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  • Hyundais SHUCLE to Launch Robo-Taxi Service in Seoul with KakaoT Partnership
    Hyundai's SHUCLE to Launch Robo-Taxi Service in Seoul with KakaoT Partnership Hyundai Motor is poised to operate an autonomous driving platform in Seoul. With the operating period of the existing provider, Kakao Mobility, coming to an end, the city has opened the door to multiple new operators. This move is expected to enhance data collection and accelerate the commercialization of robo-taxis.According to industry sources, the Seoul city government held an evaluation committee meeting on the recruitment of private operators for the autonomous vehicle transportation platform on the afternoon of August 27. Several companies submitted proposals by the application deadline on August 24. The final results were communicated individually to the bidding companies.The core of this initiative is to allow private operators to directly manage reservations, calls, and payments for autonomous vehicles operating in Seoul. When a user requests a vehicle through the platform, the system assesses regional demand and the location of nearby vehicles to dispatch an autonomous car. In 2024, Kakao Mobility secured the rights to operate the service exclusively through its KakaoT platform.However, this time, it is anticipated that multiple operators will collaborate. The selection process has changed to allow all operators scoring 85 points or higher to be chosen, reflecting the city’s intention to provide equal opportunities to private companies. If they meet the criteria, Hyundai could operate the Seoul autonomous transportation platform alongside Kakao Mobility and other providers.Hyundai had also participated in the bidding process for the previous operator selection. If Hyundai successfully operates the autonomous vehicle transportation platform in Seoul, it is expected to deploy its AI-based demand-responsive mobility platform, SHUCLE.SHUCLE analyzes real-time demand and traffic information to create optimal routes and dispatch vehicles. Since 2019, Hyundai has gained operational experience in 33 local governments and over 82 regions across the country.In the second half of this year, SHUCLE will also be utilized in an autonomous driving pilot project in Gwangju. The plan is to validate an integrated service model that connects autonomous vehicles, the platform, and users, encompassing vehicle control, dispatch management, and operational data analysis.By directly operating the platform, Hyundai can go beyond vehicle development and supply to secure actual data. Given that Seoul is a densely populated urban area with high traffic and mobility demand, various data can be accumulated during the calling, dispatching, and operational processes. This data will be used to enhance autonomous driving technology and services, laying the groundwork for future robo-taxi commercialization.Hyundai is focusing on building a 'data flywheel.' This involves collecting data from vehicles and services, analyzing it to improve AI and autonomous driving technology, and applying the enhanced technology back to vehicles and services in a virtuous cycle. The strategy includes integrating autonomous driving data collected from Hyundai, Kia, and 42dot.An industry insider stated, "Diverse data collection is essential for advancing autonomous driving technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:10
  • Nvidias Record Earnings Alleviate Peak-Out Concerns, Boosting HBM Demand from Samsung and SK Hynix
    Nvidia's Record Earnings Alleviate Peak-Out Concerns, Boosting HBM Demand from Samsung and SK Hynix Nvidia has alleviated concerns about a peak-out in AI investment by posting record earnings for the 13th consecutive quarter. As AI infrastructure investments continue, both Nvidia and major global tech companies are expanding the use of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) in their custom AI chips, leading to a surge in demand for HBM from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.On August 27, Nvidia reported that its revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2027 (May to July) reached $96.22 billion, a 106% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue from data centers, which includes AI accelerators, surged 117% to $89 billion, accounting for 92% of total revenue. Nvidia projected third-quarter revenue to exceed market expectations at $108 billion and forecasted approximately 70% growth for fiscal year 2028.To meet the soaring demand for AI, Nvidia is accelerating its efforts to secure memory supplies. The company's purchasing agreements related to supply chain and production capacity increased 2.3 times, from $119 billion in the previous quarter to $279 billion. A significant portion of this is focused on securing the memory and production capacity needed for the coming years.Demand for HBM4 is expanding beyond Nvidia to include major tech companies' custom AI chips. OpenAI plans to deploy its custom AI chip 'Jalapeño', co-developed with Broadcom, for its AI models later this year, with HBM4 confirmed to be supplied by Samsung. As more companies, including Google, develop their own AI chips like the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), HBM manufacturers are finding opportunities to secure large clients beyond Nvidia.Samsung is expected to expand its customer