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Hecto Group Launches Educational Platform Featuring AI and Blockchain Experts Hecto Group has invited artificial intelligence (AI) and global industry experts to enhance the capabilities of its members. On July 27, Hecto Group announced the launch of an external expert invitation program through its internal growth platform, Hecto Academy. Hecto Academy is an educational platform designed to share the organizations direction and priorities with its members while supporting the application of the latest knowledge and perspectives in their work. The company explained that its core mission is to foster mutual growth for individuals and the organization through a virtuous cycle of learning, application, and sharing. In the first half of this year, experts from various fields participated, including Lutton Technologies, FuriosaAI, KAIST, the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance, and blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. They shared insights on topics such as generative AI strategies, the AI semiconductor industry, stablecoins, and changes in the global business environment, using real industry cases and the latest trends. Members are enhancing their understanding of future business strategies and exploring practical applications through direct communication with external experts. Hecto Academy is expanding its educational framework beyond external lectures to include one-on-one coaching for executives, leadership courses for managers, internal expert training, feedback utilization training, and a Vibe Coding program. It operates challenges and communities based on the 70:20:10 learning principle, which consists of 70% work experience, 20% peer learning, and 10% formal education, promoting a culture of learning throughout the organization. A Hecto Group representative stated, In a rapidly changing business environment, the key to competitiveness is the growth of our members, adding, We will continue to enhance our growth platform that connects insights gained from collaboration with external experts to actual business innovation.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 11:00 -
Korea's Small and Medium Business Agency Reviews Anti-Corruption Policies and Awards AI Short Film Contest The Small and Medium Business Agency held a meeting on July 27 at its headquarters in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, to review the progress of its anti-corruption and integrity policies.The meeting, attended by over 20 participants including Chairman Kang Seok-jin and key department heads, assessed the agencys performance in implementing anti-corruption and integrity policies during the first half of the year. They also shared the status of integrity initiatives and best practices from various departments.Plans for the second half of the year were discussed, focusing on ways to promote a culture of integrity that the public can feel. The agency committed to preventing corruption risks across its core operations, particularly in eradicating improper third-party interference in policy funding, and to creating a fair policy support environment.Following the meeting, an awards ceremony for the Integrity-focused Small and Medium Business Agency AI+ Short Film Contest was held. The contest recognized outstanding promotional content created by citizens and employees using artificial intelligence (AI) to promote integrity.The grand prize was awarded to Kim Do-yoon for his work themed Properly Executing Public Finances Where Needed, which depicted the agencys commitment to appropriately allocating public funds.Kang Seok-jin, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Agency, emphasized that integrity is the most fundamental value of public institutions and the starting point of public trust, and stated, We will strive to become a more trusted institution through effective anti-corruption and integrity policy implementation and by fostering a culture of communication and empathy among employees.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 10:52
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KB Financial Group Establishes $1.5 Billion Unicorn Fund to Support Advanced Industries KB Financial Group is launching a fund worth 1.5 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion) to foster advanced strategic industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.On July 24, KB Financial Group held its fourth Productive Finance Council meeting to review the progress of its productive finance initiatives, the group announced on July 27.During the meeting, it was decided to establish the KB National Growth Unicorn Scale-Up Fund with a total size of 1.5 trillion won. The fund will be entirely financed by KB Financial affiliates, with management handled by KB Securities Private Equity Growth Investment Division. Key investment targets will include companies in AI, semiconductors, secondary batteries, aerospace, mobility, robotics, and biotechnology.In line with the governments Three Major Mega Projects and the National Growth Fund policy, KB Financial has also developed financial support measures for investments in semiconductors, power, infrastructure, and physical AI companies, as well as AI data centers. The group plans to enhance comprehensive financial support by identifying innovative small and medium-sized enterprises located in various regions through its Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Center, which specializes in corporate finance and securities collaboration.Additionally, the council discussed transitioning from traditional corporate evaluations based on financial statements and past performance to a culture of assessing companies based on their technological capabilities and future growth potential.Kim Sung-hyun, head of KB Financials CIB Market Division, stated, We need to expand our role as a partner that grows alongside advanced strategic industry companies, moving beyond traditional loan-based financial support for conventional industries. We will strengthen our capabilities to understand industries and companies and evaluate their technological strengths and future growth values. July 27, 2026 09:44
