' and a 'company that enriches the world.'Kwak stated, "We must make KG Mobility Platform a sustainable company that can survive and grow on its own. Furthermore, let us become a company that enriches the world through the services and values we provide." He added, "I hope all employees will unite as one on this journey to build a healthy and strong company."With Kwak's appointment, KG Mobility Platform plans to strengthen its connections with mobility businesses within the group and create differentiated new values centered on customer needs.Initially, the company will organically link its capabilities in new car manufacturing, finance, rental services, and certified used cars. This aims to establish a differentiated integrated mobility ecosystem that encompasses the entire customer lifecycle from vehicle purchase and use to management and resale.KG Group's strategy is to enhance connections between mobility businesses based on the expertise and competitiveness of its subsidiaries, expanding customer convenience and choice while creating new business opportunities and revenue sources to lead the future mobility market.The company also plans to expand its overseas operations. Beyond exporting used cars, it aims to gradually establish a platform business model that allows for vehicle acquisition and sales in local markets, thereby strengthening its global competitiveness.KG Mobility Platform operates K Car, the largest direct-operated used car dealership in the country. K Car has expanded its business scope through a direct purchase, diagnosis, and management system, offering online purchasing services called 'My Car Purchase Home Service,' a used car quality assurance service known as 'K Car Warranty,' and a 'Safe Direct Transaction' service that supports peer-to-peer transactions.K Car Rental offers long-term rental products for both new and used cars. The used car rental service provides a wide range of options tailored to customer demand, from nearly new vehicles to competitively priced options.KG Mobility Platform plans to combine its used car distribution and digital platform capabilities with KG Mobility's expertise in the automotive industry and customer engagement.The two companies will gradually explore collaborative models that enhance customer convenience and choice throughout the entire process of vehicle purchase, use, management, and sale while maintaining their unique strengths and independence.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:12:00 -
1,150 Certified Public Accountants Pass Exam This Year, Pass Rate Drops to 26.3% 올해 공인회계사(CPA) 시험 최종 합격자가 1150명으로 확정됐다. 제2차시험 응시자는 지난해보다 늘었지만 합격자는 줄면서 합격률은 26.3%로 전년보다 1.6%포인트 하락했다. 금융위원회와 금융감독원은 1일 2026년도 제61회 공인회계사 제2차시험 응시자 4368명 가운데 1150명을 최종 합격자로 결정했다고 밝혔다. 올해 응시자는 지난해보다 60명 늘었지만 합격자는 50명 감소했다. 이에 따라 합격률은 지난해 27.9%에서 올해 26.3%로 낮아졌다. 올해 합격자 수는 당초 정한 최소선발예정인원과 동일하다. 최고득점자는 평균 80.8점을 받은 현우진씨(25·서울대 재학)였으며, 최연소 합격자는 조성우씨(20·서울대 재학)로 나타났다. 합격자 가운데 지난해 제1차시험 합격자인 유예생이 959명으로 전체의 83.4%를 차지했다. 평균 연령은 27.1세였고, 남성은 58.9%, 여성은 41.1%였다. 응시자의 전 과목 평균점수는 57.4점으로 전년보다 0.1점 하락했다. 올해도 1000명 넘는 신규 합격자가 배출되면서 최근 회계업계의 현안으로 떠오른 '미지정 회계사' 문제도 주목받고 있다. 공인회계사 시험에 합격한 뒤 실제 업무를 수행하려면 최소 1년의 실무수습을 거쳐야 하지만, 수습처를 구하지 못해 등록하지 못하는 합격자가 발생하고 있어서다. 금융당국은 지난 5월 미지정 회계사 문제를 해결하기 위한 '공인회계사 수습 안정화 방안'을 발표했다. 이에 따라 최근 개정된 '공인회계사 실무수습기관 지정고시'는 기존 수습기관 외에 헌법기관, 공공기관, 지방공기업, 공익법인, 공제조합 등으로 실무수습기관을 확대했다. 또 장기간 수습처를 구하지 못한 미지정 회계사가 한국공인회계사회에 신청할 경우 수습처를 배정하는 방안도 한시적으로 운영된다. 다만 업계에서는 수습기관 확대와 미지정자 배정만으로 문제를 근본적으로 해결하기 어렵다는 지적도 나온다. 금융당국도 최근 미지정 회계사 문제를 선발 단계에서 완화하기 위해 공인회계사 최소선발예정인원을 매년 정하는 대신 중장기 계획으로 제시하는 방안을 검토하고 있다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:12:00
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Death Toll from Nepal Floods Rises to 987, Total Exceeds 1,000 Including China The death toll from last week's devastating floods in Nepal has risen to 987. This brings the combined fatalities from the floods and landslides in both Nepal and Tibet, China, to over 1,000.According to reports from CNN and The Washington Post citing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as of this morning, the number of confirmed deaths in Nepal has increased by 48 from the previous day's count of 939. Meanwhile, the number of missing persons stands at 3,916, which includes 583 foreigners, a decrease of nine from the earlier figure of 3,925.Chinese authorities have reported that 16 people have died and 546 others, including 261 foreigners, are missing due to landslides in the Tibet region near the Nepal border.Thus far, the total death toll from the floods and landslides in Nepal and China has reached 1,003, with 4,462 individuals reported missing. Among the