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  • Korean Womens Volleyball Team Dominates Hong Kong in Asian Games Opener
    Korean Women's Volleyball Team Dominates Hong Kong in Asian Games Opener The South Korean women's volleyball team, aiming for its first Asian Games medal in eight years, secured a convincing victory in their opening match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.Under the guidance of head coach Cha Sang-hyun, South Korea (ranked 28th by the International Volleyball Federation) defeated Hong Kong (ranked 127th) in the first match of Group D on September 16 at the Komaki Park Arena in Japan, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-23, 25-12, and 25-12.Star player Kang So-hwi (Korea Expressway Corporation) led the team with 13 points, while Lee Da-hyun (NEC Red Rockets) contributed 12 points and Lee Ye-rim (Hyundai Engineering & Construction) added 9 points.The first set was unexpectedly competitive. South Korea initially built a lead, but late in the set, they struggled with errors and faced a strong serve from Hong Kong, allowing the score to tighten at 24-23. However, in a critical moment, Lee Ye-rim calmly executed a successful attack to secure the set.With momentum on their side, South Korea took control in the second set. Kang So-hwi scored 8 points in the set alone, helping the team to a comfortable 25-12 win.South Korea maintained their strong performance in the third set, extending their lead to over 10 points. Coach Cha utilized substitutes like Yook Seo-young and Jung Ho-young to manage the stamina of the starting players. The team continued to operate smoothly, finishing the match with a 3-0 set score.Having won their opening match, South Korea will face Qatar (ranked 106th) on September 17 and conclude the group stage against Vietnam (ranked 32nd) on September 18.In this tournament, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. For South Korea to secure the top spot in their group and reach the quarterfinals, they must defeat Vietnam. If they finish second in the group, they will face the likely Group B winner, China (ranked 7th). 2026-09-16 17:48:00
  • Yeouido trip exposes public-notice gap in Seoul summit security
    Yeouido trip exposes public-notice gap in Seoul summit security SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Traffic on Olympic-daero, the major artery running along the southern bank of the Han River, is rarely free-flowing. On Wednesday, the stretch near Yeouido Hangang Park appeared closer to a parking lot, with rows of police vans, ambulances and black limousines lining the area. Inside the park, police moved cyclists, joggers and pedestrians away from restricted paths as security tightened around a visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Many people caught in the restrictions had little idea why. “Who’s coming?” one resident muttered among a small crowd asking much the same question. “Police blocked the bike path and wouldn’t let people cross,” fumed Kim Seon-yeong, a 42-year-old office worker near Yeouido Station who commutes from Bundang. Kim said she had seen no advance notice that movement through the area could be restricted. “I didn’t see a single banner or notice anywhere,” she said. The security operation accompanied Tokayev’s appearance at a cultural heritage event in Yeouido during his state visit to South Korea. Tokayev had held a bilateral summit with President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday and attended a Korea-Kazakhstan business roundtable before joining the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit on Wednesday. Kazakhstan was one of three Central Asian countries whose presidents were received on state visits ahead of the multilateral gathering. The Yeouido appearance stood apart from the more controlled settings of the bilateral summit, business meetings and Wednesday’s leaders’ gathering. Bringing a visiting president into one of Seoul’s busiest public parks meant presidential-level security had to coexist with cyclists, commuters, joggers and other park users going about their normal routines. The resulting contrast was conspicuous: extensive security was visible on the ground, while information explaining how that security would affect the public was not. South Korea’s Korea Heritage Service and Kazakhstan’s Culture Ministry jointly organized a “Nomadic Traditional Cultural Heritage Exchange” in Yeouido to introduce Kazakh traditions and promote cultural cooperation. The program included a digital exhibition space modeled on a traditional Kazakh yurt, displays of crafts, jewelry, clothing and musical instruments, performances and presentations on Korean and Kazakh archery traditions. It also highlighted the history and culture of Koryo-saram, ethnic Koreans in Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s embassy had also publicized separate cultural programs at Yeouido Park and Yeouido Hangang Park as part of Tokayev’s state visit. Its notices invited the public to attend and listed the venues and program