Naver Cloud wins cybersecurity AI model project SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - South Korea has selected a consortium led by Naver Cloud to develop an AI foundation model specialized for cybersecurity, the science ministry said Thursday. The Ministry of Science and ICT said the consortium was chosen following a presentation-based review of two bidders for the project. External experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity evaluated each consortium's business plan and presentation, covering technical capability, develo September 3, 2026

Seoul faces criticism over slow drug-pricing overhaul SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) -South Korea risks stalling its bid to become a global healthcare hub unless it expedites last year's drug-pricing overhaul with predictable and transparent execution, industry and government figures said at a seminar in Seoul. The warning ran through the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea's 17th Healthcare Innovation Seminar, held at the Shilla Hotel on Thursday and attended by about 150 government officials, industry executives and clinicians. September 3, 2026

Humanoid robots trade the racetrack for the packing line SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - Humanoid robots have spent the year setting speed records and drawing crowds. On Thursday, two of them started stuffing padding into boxes at a warehouse south of Seoul. CJ Logistics said it has put the dual-arm machines to work at an Olive Young fulfillment center in Yangji, Yongin, becoming the first company in South Korea's logistics industry to move humanoids from demonstration into a live operation. The step follows a partnership CJ Logistics September 3, 2026

GGGF 2026: Hyundai Motor bets on robots built for the job SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - The first fleet of humanoid robots Hyundai Motor is readying to roll out starting 2028 won't resemble human workers, but replace their specialties in a way to boost productivity whether it be through wheels or single arm, a senior member of the robotics intelligence team of Hyundai Motor said. "When you look at real work sites, no single humanoid can handle every task," Joo Si-hyun, vice president of the robotics intelligence development gro September 3, 2026

Budget carrier Eastar Jet to increase routes to China SEOUL, September 3 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet is expanding its routes to more cities in China, offering more travel options between the two countries. The airline said Thursday it will launch flights from Incheon and Busan to Xiamen in October, followed by routes from Cheongju to Xiamen and from Busan to Hangzhou in December. It will offer four flights a week from Incheon to Xiamen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from Oct. 28. Fligh September 3, 2026

Defense nominee: OPCON transfer will strengthen alliance SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - South Korea's defense minister nominee Kang Shin-chul said Thursday that the transfer of wartime operational control would be pursued in a way that strengthens the alliance with the United States. Kang made the remarks to reporters as he arrived Thursday at the Defense Convention in Seoul's Yongsan district, where he will prepare for his parliamentary confirmation hearing. Asked whether the government could complete the Full Operational Capabil September 3, 2026

Tesla takes 1 in 3 Korea import-car sales in August SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - Tesla, this year's standout performer among imported car brands in South Korea, widened its lead in August by selling more vehicles than BMW and Mercedes-Benz combined. Tesla registered 10,400 vehicles in August, exceeding the combined 10,217 units sold by second-ranked BMW and third-ranked Mercedes-Benz, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA). BMW registered 6,180 vehicles and Mercedes-Benz 4,037. Tesl September 3, 2026

Seoul rebounds as bond yields ease, chip tariffs loom SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - The KOSPI rebounded at Thursday's open, clawing back part of the previous session's 4 percent slide after U.S. Treasury yields pulled back from a nearly three-year high and Wall Street snapped a two-day losing streak. The main index in Seoul was quoted at 6,661.27 in morning trade. The index added 98.55 points, or 1.5 percent. The recovery is narrow. The KOSPI 200 gained 1.4 percent, while the KOSDAQ, the junior board for smaller and technolog September 3, 2026

Gyeonggi brings in real-life 'Teach You a Lesson' experts SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education has launched a 300-member team of specialists to support and defend South Korea teachers exposed to malicious complaints, harassment and attacks from students and parents. The initiative takes a cue from the Netflix drama “Teach You a Lesson,” which depicts a fictional government agency created to restore teachers’ authority in schools. Gyeonggi Superintendent of Education Ahn Min-seok has m September 3, 2026

T'way Air gears up for Trinity Airways debut with new livery SEOUL, September 3 (AJP) - Low-cost carrier T'way Air is in its final preparations for its transition into the new Trinity Airways, unveiling its first aircraft to feature the new livery ahead of the launch next week. The carrier said Thursday that it held an event at Gimpo International Airport on Monday to mark the delivery of a Boeing 737-8 featuring its new logo and design. Crew members wearing the airline's new uniforms also attended the event ahead of the aircraft' September 3, 2026