missing are nine South Korean workers who were employed at a local hydropower construction site.In response, Nepalese authorities are intensifying rescue operations. A joint rapid response team from our government is set to conduct aerial searches alongside the Nepalese military, as confirmed by a Foreign Ministry official. Additionally, a 44-member overseas emergency relief team (KDRT) is scheduled to be dispatched today.So far, Nepalese authorities have reported rescuing a total of 11,814 individuals.This disaster was triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas along the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, which caused debris flows to surge into river basins in the border region. The resulting landslides led to significant human and material losses, including the collapse of border checkpoints between China and Nepal. The Nepalese government estimates that recovery costs from the floods could reach between $4 billion and $5 billion, a sum that approaches 10% of the country's total economic output. 2026-09-01 15:04:20
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Singer Hwang Young-woong Surpasses 150 Million Views on YouTube Singer Hwang Young-woong continues to enjoy soaring popularity.According to YouTube statistics as of August 29, Hwang Young-woong's official YouTube channel, 'Hwang Young-woong Tv,' has accumulated approximately 151.58 million views. The channel has around 110,000 subscribers and features 107 videos.'Hwang Young-woong Tv' surpassed 100 million views on June 18, 2022, adding about 51.58 million views over the past 14 months.The channel has also seen a recent surge in viewership. According to TubeMon, the channel's cumulative views increased from approximately 148.49 million on August 9 to over 150 million on August 22, reaching 151.58 million by August 28. This marks an increase of about 3.09 million views in just 20 days.Recent content on the channel reflects a trend of offline fan meetings being transformed into YouTube content. Starting with 'Hwang Young-woong Fan Meeting: Touching High Touch' on August 6, followed by performances of 'Morri' on August 13, 'In the Rain' on August 20, and 'The Man in the Yellow Shirt' on August 27.These videos are not clips cut from broadcast programs but rather performances and on-site content specifically released for Hwang Young-woong's official channel.The fan meetings began in Ulsan in April, and Hwang Young-woong has since met with fans in 14 regions across the country, concluding a three-month nationwide tour in Daegu and Gyeongbuk in July.Hwang Young-woong gained attention as a strong contender on MBN's 'Burning Trotman' in 2023 but left the program following past assault controversies. He has since released a mini-album titled 'Autumn, Nostalgia' and a full album 'On Your Side,' continuing his activities with a nationwide concert tour.Unlike the continuous supply of appearances on TV entertainment programs or music shows, 'Hwang Young-woong Tv' has shifted to focus on behind-the-scenes concert footage, fan meetings, and live performances, establishing itself as a key platform connecting Hwang Young-woong with his fanbase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:04:10
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2027 Budget Proposal Increases by 5.4 Trillion Won to 39.7 Trillion Won, Establishes Sovereign Fund and Strategic Export Financing Fund The Ministry of Finance has proposed a budget for next year totaling 39.7 trillion won, an increase of 5.4 trillion won from this year. The plan includes the establishment of a strategic investment account within the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and a new strategic export financing fund to support large-scale, long-term export projects.On September 1, the Ministry announced the details of the '2027 Budget and Fund Management Plan,' which reflects a 15.7% increase over this year's main budget.Breaking down the budget, 16 trillion won is allocated for the general budget, while 38.1 trillion won is designated for funds. The Public Fund Management Fund accounts for the majority at 35 trillion won, with the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) at 19 trillion won and the National Property Management Fund at 12 trillion won.The government plans to enhance the KIC's role as a sovereign fund by adding a strategic investment account. This account will focus on long-term investments in strategic industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, while also attracting foreign sovereign funds to invest domestically.The budget proposal includes a cash contribution of 500 billion won to the strategic sovereign