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Hanjin Group Airlines Unite to Donate Voices for Children's Audiobooks Korean Air announced on July 27 that it held a voice donation campaign called Better Tomorrow Studio at its headquarters in Gangseo-gu on July 24. Employees from five airlines under the Hanjin Group, including Korean Air, participated in the initiative. This year, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul employees joined in to enhance the effort. Notably, the social contribution activity saw voluntary support from employees eager to donate their voices. Among them were cabin crew members with experience as in-flight announcement trainers, announcers, and reporters, as well as many general staff. For the English book recordings, participants were selected based on their proficiency in English to ensure effective communication. After receiving training from professional voice actors, they rehearsed and recorded their assigned portions of the storybooks. The audiobooks produced include six Korean fairy tales and two English fairy tales, totaling eight titles. The selection of books allows children to indirectly experience travel and culture, reflecting the nature of the airline. This year, English audiobooks were added to assist with language learning. The completed audiobooks, along with reading assistance devices, will be distributed to children from underprivileged backgrounds, along with 400 storybooks (50 sets in total) that are similar to the audiobooks. One cabin crew member from Korean Air stated, Knowing that my voice will reach children through the audiobooks made me read each part with more care. I hope that children who usually have difficulty accessing books can discover a new world through the audiobooks we created. Meanwhile, Korean Air is set to merge with Asiana Airlines in December. Following this, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul aim to transform into a unified low-cost carrier by the first quarter of next year.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 08:48
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Residents to Take Charge of Local Chemical Safety with Citizen Schools in Gyeongnam and Capital Region The government is launching an educational program aimed at enhancing the chemical safety capabilities of local residents and civil society activists, as well as establishing a community-based response system for chemical accidents.The Chemical Safety Agency, part of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced that it will operate Chemical Safety Citizen Schools in the Gyeongnam region and the Capital region for two months starting in August, with free enrollment for participants beginning on the 27th.The Chemical Safety Citizen School is a community-based educational program co-hosted by the Chemical Safety Agency and civil society networks. Its goal is to train local residents and civil society activists to participate in collaborative governance, allowing local governments and civil society to discuss and decide on regional chemical safety issues together.Last year, the agency conducted pilot training in the Jeonnam and Jeonbuk regions. Graduates from that program reported an increased understanding of chemical safety and expressed the need for ongoing educational programs for the public.In response to feedback gathered during the pilot program, the agency has refined the curriculum and expanded this years training to include the Gyeongnam region and the Capital region. The Gyeongnam training will be co-hosted by the Gyeongnam Health and Life Protectors, the Chemical and Food Workers Union, and the Ulsan Environmental Movement Union, with support from Ulsan City. The Capital region training will be co-hosted by Siheung City, the Chemical and Food Workers Union, the Capital Region Health and Life Protectors, and the Ansan-Siheung Irregular Workers Center, with support from Ansan City.The training will be conducted over three days in each region and will consist of eight lectures and hands-on experiences, including theoretical education on basic concepts of chemical substances, discussions on enhancing collaborative governance for chemical safety, and a tour of the Chemical Safety Agency. Detailed information and application methods can be found on the Chemical Safety Agencys website.Park Bong-kyun, head of the Chemical Safety Agency, stated, We hope this training will enhance residents understanding of chemical safety and strengthen their capacity to prepare for chemical accidents. Based on the results and feedback from this program, we plan to gradually expand the regions of operation to promote a community-based culture of chemical safety nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. July 27, 2026 06:04
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Hoban Construction Wins Contract for Gunpo Geumjeong 3 Redevelopment Project Worth 230 Billion Won Hoban Construction has secured the construction rights for the Geumjeong 3 redevelopment project in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, accelerating its expansion in urban redevelopment projects in the metropolitan area.The company announced on July 26 that it has been selected as the construction firm for the Geumjeong 3 redevelopment project, which is being developed in the area of 766 Geumjeong-dong, Gunpo.This project will consist of six buildings, ranging from four underground floors to 35 above-ground floors, with a total of 656 apartment units and community facilities. The total construction cost is approximately 230 billion won.The site is conveniently located near Geumjeong Station, which serves as a transfer point for subway lines 1 and 4, as well as Gunpo Station and Sanbon Station. The opening of the GTX-C line in the future is expected to further improve transportation conditions. Additionally, the site is close to Geumjeong IC, making it easy to access major areas in Seoul and the metropolitan region.The educational environment is also favorable, with nearby schools including Gunpo Yangjeong Elementary, Gunpo Middle, Geumjeong Middle, and Gunpo High School. Access to the academy districts in Pyeongchon and Sanbon is also excellent. The area is well-equipped with green spaces such as Han-eul Park, Dangdong Park, and Geumjeong First Childrens Park, as well as essential facilities like Gunpo City Hall and large supermarkets, contributing to a positive living environment.Notably, large-scale urban redevelopment