base into the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) market with HBM4. While SK Hynix has solidified its leading position in the HBM market centered around Nvidia, Samsung is diversifying its supply strategy by collaborating with ASIC companies like Broadcom. SK Hynix has also begun mass production shipments of HBM4 in the second quarter and is collaborating with Nvidia on next-generation memory development to maintain its existing advantage.With the increase in HBM supply and rising prices, both companies are expected to continue their growth trajectory. The expansion of AI infrastructure has led to ongoing memory supply shortages, enhancing the pricing power of memory manufacturers. The increased share of high-value products like HBM4 is anticipated to raise the average selling price (ASP). Global investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts that next year, the ASP for HBM will rise by 44% from this year, reaching $17 per gigabyte.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:10
  • POSCO Student Volunteer Group Expands Outreach Through Science and Technology
    POSCO Student Volunteer Group Expands Outreach Through Science and Technology The POSCO student volunteer group, Beyond, is expanding its outreach through educational activities that integrate science, technology, and engineering.According to POSCO, the 18th cohort of Beyond, which completed its activities earlier this year, conducted technology-based volunteer work reflecting the company's goal of enhancing advanced technological competitiveness.Since the launch of the volunteer group in June last year, they have implemented various programs over approximately eight months, including training on generative AI, maker education (creating devices using various tools), developing engineering experience kits, and educational volunteer work for children in Pohang and Gwangyang.During the summer break, members conducted hands-on educational volunteer work for children and teenagers using the engineering kits and materials they developed. This initiative allowed participants to learn the principles of science and engineering and experience the changes brought about by technology firsthand.After completing their domestic activities, the Beyond members were dispatched to Cilegon, Indonesia, for eight days in January, where they continued educational volunteer work and cultural exchange with local youth using engineering kits for electric vehicles, solar mood lights, and walking toys.Park Soo-bin, a member from Dong-A University majoring in electrical engineering, stated, "Designing the engineering kits and practicing with the children on-site made me realize how technology can change people's lives. I felt a great sense of fulfillment knowing that our volunteer work could be more than just assistance, but also education that prepares for the future, and the bright smiles of the local youth were the greatest reward."Since founding the overseas student volunteer group Beyond in 2007, POSCO has trained over 1,500 volunteers in 19 years, leading efforts to improve the environment and address social issues for vulnerable populations both domestically and internationally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:04:10
  • Automakers Seek Recovery Amid Declining Profitability After Strikes
    Automakers Seek Recovery Amid Declining Profitability After Strikes Five major automakers in South Korea are set to conclude this year's wage and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) by the end of August, following a vote on the Hyundai Motor and Kia agreement. This year's negotiations lasted a record 121 days, approximately 30 days longer than last year, with strike hours increasing to 86, nearly ten times the previous year's total of 8 hours. Unlike last year, this year's labor disputes emphasized job security over wage increases. With the strike risks now behind them, all five companies are expected to ramp up production in the second half of the year.According to a report by Aju Economy on August 27, Renault Korea took the longest time to reach an agreement, starting its first meeting on April 27 and concluding negotiations on August 26, totaling 121 days. The agreement includes a basic salary increase of 51,000 won and a variable productivity incentive (PI) of up to 100% plus 2.5 million won, with a support rate of 50.1%.Despite the extended negotiation period, the basic salary increase was reduced by 50% compared to last year, and the PI increase was also lower than the previous year. Instead of focusing on wage increases, the labor and management agreed to prioritize securing production volumes at the Busan plant and stabilizing employment. A Renault Korea official stated, "With the CBA finalized, we will focus on overcoming the challenging business environment and ensuring the success of new projects." Hyundai Motor also took 111 days to reach a tentative agreement after starting its first labor meeting at the Ulsan plant on May 6, which is 24 days longer than last year's 83 days. The tentative agreement includes a basic salary increase of 100,000 won and a performance bonus of 400% plus 12.7 million won. Notably, the company experienced its first total strike in ten years, accumulating 60 hours of strike time, nearly 9.8 times the previous year's total of 8 hours. Production disruptions affected approximately 55,200 