fund. The Ministry's project budget for the Future Response Fund totals 950 billion won, including the strategic sovereign fund.To strengthen financial support for large-scale, long-term strategic export projects, the government is pushing for the establishment of the strategic export financing fund. This initiative aims to secure future growth drivers and enhance the overseas bidding competitiveness of domestic companies by utilizing the sovereign fund and export financing.In response to supply chain uncertainties due to conflicts in the Middle East, the investment resources allocated for this purpose will increase from 10 billion won this year to 200 billion won next year, a twenty-fold increase. These funds will be used to establish domestic and international production bases for key supply chain items that are difficult to attract private investment due to low profitability or long payback periods.The EDCF will also launch the 'K-AI Package' project, starting with the construction of an AI and digital technology training center in Tanzania, valued at $170 million. This initiative aims to support the digital transformation of developing countries while expanding opportunities for domestic AI companies to enter foreign markets.The budget for the government-wide super innovation economy project will increase from 2.7 trillion won this year to 3.6 trillion won next year, a 33.5% rise. The focus will be on securing core technologies and expanding support for demonstration and commercialization to accelerate the outcomes of 15 major projects.Funding for key materials and components in future industries, such as next-generation power semiconductors and graphene, will rise from 113.8 billion won to 161.5 billion won. In the climate, energy, and future response sectors, 1.7 trillion won will be allocated, an increase of 602.2 billion won from this year.Funding related to 'K-Boom Up' initiatives, including K-content and K-food, will expand from 1.45 trillion won to 1.65 trillion won. The budget for new projects in the super innovation economy, such as sensors and actuators for physical AI and secondary batteries for humanoids, will increase from 11.6 billion won to 62 billion won.Additionally, a new project worth 20 billion won will be initiated to build insurance infrastructure for advanced technology products and services, as well as an export and bidding information system. The budget proposal will be submitted to the National Assembly on the 3rd and will undergo review by the standing committee and the special committee on budget and accounts before final approval.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:04:10
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[[2027 Budget]] National Data Agency Allocates 421.7 Billion Won for AI and Data Governance The National Data Agency has proposed a budget of 421.7 billion won for 2027, aimed at providing accessible data for citizens and supporting national policy initiatives. The agency plans to establish a comprehensive government data governance framework and enhance the stable production and service of national statistics. On September 1, the agency announced that the proposed budget reflects a reduction of 35 billion won (7.7%) compared to this year. However, when excluding the cost of the five-year economic census (65.9 billion won), the budget actually represents an increase of 30.9 billion won (7.9%) from the previous year. The agency's goals include establishing a government-wide data governance system, building a foundation for data utilization in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring the stable production and service of national statistics. To begin, the agency will focus on establishing data governance to facilitate overall coordination and enhance data utilization. A budget of 400 million won will be allocated for the development of subordinate laws under the National Data Basic Act and the design of a government-wide governance model. Additionally, 200 million won will be used to operate the National Data Committee and public-private consultative bodies and forums. For research on structuring the national data management system and ecosystem, 1 billion won has been earmarked. This initiative aims to assess the current state of national data and develop quality management and classification system strategies to build a data utilization ecosystem. In response to the AI era, the agency will also maximize the value of data utilization. It plans to invest 6.8 billion won to build metadata that allows AI to provide accurate responses based on official statistical databases without hallucinations. Metadata refers to a structured