projects are underway in the Sanbon and Geumjeong areas, raising expectations for future improvements in the residential environment. Hoban Construction has expanded its portfolio in the Gunpo area by securing the Geumjeong 3 project, following its acquisition of the Gunpo 10 district redevelopment project in 2018.A representative from Hoban Construction stated, Geumjeong 3 is a key redevelopment site in Gunpo with an excellent location and future growth potential. We will leverage our accumulated experience and technical expertise in urban redevelopment to carry out the project stably and create a brand complex that represents Gunpo with differentiated products and designs.Earlier this year, Hoban Construction also won contracts for the reconstruction project in the Gojan 6 district of Ansan and the street housing maintenance projects in the Myeonmok 6-3, 4, and 5 districts in Seoul.Meanwhile, on July 23, the Hoban Group held a communication program called Connecting Day, where new employees and management shared insights on organizational culture and work experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:24
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Hyundai Motor Group Strengthens AI Collaboration in San Francisco Hyundai Motor Group is enhancing its collaboration with the innovation ecosystem in San Francisco, USA, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). The company has also announced its long-term plan, the Physical AI Vision, which aims to achieve integrated intelligence at the city level through the intelligence of individual devices such as automobiles and robots, as well as specific spaces.According to industry sources on July 26, the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Silicon Valley, is a global innovation hub where leading tech companies, startups, research institutions, and universities are interconnected. This region is where Hyundai Motor Group is actively pursuing industry-academic-research collaborations for its transition to Physical AI. The group is exploring future technologies and strengthening its research and development capabilities while engaging in various collaborations that encompass talent, culture, and academia.On July 24, during the San Francisco AI Summit, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung unveiled the Physical AI vision, which outlines the companys evolution from an automobile manufacturer to a platform company that transforms lifestyles. The vision extends beyond the intelligence of individual devices like cars and robots to the intelligence of specific spaces, ultimately aiming for integrated intelligence at the city level. The plan is to design urban infrastructure that creates new value as mobility, work, and living spaces change in the AI era.To accelerate the implementation of Physical AI, Hyundai Motor Group plans to combine its strengths in manufacturing, mobility, and robotics with the software, AI infrastructure, and algorithm capabilities of major U.S. tech companies. Specifically, the group aims to strengthen strategic collaborations with global tech giants such as NVIDIA, Waymo, and Google DeepMind.Hyundai Motor Group also announced plans to establish a robot reference platform that integrates NVIDIAs Physical AI technology and to invest in the Saemangeum AI Valley, aiming to enable a new leap for the domestic industry and technology ecosystem based on innovation in robotics and AI.Since establishing Hyundai Ventures as a global open innovation hub in Silicon Valley in 2011 and rebranding it as Hyundai Cradle in 2017, the group has been identifying promising startups in future technology fields such as AI, autonomous driving, robotics, smart cities, and eco-friendly energy, linking them to its business areas to secure future growth engines.Recently, the group has strengthened its research and development capabilities in future mobility by establishing a new organization under the AVP headquarters in Silicon Valley.The newly established AVP Silicon Valley will be led by Jeremy Ma, who has a distinguished background in autonomous driving, robotics, vision, and systems integration from his experience at NASA, Apple, Toyota Research Institute (TRI), and NVIDIA. He will be responsible for integrating technologies in autonomous driving, robotics, and AI.In September, Hyundai Motor Group will host the HMG Tech Talent Forum in Silicon Valley. This event will invite top talents in key technology fields such as AI, software, robotics, and future mobility to introduce the groups future vision and technological innovations, providing opportunities for direct interaction with key leaders and research and development personnel.Participants will have the chance to directly observe Hyundai Motor Groups future strategies and technological competitiveness while exploring the direction of future industries and potential collaborations with the groups core leaders. The forum will also feature the groups first integrated recruitment program.Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its collaboration with the innovation ecosystem in San Francisco in the fields of culture and science. In April, the group established a strategic partnership with the Exploratorium, a world-renowned interactive science museum representing San Francisco, to promote a culture of inquiry based on fundamental science. Through this partnership, Hyundai Motor Group plans to create an interactive science museum at its Global Business Complex (GBC) by 2032.Through its ongoing innovation efforts in San Francisco, Hyundai Motor Group aims to actively prepare for the new industrial paradigm of Physical AI. The recently unveiled Physical AI vision reflects the groups commitment to connecting technology with people, objects, mobility, and daily life, supporting a new future for human life.A company official stated, We will expand the realm of future mobility through innovations that integrate autonomous driving, robotics, AI, and software, and contribute to humanity and future society as a leading company in the Physical AI era based on collaboration with the global innovation ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:12