times. What the notices did not spell out was that presidential security could temporarily cut or divert pedestrian and bicycle routes around the riverside area. That omission became more noticeable because the event itself was promoted as open to the public. Kim Min-su, a 24-year-old university student from Jamsil, encountered the restrictions while cycling along his usual Han River route. “My route normally takes me past Yeouido and back to Jamsil,” he said. “Suddenly the path was blocked and they told me there was an event and that I’d have to take a long detour.” The concentration of security personnel made him curious enough to stop. “There were six or seven police and security officers within about 10 meters,” Kim said. “Given how much manpower was deployed, out in the sun with hardly any shade, I decided to stick around and see who would show up.” Kang Sun-ja, a 68-year-old longtime Yeouido resident, was similarly unsure what was happening. “I’ve never seen this kind of commotion at Hangang Park before, with police lined up because someone important was coming,” Kang said. “I couldn’t tell whether it was for a foreign dignitary or some famous person from Korea.” The problem was not a lack of advance publicity for the cultural program itself. Both Korean and Kazakh organizers had announced the events. Rather, there was a gap between publicity for the event and notice of the restrictions required to secure it. The difference was particularly striking compared with preparations for the Korea-Central Asia Summit elsewhere in Seoul. The Presidential Security Service’s Security and Safety Control Team announced on Sept. 9 that Sowol-ro and parts of Euljiro 1-ga would face traffic restrictions on Sept. 16. Authorities specified that all lanes on Sowol-ro would be closed briefly six or seven times in line with the movements of visiting leaders rather than shut for an extended period. They also said information would be distributed through electronic displays at Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall, roadside signs, the security service’s YouTube channel and navigation services including T map, Kakao Map and Naver Map. The planning involved the presidential security team, the Foreign Ministry’s summit task force, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul police and the Korea Road Traffic Authority. No comparable public guidance on temporary pedestrian or bicycle restrictions around the Yeouido riverside programs was included in the notices reviewed by AJP. The episode does not suggest that public cultural diplomacy has no place in a state visit. Kazakhstan’s embassy openly promoted the Yeouido programs as opportunities for Seoul residents to experience Kazakh culture, with admission free and the public encouraged to attend. But an open venue also requires a different level of coordination from a closed summit hall. It was not immediately clear from public materials which side proposed Tokayev’s Yeouido appearance or when the security arrangements surrounding it were finalized. For Seoul, which had spent months preparing to host the first Korea-Central Asia summit at the leaders’ level, the relatively small episode offered a practical reminder that summit readiness extends beyond meeting rooms and motorcades. AJP Takeaways - Presidential-level security around Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Yeouido appearance temporarily disrupted pedestrian and bicycle routes, catching some park users by surprise. - Korean and Kazakh organizers had publicly promoted the cultural programs, but the notices reviewed by AJP did not specify possible access restrictions linked to presidential security. - The gap contrasted with summit-related road controls elsewhere in Seoul, where authorities provided advance closure schedules and distributed information through road signs, navigation apps and other channels. 2026-09-16 17:44:29
  • Tokyo Commercial Land Prices Reach Highest Level Since 1993
    Tokyo Commercial Land Prices Reach Highest Level Since 1993 Average commercial land prices in Tokyo have reached their highest level in 33 years, since the bubble era of 1993. The recovery in demand for offices and hotels, along with an influx of domestic and foreign investment, has contributed to a nationwide average land price increase for five consecutive years. Although Tokyo's commercial land prices have not yet surpassed the 4.18 million yen (approximately $36,800) per square meter recorded in 1993, they are approaching that level after a prolonged decline following the bubble's collapse. However, rising construction costs have dampened housing purchases and redevelopment in regional cities, leading to a noticeable disparity in price trends.According to the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced on September 15 that the average land price, including residential and commercial areas, rose by 1.5% nationwide compared to last year. The increase this year matches last year's rate, with commercial land prices up 2.9% and residential land prices up 1.0%. Regionally, the