vehicles, leading to an estimated revenue loss of 2.5 trillion won.Kia managed to conduct its negotiations without strikes for six consecutive years, but the negotiation period extended to 82 days, 38 days longer than last year. GM Korea and Korea GM reached agreements in 61 days and 56 days, respectively, making them the fastest among the five companies.This year's CBA discussions shifted focus from wage competition to job security amid the transition to future vehicles. All five companies fought longer than last year, yet the overall compensation packages decreased. For instance, Hyundai's performance bonus dropped from 450% plus 15.8 million won last year to 400% plus 12.7 million won this year. Instead, non-wage benefits such as new hiring, job security, and domestic production guarantees were strengthened.With the CBA risks resolved, the industry is tightening production once again. The five automakers sold 670,191 vehicles last month, a 3.5% increase compared to the same month last year. However, sales for three of the companies, excluding Kia (13.4%) and Korea GM (30.6%), saw significant declines. Hyundai's sales dropped by 5.1% due to production disruptions from strikes, while Korea GM and Renault Korea experienced decreases of 11.1% and 58.2%, respectively. 2026-08-27 18:04:00
  • On the steppe, a place of prayer: Astanas grandest mosque
    On the steppe, a place of prayer: Astana's grandest mosque In the heart of Astana, rising from the vast Kazakh steppe, stands the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, one of Central Asia's largest Islamic sanctuaries. Completed in 2012, the mosque is difficult to miss. Four slender minarets rise high above its gleaming white facade, framing an enormous blue dome that seems to float against Astana's broad, open sky. On a clear afternoon, sunlight washed across the white stone, making the mosque almost luminous. From the edge of the vast plaza, its scale slowly came into focus. The minarets stretched upward like needles, while the sun appeared suspended between them for a moment, giving the scene an almost sacred stillness. Inside, the sense of scale grew even greater. The eye was drawn immediately upward toward the soaring dome and elaborate ceiling. Light slipped through intricately patterned windows and openings, tracing geometric shapes and soft shadows across the prayer hall far below. Yet the immense space did not feel empty. Some worshippers knelt quietly in prayer. Others rested along the edges of the hall. Children ran between adults, their footsteps and laughter rising briefly into the cavernous space before fading beneath the dome. Tourists walked slowly through the hall alongside worshippers, looking upward at the ornamented ceilings or pausing to take in the silence. Prayer, family life and sightseeing unfolded side by side, each at its own rhythm. Outside again, the wide plaza opened toward Astana's futuristic skyline and the seemingly endless steppe beyond. Kazakhstan's capital is a young city, built with monumental ambition on what was once an open expanse of grassland. Amid its glass towers and striking modern architecture, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque offers another expression of that ambition — one rooted in faith. For worshippers, it is a place of prayer. For visitors, it is one of Astana's defining sights. And beneath the immense blue sky of the steppe, its white walls, blue dome and four minarets form one of the capital's most enduring images. 2026-08-27 18:00:35
  • Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek Mourns Victims of Floods and Landslides in Nepal and Tibet
    Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek Mourns Victims of Floods and Landslides in Nepal and Tibet Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek of the Seoul Archdiocese expressed condolences for the victims of the recent floods and landslides in the Himalayan region bordering Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, offering comfort and solidarity to affected residents.In a message of consolation on August 27, the archbishop stated, "I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have lost their peaceful daily lives in an instant due to this sudden disaster and are struggling to protect their families and homes."He added, "I pray that those who lost their lives may find eternal peace in God's embrace, and that the missing may safely return to their families. I also hope that the affected areas stabilize quickly without further loss of life."On August 26, local time, severe flooding and landslides occurred in the Himalayan mountainous region near the border of Nepal and Tibet, resulting in numerous casualties and missing persons. Rescue and search operations have faced challenges due to disrupted roads, communication, and power networks in the affected areas.Archbishop Jeong also expressed gratitude and encouragement to the rescue workers, medical personnel, and volunteers deployed under difficult conditions.He said, "I pray for the safety of the rescue workers, medical staff, and volunteers who are rushing to the disaster site to provide aid and rescue. I hope their efforts bring hope and courage to those in need."The archbishop extended his condolences to Korean citizens affected by the disaster as well. He stated, "The Seoul Archdiocese conveys deep sympathy and solidarity to the residents of the affected