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AI Digital Restoration and Generative AI Search Create a New Future for K-Movie Heritage Film is the most vivid cultural heritage that records the times. However, as time passes, film deteriorates, and once lost footage is difficult to recover. AI is now opening a new era where old films can be restored, visual assets can be permanently preserved, and everyone can easily access them. Mo Eun-young, director of the Korean Film Archive, is drawing attention to whether AI can fully convey the memories of a century of Korean cinema to future generations. Film is National Heritage Film is not just entertainment; it is a record that vividly captures the history, culture, and daily life of an era. An old film contains the streets, architecture, language, and cultural practices of its time. However, film deteriorates over time. Colors fade, scratches appear on the screen, and sound quality deteriorates. If the preservation environment is poor, the original can be lost entirely. Since its establishment in 1974, the Korean Film Archive has been a full member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), and its mission to protect film heritage is not just about preserving the past but also about passing on Koreas cultural identity to the future. AI is opening new possibilities in this field. AI Revives Old Films In the past, film restoration took months or even years, as experts had to manually restore damaged frames one by one. AI is fundamentally changing the restoration process. It can automatically remove dust and scratches, restore faded colors, and improve damaged sound. AI analyzes past footage to estimate the original quality and correct frames. As restoration speeds up, more classic films can be saved. The core value of AI restoration is to revive the legacy of a century of Korean cinema in the digital space. Creating an AI Video Archive The Korean Film Archive houses a vast amount of film and video materials. The challenge is that the more materials there are, the harder it is to find the desired footage. AI directly analyzes the footage. It automatically recognizes characters, locations, historical contexts, and key scenes, generating metadata that allows for natural language searches. 1960s Seoul streets. Films about the Korean War. Scenes of rain. This opens an era where one can find desired footage without knowing the title. The archive is evolving from a simple storage facility to an AI-based video knowledge platform. AI Changes Film Research Film research is also entering the AI era. In the past, researchers had to watch hundreds of films to gather data. Now, AI analyzes directors styles, filming techniques, and characteristics of footage from different eras, helping researchers find necessary scenes. Students can study film history more easily, and researchers can quickly analyze vast amounts of data. AI does not replace researchers; it becomes a new tool that enhances the depth and speed of research. Video Data Becomes a New Content Industry The materials held by the archive should not remain as mere records of the past. In the AI era, video data becomes the source of a new industry. Filmmakers can study classic films to create new works, and documentary producers can utilize historical footage. AI companies can learn from video data to develop new services. Education, tourism, gaming, and exhibition industries can also leverage film heritage data. Good data should create new content, and new content should foster a virtuous cycle of growth in the cultural industry. AI Brings Films Closer to the Public The archive should evolve beyond a storage institution to become a platform where the public can learn about and enjoy films. Generative AI narrows the gap between the public and cinema. When viewers ask questions about films, AI can explain the director, historical context, and filming techniques. It can provide educational content for students, simple language for general audiences, and in-depth information for experts. The public will no longer have to search for information. We are entering an era where AI recommends and explains the films needed. In fact, the archives classic film YouTube channel has already gained 1.05 million subscribers, expanding its reach to the public. AI-based services can further deepen and personalize this connection. AI and K-Movie Connect the World Korean cinema is already recognized for its global competitiveness. Now, it is time to introduce past masterpieces to the world. By utilizing AI translation, subtitles, and voice technology, old Korean films can be easily enjoyed by global audiences. The archive should evolve from merely preserving films to supporting the globalization of K-movies. Korean film heritage can become a new global cultural asset. The Korean Film Archive Must Transform into an AI Organization AI is not just a technology for film restoration. It can assist in material classification, searching, metadata creation, research support, and more. Staff can move away from repetitive tasks to focus on film restoration, research, international cooperation, and developing new services. The archive must transition from a digital archive to an AI archive institution. The task assigned to Mo Eun-young is not limited to preserving films. It is to utilize AI to eternally preserve Koreas film heritage and make it a cultural asset that can be shared by the public and the world. AI helps restore old films, analyze vast footage, and enables anyone to easily find the films they want. Film heritage expands into research, education, tourism, and the content industry. Transforming from a storage institution to an AI platform that revives films. Evolving from an organization that preserves the past to one that supports future content industries. Continuing the memories of a century of Korean cinema through AI forever. This is the new future that the Korean Film Archive must create. :Mo Eun-young, Director of the Korean Film Archive: Mo Eun-young has extensive field experience in film screening, planning, and festival operations, having served as a programmer for the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival, Seoul Indie Animation Festival, and Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, as well as the head of the CinemaTech Department at the Korean Film Archive and the executive director of the Seoul Independent Film Festival. Appointed as the director of the Korean Film Archive in March this year, she has begun a three-year term, preparing for the next decade of Korean film heritage through AI-based digital restoration, advanced video archiving, and the introduction of generative AI search services.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:48