average for combined residential and commercial land prices rose by 5.4% in the Tokyo area and 3.6% in the Osaka area, both showing larger increases than last year.The benchmark land price is an official indicator released by the government, based on Japan's 'public land price' as of January 1. Local governments conduct surveys based on data from July 1 each year, which the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism compiles and announces. The prices are assessed based on vacant land and serve as a reference for land transactions.According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the average commercial land price in Tokyo increased by 11.4% from last year, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit growth. The average price per square meter has surpassed 3 million yen (approximately $26,400), reaching its highest level in 33 years since 1993. The Nikkei attributes this rise to increased office attendance post-COVID-19, a surge in inbound tourism boosting demand for hotels and retail spaces, and the influx of domestic and foreign investment.Tokyo's strength is also evident in residential land prices, which rose by 5.8%, making it the highest increase among Japan's regional governments in 12 years. The Nikkei reports that demand for apartments remains strong, particularly among the affluent. The average price of newly built apartments in Tokyo's 23 wards exceeded 140 million yen (approximately $1.23 million) in the first half of this year.However, signs of cooling have emerged in the existing apartment sales market in Tokyo, contrasting with the new apartment market. The Tokyo Kantei real estate research firm reported that the average asking price for existing apartments in Tokyo's 23 wards fell by 0.1% in July compared to the previous month, marking a decline for two consecutive months. The firm noted that excessively high prices in recent years are undergoing adjustments, and many potential buyers are exiting the market due to rising mortgage rates.The steepest land price increases were observed in ski resort areas. According to the Asahi, commercial land in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, surged by 35.6%, ranking first in the nation for commercial land price increases. Residential land in Furano City, Hokkaido, also rose by 32.0%, claiming the top spot for residential land price increases. Seven of the top ten commercial land price increases and six of the top ten residential land price increases are attributed to demand from inbound tourists. The Asahi explains that the weaker yen has enhanced the purchasing power of tourists, increasing the profitability of tourist areas and attracting investment.In Osaka, the tourist hub of Minami has reclaimed its position as the most expensive area, surpassing the business district of Kita for the first time in seven years. According to the Asahi, the site of the famous Glico sign along the Dotonbori River, the 'Dekai Ebisu Bashi Building,' saw its price rise by 7.1% to 25.8 million yen (approximately $227,400) per square meter, making it the most expensive commercial land in the Osaka area since before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Until last year, the area around JR Osaka Station in Kita held the top spot.In contrast, major cities in regional areas have experienced a slowdown in price increases. The Asahi reports that the average land price increase in Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka dropped from 5.3% last year to 4.1% this year.The Nikkei notes that in regional areas, the rental income from new apartments or commercial facilities is not rising as much as in the three major urban areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, making it difficult for developers to recoup the sharply increased construction costs. The burden of construction costs has led to more people postponing home purchases, and there have been numerous cases of redevelopment projects being halted or delayed. JR Kyushu has suspended its plan to construct a complex building at Hakata Station, which was aimed for completion by the end of 2028, due to construction costs nearly doubling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 17:44:20
  • Court Accepts Recording Evidence in Oh Se-hoon Appeal Case
    Court Accepts Recording Evidence in Oh Se-hoon Appeal Case In the appeal trial of Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, who is accused of violating political funding laws, a recording of phone calls exchanged between businessman Kim Han-jung and political broker Myung Tae-kyun has been accepted as evidence. The calls suggest that Mayor Oh did not commission a public opinion survey from Myung.On September 16, the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court, presided over by Judge Koo Hoe-geun, accepted the phone recording and transcript submitted by Kim's side as impeachment evidence during the fifth hearing of the case against Oh and Kim.During the trial, approximately 18 minutes of the recorded conversation between Kim and Myung, which