conceptual framework that defines knowledge in specific fields for computer understanding. Furthermore, 1 billion won will be allocated for the establishment of a specialized AI system within the National Data Agency, enabling multi-purpose utilization of AI data quality management systems. To address security threats to public data, the agency will establish an implementation strategy for a national quantum-safe AI homomorphic computing platform, with a planned investment of 1.4 billion won. Finally, to ensure the stable production of national statistics, the agency will enhance its services. Following the completion of this year's economic census, it will implement follow-up measures and conduct a pilot survey worth 900 million won for the upcoming population and housing census and agricultural and fisheries census. Additionally, to reflect changes in the statistical survey population, a concurrent survey for the five-year sample redesign will be conducted, with a budget of 4.6 billion won allocated for this purpose. Ah Hyung-jun, head of the National Data Agency, stated, "Through the 2027 budget, the National Data Agency will lead government data policy and strive to ensure that the government proposal is fully reflected during the upcoming National Assembly review process, providing accurate and timely national statistics and data services that citizens can feel."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:04:00
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Samsung Electronics Unveils 'CUBE' Strategy to Overcome Memory Limits Samsung Electronics has introduced its 'CUBE' strategy, aimed at overcoming memory limitations in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) through three-dimensional structural innovation. The strategy seeks to enhance not only capacity but also data utilization, bandwidth, and power and thermal efficiency. The company is expanding its product lineup to include HBM5, next-generation zHBM, and zNAND-O, which bridges the gap between DRAM and NAND, to strengthen its leadership in AI memory.On September 1, at the Memory Executive Summit during SEMICON Taiwan 2026 in Taipei, Choi Jang-seok, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Memory Business, presented this memory technology strategy. CUBE stands for Capacity, Utilization, Bandwidth, and Efficiency.The core of the strategy is the recognition that the performance demands of AI cannot be met solely by miniaturizing existing planar structures, thus necessitating the active use of three-dimensional designs. Choi stated, "We will increase memory capacity by expanding vertically without being limited by PCB area, thus avoiding the need to increase board size."Utilization of each layer is becoming increasingly important beyond simple stacking. Choi emphasized, "3D is not just about stacking; how each layer is utilized is key. Samsung is optimizing the placement of logic and memory to eliminate data processing delays."The speed of data movement, which influences AI computational performance, is also a key aspect of the CUBE strategy. Choi noted, "By drastically shortening the distance between dies, we can create vertical highways that significantly improve bandwidth." This approach aims to reduce the distance data must travel by connecting chips vertically, thereby increasing throughput.Power consumption and heat generation are also critical challenges. As the computational load of AI systems increases, so does the power required to move data. Choi remarked, "The ultimate goal of 3D is to reduce the energy needed to move a single bit of data, maximizing performance per watt by enhancing structural efficiency."Samsung plans to apply this strategy to its next-generation HBM products. The HBM5 currently under development aims to double the performance of HBM4E, with a 20% improvement in performance per watt and a 20% reduction in thermal resistance.Additionally, Samsung is developing zHBM, targeting eight times the performance and three times the performance per watt compared to HBM4E, with a goal of reducing thermal resistance by 75% to 90%. This reflects the need for memory to improve not only bandwidth but also power and heat management as AI accelerator performance rapidly increases.Samsung is also preparing zNAND-O, which aims to bridge the performance and capacity gap between DRAM and NAND. zNAND-O is designed to achieve ten times the bit density of DRAM while increasing read bandwidth and power efficiency by seven times, catering to the large data requirements of large language models (LLMs). The company plans to begin sample supply in 2028.Alongside the development of next-generation products, Samsung