areas in Nepal and Tibet, as well as to the Korean citizens who have suffered losses. I hope God's comfort is with those who have lost loved ones, and that all who have lost their homes can quickly return to their daily lives."Archbishop Jeong plans to send a letter of condolence to Father Silas Krishna Bogati, the acting bishop of the Nepalese diocese, to convey the archdiocese's solidarity and support for the residents in the affected areas.The Seoul Archdiocese is also considering emergency relief support for the affected regions. The Archdiocese's One Body Movement and the Babo's Sharing Foundation are discussing support measures through Caritas Internationalis.Both organizations plan to collaborate with local Caritas to assess the specific damage and relief efforts, ensuring that necessary assistance reaches the disaster victims and affected residents promptly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 18:00:00
  • Apples first foldable iPhone expected to heat up competition with Samsung
    Apple's first foldable iPhone expected to heat up competition with Samsung SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone next month, intensifying competition with rival Samsung Electronics in the growing foldable phone market. Apple on Wednesday announced it will hold an event on Sept. 9 at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, which will also be streamed online. Although Apple did not disclose which products will be unveiled, market watchers expect the handset maker to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, along with its first foldable iPhone, reportedly dubbed the iPhone Ultra, as it typically unveils new flagship iPhones every September. The upcoming foldable iPhone, the first phone to be launched under new CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook, is expected to have an inner display similar in size to an iPad mini when unfolded and an outer screen that looks like a regular smartphone. Price is likely to be one of the key factors in gaining the upper hand in the market, with various tech outlets estimating that the first foldable iPhone could start at around US$2,000 to $2,500, while higher-capacity models could cost even more. It would be inevitable for the foldable iPhone to compete with Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, which were released earlier this month, with their 256-gigabyte models priced at 2.28 million won ($1,650) and 2.58 million won, respectively. Even the lower end of Apple's estimated price range would make the foldable iPhone roughly 200,000 won more expensive than Samsung's models. Apple's iPhone Ultra comes as the broader, saturated smartphone market faces a sharp downturn, with foldable phones still expected to grow. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple can offset declining sales and maintain its profitability. AJP Takeaways • Apple's first foldable iPhone: Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra, at its Sept. 9 event, marking its entry into the growing foldable phone market. • Samsung competition: The foldable iPhone will compete directly with Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, with Apple's device expected to be priced higher than Samsung's models. • High price, uncertain impact: The foldable iPhone could start at around $2,000 to $2,500, while higher-capacity models may cost even more, raising questions over whether Apple can use the premium device to offset slowing smartphone sales and maintain profitability. 2026-08-27 17:59:25
  • Jung Cheong-rae Criticizes Kim Min-seok for Using His Name in Debate
    Jung Cheong-rae Criticizes Kim Min-seok for Using His Name in Debate Jung Cheong-rae, a former leader of the Democratic Party, expressed regret on August 27 over remarks made by current leader Kim Min-seok during a party workshop, where Kim indicated a difference of opinion with Jung. This incident is likely to reignite factional conflicts within the party that surfaced during the last party convention.After leaving the '2026 National Assembly Workshop' held at the Inspire Hotel in Incheon, Jung took to Facebook to state, "I regret that my name was used as a tool for his argument during today’s workshop." He criticized Kim for using him as a means to present his views.Jung further stated, "To mention the name of a competitor from the party convention to assert a one-sided claim is almost violent. This approach to discussion is anti-dialogue and counterproductive. Where is the justification for declaring an uncompromising stance so publicly?" he condemned.Earlier, during his opening remarks at the workshop, Kim had stated, "Jung is a representative proponent of the idea that there is no center. In contrast, I and President Lee Jae-myung believe that expanding our traditional support base to include moderate conservatives is necessary and unavoidable." He asserted that there are fundamental differences in their views.Kim emphasized, "While there may be misunderstandings that can be resolved through dialogue with Jung, the issues surrounding the center and 'structural majority' are matters of judgment. I have come to a provisional conclusion that it is difficult to reach a compromise on these points."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:56:00
  • South Korea Considers Sending Additional Rescue Teams to Nepal