took place ahead of the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, was played.The recording includes Myung telling Kim, "Oh Se-hoon doesn't know, so don't worry. I'll handle it myself," and Kim responding, "I did this because I wanted to help this guy," and "It wasn't requested from there; I did it on my own." This contradicts the prosecution's claim that Oh commissioned a public opinion survey and had Kim pay the 21 million won cost on his behalf.The special prosecution team opposed the acceptance of the evidence, citing potential contamination due to artificial editing. However, the court stated that no evidence of falsehood or manipulation has been confirmed to date and accepted the recording as impeachment evidence.The court plans to hold a sentencing hearing on October 2 at 2 p.m. to conclude the arguments.Oh is facing trial for allegedly commissioning a public opinion survey from Myung ahead of the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election and having his supporter Kim pay the 21 million won fee.Previously, the first trial sentenced Oh to a fine of 10 million won, equivalent to a penalty that would result in the loss of his mayoral position, and ordered the forfeiture of 21 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 17:40:20
  • Kakao Entertainment, Disney Korea plan K-pop IP projects
    Kakao Entertainment, Disney Korea plan K-pop IP projects SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) -Kakao Entertainment and Walt Disney Company Korea have formed a strategic partnership to develop projects combining K-pop intellectual property with Disney stories and characters, Kakao Entertainment said Wednesday. The companies plan about 10 projects over the mid to long term, spanning music, content, commerce and live entertainment. Kakao Entertainment and Disney Korea will also explore other forms of cooperation, including the possible creation of a tentatively named "K-culture fund." The partnership will draw on Kakao Entertainment's music, drama and webtoon businesses as well as Disney's portfolio of characters and story properties. Kakao Entertainment said the projects are intended to expand K-pop IP into new formats and markets through collaboration with Disney. AJP Takeaways - Kakao Entertainment and Disney Korea formed a strategic partnership around K-pop IP. - About 10 joint projects are planned over the mid to long term. - The projects could span music, content, commerce and live entertainment. 2026-09-16 17:38:36
  • Acting Director Yang Wan-gil: Domestic Bio Materials Must Be Used in Production to Enhance Competitiveness
    Acting Director Yang Wan-gil: Domestic Bio Materials Must Be Used in Production to Enhance Competitiveness The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Institute is connecting domestic bio materials, parts, and equipment companies with local bio firms in Hwasun to enhance the utilization of domestic products and strengthen bio manufacturing competitiveness.On September 15, the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Institute, in collaboration with the Korea Bio Association and the Korea Bio Specialized Center Council, held the '2026 Domestic Bio Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Bio Materials Company Presentation' at the Bio Pharmaceutical Headquarters.The event aimed to introduce domestic bio materials technologies and products developed through research and development supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to local bio companies and related organizations, while expanding actual production applications and connections with demand companies.Acting Director Yang Wan-gil emphasized that domestic bio materials technologies should not remain in the research and development stage but should be actively utilized in actual production sites, leveraging the institute's facilities, equipment, and business support capabilities.Six domestic companies participated in the presentation, including Microdigital, CellSafe, Amicogen, Umtil, Excel Therapeutics, and J-O Tech. These companies showcased domestic technologies and products necessary for biopharmaceutical production, including antibody and cell/gene therapy culture media and resins, safety evaluation products, membrane filters, and animal cell culture equipment.This event was part of a series of presentations held at four bio hubs across the country, including Siheung, Osong in North Chungcheong Province, Hwasun in Jeonnam, and Wonju in Gangwon Province.The Jeonnam Bio Promotion Institute also introduced a 'Public CXO Service Platform' that connects services needed by companies during product development and production with public infrastructure.The Public CXO integrates contract research (CRO), contract development (CDO), contract manufacturing (CMO), contract testing and analysis (CAO), specialized personnel training (CTO), and corporate support (CSO) into a comprehensive support system. It utilizes the facilities, equipment, and business support experience of the Bio Pharmaceutical Headquarters to provide the