is leveraging its established production capabilities in the existing memory market as a competitive advantage in the AI memory sector. According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung held a 39% share of the global DRAM market by revenue in the second quarter of this year, leading over SK Hynix at 26% and Micron at 25%.Samsung also maintained its top position in the NAND market, with a 29.3% share in the second quarter, as sales of enterprise solid-state drives (SSDs) for AI servers surged, resulting in a 70.7% increase in revenue compared to the previous quarter.Its production capacity is among the largest in the industry. Omdia projects that Samsung's DRAM production capacity will reach approximately 8.175 million 300mm wafers annually this year. Samsung plans to expand its product portfolio in the AI memory market by integrating its production capabilities in general-purpose DRAM and NAND with HBM, enterprise SSDs, and next-generation 3D memory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-01 15:04:00
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Nepal Aims to Become a Hydropower Exporter Amid Flood Challenges Nepal's ambition to become a hydropower exporter, leveraging its abundant water resources from the Himalayas, has been put to the test by recent severe flooding. Analysts suggest that the disaster has exposed the vulnerabilities of Nepal's energy and disaster response systems, which are intertwined with neighboring countries like India and China.Most of Nepal's terrain is mountainous, and the steep drop of rivers originating in the Himalayas creates favorable conditions for hydropower generation. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Nepal has a technical hydropower potential of approximately 83,000 megawatts (MW), with over 40,000 MW estimated to be commercially viable.The Nepalese government aims to harness hydropower as a key driver of economic growth. During the monsoon season, when hydropower generation increases, Nepal has sought to export surplus electricity to India and Bangladesh, aspiring to become an energy exporter. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that during the monsoon months of June to September, Nepal exports up to 1,000 MW to India, while importing electricity from India during the dry season from October to May.However, expanding electricity exports from Nepal requires cooperation with India, as exports to Bangladesh must pass through Indian infrastructure.Environmental media outlet Dialogue Earth noted that since Nepal and Bangladesh do not share a direct border, Nepal's electricity must traverse India's transmission network, necessitating Indian approval and cooperation for any increase in export volumes. In June, Nepal attempted to raise its electricity exports to Bangladesh to 60 MW, but India only approved an additional 40 MW due to transmission capacity constraints.The recent flooding has also impacted Nepal's power generation facilities, leading to concerns about electricity shortages even during the monsoon season. The Nepal Electricity Authority reported that approximately 10% of the country's power generation capacity has been affected by the disaster. Consequently, Nepal has requested prior approval from India to receive electricity earlier than usual.This flooding has highlighted not only Nepal's energy security but also the interconnectedness of its disaster response systems with neighboring countries. A key issue has emerged regarding the sharing of information about glaciers and watersheds in Tibet, China, which are close to the flood's origin.According to a Reuters report, the two countries discussed cooperation on flood and glacier disaster response at the end of May, but Nepal claims it has not received sufficient information from China since then. In contrast, China maintains that it has provided necessary information in a timely manner.As the rivers, glaciers, and climate risks of the Himalayas transcend borders, there is a growing call for real-time sharing of hydrological, meteorological, and glacial data among neighboring countries, as well as the establishment of cross-border early warning systems.The Diplomat, a U.S. foreign affairs magazine, pointed out on September 1 that the recent flooding has once again revealed the 'information gap' in China's Tibet region. The Chinese government has long restricted access to Tibet for foreign media, diplomats, and research institutions, making it difficult to independently assess local damage and the needs of residents during disasters. This contrasts sharply with the relatively free press and information disclosure in Nepal. 2026-09-01 15:00:00