    South Korea Considers Sending Additional Rescue Teams to Nepal South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun indicated that the country could send a large additional rescue team to Nepal, where hundreds, including South Koreans, are missing or isolated due to severe flooding.Speaking to reporters on the 27th, Cho stated regarding the deployment of rescue teams, "I need to speak with the Nepali Foreign Minister," adding, "If we send additional teams, it would need to be dozens of people."On the same day, the government dispatched an 11-member joint rapid response team to Nepal. Im Sang-woo, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the protection of overseas citizens and consular affairs, leads the team. The team consists of four members from the Foreign Ministry, five from the fire department, and two from the police. They departed from Incheon International Airport on a civilian flight and are expected to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, after a stop in Hong Kong.Cho described the rapid response team as a preliminary unit. He noted that the South Koreans who have lost contact and those who are isolated are in different geographical areas.Park Doo-soon, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a regular briefing that the government is reviewing the scale of support, considering the current damage situation and international developments, whether it be for emergency rescue or humanitarian assistance.According to foreign reports, flooding occurred in the central northern Himalayan region of Nepal the previous day, resulting in over 160 deaths and more than 820 people reported missing.Nine South Koreans have lost contact, while another ten are isolated but are believed to be safe. These individuals are affiliated with Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, which are involved in the construction of a local hydropower plant. The government is also monitoring for any additional damage to its citizens due to the flooding in Nepal.The Foreign Ministry noted that approximately 20,000 South Koreans typically visit Nepal for tourism each year, and they are continuously checking for any further impact on its citizens.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:48:00
  • POSCO Union Threatens Partial Strike if No Progress by September 9
    POSCO Union Threatens Partial Strike if No Progress by September 9 The POSCO labor union has set September 9 as the final deadline for this year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations. If the company does not present a proactive proposal, the union plans to initiate a 48-hour partial strike.The Korean Metal Workers' Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions announced on the 27th that it will observe the company's negotiation stance and any additional proposals until September 9, after which it will proceed with its first action, a 48-hour partial strike. The union stated, "We will keep the door open for dialogue until the end, but if the company continues to demand sacrifices from the workforce, we will take the planned action."The union emphasized that this action is not merely a demand for wage increases but a process to improve safety and welfare issues and to seek proper recognition and compensation for the sacrifices made by workers.It specifically claimed that the push for direct employment without sufficient communication has heightened concerns about the welfare and working conditions of existing employees. The union also raised issues regarding the capacity and staffing shortages at the Industrial Safety and Health Center. In this year's collective bargaining, the union is demanding the establishment of a 'Self-Safety Special Committee' that includes participation from both labor and management and has real binding power.The union expressed discontent over the company's public disclosure of its total demands, which it calculated at 1.4 trillion won. The union argued that this figure only highlights the total of wage, welfare, safety, and staffing demands that could be adjusted during negotiations.The union stated, "Negotiations are not a process of attaching price tags to each other's demands and making them public; rather, they should examine the reasons behind the demands and work towards finding common ground."However, the union indicated its willingness to engage in further negotiations if the company presents a proactive proposal. It clarified that breaking the 58-year record of no strikes is not the goal, and it will wait to see the company's additional proposals by September 9.On the 27th, the POSCO union reiterated, "We will observe the company's additional proposals until September 9, and if there is no change, we will proceed with the 48-hour partial strike. If there is still no change afterward, we plan to escalate our actions gradually."Since June, POSCO and the union have been engaged in negotiations, but they have been unable to narrow differences over wages and bonuses. The union is demanding a 7.1% increase in base salary and a bonus of 600%, while the company has proposed a 1.5% increase in base salary and a bonus of 2.5 million won.Previously, the union secured legal strike rights following a vote in favor of the strike action with a high approval rate of 92.2%, and the Central Labor Relations Commission's decision to cease mediation on the 18th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-27 17:44:00