services companies need.Bio materials refer to the materials, parts, and equipment necessary for biopharmaceutical production. As the domestic biopharmaceutical production base expands, securing a stable supply chain for key items and increasing the on-site utilization of domestic products are identified as major challenges.Yang Wan-gil stated, "For the bio industry to continue to grow, it is essential to secure materials and equipment needed for production, in addition to developing new drugs. We will actively connect the institute's facilities, equipment, and business support experience to ensure that products made by domestic companies are utilized in actual production and lead to greater demand."He added, "Hwasun is a place where bio companies, hospitals, research institutions, and production facilities are gathered, so we will continuously create opportunities for domestic materials companies and local bio firms to meet and engage in practical business cooperation."Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Bio Promotion Institute plans to use this presentation as a stepping stone to expand exchanges between domestic bio materials companies and local bio firms, while supporting the application of domestic technologies and products in production sites and connections with demand companies to enhance domestic bio manufacturing competitiveness. 2026-09-16 17:36:00
  • South Korea and Central Asia to Hold Biennial Summit, Adopts Seoul Declaration
    South Korea and Central Asia to Hold Biennial Summit, Adopts 'Seoul Declaration' South Korea and five Central Asian countries have agreed to hold a summit every two years and establish a permanent implementation system through ministerial and deputy ministerial forums. A long-term cooperation blueprint covering critical minerals, energy supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, infrastructure, climate, water resources, and human exchanges was also developed. President Lee Jae-myung, along with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, adopted the 'Seoul Declaration' during the first Korea-Central Asia Summit held in Seoul on September 16. The leaders included Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This summit marks the first multilateral meeting between South Korea and the five Central Asian nations. It elevates the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum, which has been operating at the foreign minister level since its inception in 2007, to a summit level. The core of the declaration is to enhance the status of cooperation and establish a framework to avoid one-off diplomatic engagements. According to the declaration, the leaders agreed to hold summits every two years, with the second summit scheduled for 2028 in Astana, Kazakhstan. In years without a summit, a foreign minister-level Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum will be held to review the implementation of existing agreements and prepare the agenda for the next summit. Additionally, a senior officials meeting (SOM) at the deputy minister level will be utilized to identify specific projects and support discussions. In the economic sector, the focus is on combining Central Asia's abundant resources and growth demands with South Korea's manufacturing and advanced technology capabilities. The leaders agreed to establish a ministerial council for industry and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on industrial and supply chain cooperation, as well as to promote trade diversification, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and encourage investment. The declaration also includes plans to establish 'Korean Desks' within the governments of Central Asian countries to support South Korean businesses. In the critical minerals sector, a joint value-added production network will be built encompassing exploration, processing, industrial localization, scientific and technological cooperation, and workforce training. Energy cooperation, including oil, gas, petrochemicals, hydropower, renewable energy, and modernization of energy infrastructure, was also highlighted as a key agenda item. In urban development, transportation infrastructure, logistics hubs, and smart mobility, the leaders agreed to support the participation of South Korean companies in construction, modernization, operation, and management. The declaration also addresses not only economic cooperation but also peace and security collaboration on the Korean Peninsula. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace, while strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber threats, transnational crime, and illegal migration. Plans for supporting ethnic Koreans, commemorative projects, youth, student, and academic exchanges, as well as expanding Korean language and cultural education, were also included. Following the summit, the Korea-Central Asia Business Summit discussed ways to materialize the economic cooperation tasks outlined in the declaration through private investment and joint ventures. Government and business representatives from each country attended to explore cooperation opportunities in critical minerals, energy supply chains, transportation, urban infrastructure, and AI and digital transformation. 2026-09-16 17:36:00
  • Trump and Xi to Meet Again Amid Global Attention
    Trump and Xi to Meet Again Amid Global Attention On September 24, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in Washington. As the U.S.-China meeting significantly impacts both nations and global issues, attention is already focused on the event.Since taking office in January 2017, President Trump has imposed high tariffs on countries worldwide. While many nations, including South Korea, have engaged in tariff negotiations by accepting U.S. demands, China has opted for direct confrontation. China has wielded the card of rare earth export controls, which has proven disruptive to key U.S. industrial supply chains.Subsequently, tariff negotiations between the two countries progressed, culminating in a U.S.-China summit in Busan last October. At that meeting, the leaders temporarily resolved trade tensions and initiated formal diplomatic engagement.In May, President Trump visited Beijing for a summit with Xi, where they took a stroll through Tiananmen Square and attended a welcome dinner. Discussions continued the following day at Zhongnanhai, the central leadership compound in China.Now, four months after the Beijing summit, Xi is set to visit the U.S. in a reciprocal gesture. While China has not yet disclosed the details of the visit, it is expected to last two days. Xi is anticipated to bring a large economic delegation, including leaders from major sectors such as finance, AI, IT, electric vehicles, batteries, and aerospace.Following this summit, President Trump is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November, while Xi is likely to participate in the G20 summit in Miami, U.S., in December. This evolving relationship between the two nations appears to be on a path where competition and cooperation coexist. In light of this, we will examine key issues surrounding the U.S.-China summit, including U.S.-China relations, the Iran conflict, and the North Korea summit, in a three-part series. 2026-09-16 17:36:00
  • KOSPI recovers from four-session slide as chip stocks rally
    KOSPI recovers from four-session slide as chip stocks rally SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korean stocks rebounded on Wednesday, as gains in major semiconductor stocks offset continued foreign selling ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's key interest rate decision. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.37 percent or 90.71 points to close at 6,717.97, snapping a four-session losing streak. The index opened 0.24 percent lower at 6,611.24 and fell as low as 6,598.87 before reversing course, eventually closing at its intraday high. Overseas investors sold a net 1.68 trillion won (US$1.26 billion) of KOSPI shares, extending their selling streak to six sessions and bringing cumulative net sales over the period to nearly 12 trillion won. Institutions bought a net 1.21 trillion won, while other corporations purchased a net 1.66 trillion won. Retail investors sold a net 1.19 trillion won. Foreign investors, however, bought a net 301.4 billion won in KOSPI 200 futures. Semiconductors led the advance. SK hynix jumped 4.08 percent to 1,759,000 won, while Samsung Electronics gained 2.01 percent to 253,500 won. SK hynix extended gains after reports that the memory chipmaker was discussing with Intel the possibility of producing memory chips in the U.S., which would mark its first memory production there. Samsung Electro-Mechanics rose 4.86 percent and SK Square gained 2 percent. The gains were less pronounced outside technology. Hyundai Motor fell 1.36 percent, Samsung Biologics slipped 0.21 percent and Hanwha Aerospace lost 0.75 percent. Information technology stocks climbed 4.78 percent and electrical and electronics shares gained 2.81 percent, while construction stocks fell 2.37 percent and utilities declined 1.60 percent. Telecommunications-related stocks also rallied. Telecommunications equipment shares rose 6.4 percent, while optical communications and LED equipment themes gained 6.42 percent and 4.95 percent, respectively. Daehan Fiber Optics surged 14.1 percent. The junior KOSDAQ rose 0.44 percent to 815.98 after falling as low as 801.12 earlier in the session. Retail investors and institutions were net buyers, while foreign investors remained net sellers. Semiconductor equipment shares gained, while battery and biotechnology stocks weakened. The won weakened 0.22 percent against the dollar to 1,336.7 won. Investors kept a close eye on the Fed's interest rate decision, due early Thursday, as U.S. Treasury yields remained elevated. Wall Street ended lower overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.63 percent, the S&P 500 off 0.45 percent and the Nasdaq Composite 0.78 percent lower. Nvidia rose 0.57 percent and Micron Technology gained 0.39 percent, helping the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index edge 0.40 percent higher. Oil prices eased during Asian trading after surging in the previous session. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.7 percent to $104.05 a barrel, while Brent crude declined 1.04 percent to $107.60 amid continued supply concerns in the Middle East and Libya. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.69 percent to 63,923.00, while China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.70 percent to 3,891.60. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index added 0.20 percent to 24,703.45. AJP Takeaways - KOSPI rebounds 1.37 percent to 6,717.97, snapping a four-session losing streak as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix led gains. - Foreign selling continues: Overseas investors dumped 1.68 trillion won of KOSPI shares for a sixth straight session, while institutions and other corporations absorbed the selling. - Chips lead the recovery: SK hynix jumped 4.08 percent and Samsung Electronics rose 2.01 percent, while semiconductor equipment shares also strengthened on the KOSDAQ. 2026-09-16 17:33:52
  • As AI Models Surge, South Korea Struggles with Safety Evaluations
    As AI Models Surge, South Korea Struggles with Safety Evaluations Top executives from major U.S. tech companies have been warning about the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), leading to increased demands for safety evaluations of frontier models. In South Korea, the AI Safety Research Institute is responsible for these evaluations, but it is struggling to keep pace with the rapid development of models due to insufficient infrastructure.According to the AI Safety Research Institute, it is currently using 16 NVIDIA H200 graphics processing units (GPUs) to assess the safety of AI models introduced in the country.The latest AI models undergo safety verification after being subjected to approximately 900 to 1,500 complex tasks. With the 16 H200 units available, evaluating a single model takes 7 to 10 days. The token cost for running a benchmark once amounts to 50 to 60 million won.In March, the institute evaluated six models, including Claude, but this number increased to 11 last month. The pace of new frontier models being released exceeds 10 per month, making it difficult to keep up.Kim Myung-joo, head of the AI Safety Research Institute and a professor at Seoul Women's University, stated, "There is a surge in demand for evaluations," adding that they are renting commercial cloud sessions to secure additional computing resources when needed.Due to the lack of infrastructure, the institute is prioritizing the evaluation of models that are sensitive to security and safety. There are increasing instances of AI models being used in the domestic market without proper safety verification.Currently, the model prioritized for evaluation is the frontier-level model 'GLM 5.3' developed by China's Zhipu AI. The recent circulation of a modified version of GLM 5.3, which has had its safety mechanisms removed, has raised concerns about potential misuse.Models with removed safety features could generate software vulnerabilities or attack codes that a normal AI should refuse to answer. This poses risks not only for cyberattacks but also for disseminating dangerous information in the fields of chemistry and biology. The institute is examining how far these models respond to hazardous requests.The safety institute has also begun evaluating the frontier model 'Astra,' recently released by OpenAI. Kim noted, "Multiple model evaluations are underway simultaneously, so it may take time for results to emerge."Experts point out that relying solely on 16 H200 units limits the comprehensive assessment of the safety of Astra-level frontier models. They argue that to conduct red teaming and real-time monitoring beyond simple question-and-answer evaluations, models and computing resources at a similar level to the evaluation targets are necessary.Choi Byung-ho, a research professor at Korea University’s AI Research Institute, emphasized, "Safety research requires as many resources as research aimed at improving model performance," adding that not only GPUs but also the power and space to operate them, along with evaluation frameworks, are essential. He further stated, "Since it is difficult to evaluate with just one model, a multi-model evaluation utilizing available resources such as APIs and open-source models is also necessary."Meanwhile, the debate over the speed of AI development and safety continues in the global AI industry. According to reports, senior officials from the Trump administration met with senior executives from Anthropic on September 15 to discuss AI safety issues.Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, argued that the pace of AI development should be slowed to allow time for enhancing safety measures, while former President Donald Trump opposed this view, citing competition with China as a reason to maintain speed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-16 17:32:10