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Lee courts Silicon Valley's 'kingmakers' to back Korean startups SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung met six of Silicon Valley's most influential venture capital firms on Saturday, urging them to help turn South Korea into an indispensable global hub for innovation and startup investment. The "Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup," held at a hotel in San Francisco, came a day after Lee met the chief executives of major U.S. technology companies, extending his U.S. visit from discussions with established Big Tech leaders to the investors who helped build many of them. Speaking at the meeting, Lee described South Korea as "an irreplaceable base for innovation" capable of offering new growth opportunities for global investors. "We will create the world's best environment for investment and entrepreneurship," he said, pledging to improve visa policies, expand cooperation with overseas investors and provide comprehensive support ranging from financing to overseas market expansion so promising startups can grow into global companies. Lee also called for the Korea-U.S. alliance to evolve beyond its traditional security foundation. "The two countries should broaden cooperation from a security alliance to a technology alliance, an innovation alliance and a startup alliance," he said. "I hope you will become reliable partners in building an 'irreplaceable Korea' where global talent, technology and capital come together to create the next 30 years of growth." During the event, the National Pension Service signed memorandums of understanding on investment cooperation with six leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms — Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates and Khosla Ventures. The participants also held a roundtable discussion on expanding cross-border venture investment and strengthening startup ecosystems in South Korea and the United States. Together, the six venture capital firms manage about $313 billion in assets, while the National Pension Service oversees about 1.69 quadrillion won ($1.2 trillion), making the gathering one of the largest assemblies of venture capital and institutional investment capital focused on Korean startups. The firms have collectively backed many of the world's biggest technology companies. Sequoia Capital was an early investor in Apple, Nvidia and Google. Andreessen Horowitz invested in Meta, Instagram and defense technology startup Anduril, while Khosla Ventures was an early backer of OpenAI. Andreessen Horowitz recently opened a Seoul office, underscoring growing interest in Korea's startup ecosystem. According to the presidential office, venture capital executives emphasized that the biggest ingredients for startup success in Korea are a culture that allows entrepreneurs to recover from failure and sufficient access to capital. Lee said the comments "deeply resonated" with him and pledged to pursue policies that would give young people and aspiring entrepreneurs more opportunities to launch businesses. He also instructed presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom and First Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Noh Yong-seok to explore practical ways to strengthen links between universities, investors and startups after hearing suggestions on improving Korea's investment environment. The agreements signed Saturday call for long-term cooperation to identify promising Korean startups and expand global investment opportunities through closer collaboration between the participating institutions. In a separate post on social media, policy chief Kim described the gathering as a meeting with Silicon Valley's "kingmakers," saying Lee met not only Big Tech executives during his U.S. visit but also the venture capital investors who helped create many of today's technology giants. Kim noted that the six VC firms collectively invested early in companies including Apple, Nvidia, Google, Meta, Instagram and OpenAI, adding that their attention is now increasingly turning toward Korea, pointing to Andreessen Horowitz's recent decision to establish a Seoul office. He said the meeting represented years of efforts by Korean institutions to deepen ties with Silicon Valley, citing the National Pension Service's San Francisco office, Korea Venture Investment Corp.'s long-standing presence in the region and the Startup Venture Campus in Menlo Park. Kim said the roundtable was ultimately about nurturing "the next Samsung or SK hynix" through the venture capital ecosystem rather than the state-led industrial policies that powered South Korea's earlier economic development. "Global Big Tech companies begin as startups and grow with venture capital," Kim wrote. "Connecting Korean startups with the world's leading venture investors is precisely the role the government should play." July 26, 2026 13:34 -
Hyundai Sponsors ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Southeast Asia's Largest Football Festival Hyundai Motor Company announced that the ASEAN Hyundai Cup, Southeast Asias largest football festival, kicked off on July 24 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium.Founded in 1996, the tournament has been renamed the ASEAN Hyundai Cup following Hyundais first participation as a title sponsor this year. It is the most prestigious national football competition in Southeast Asia, held every two years, and in 2024, it recorded a cumulative viewership of over 540 million across TV and digital streaming platforms.This years tournament runs from July 24 to August 26, featuring intense competition among national teams from 11 ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, all vying for the championship.Hyundai Motor recognizes football as a powerful platform that connects people and spreads positive values such as challenge, passion, and teamwork. The company has been actively sponsoring various tournaments and clubs.Through global partnerships, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa Libertadores, Hyundai aims to promote the values of unity and solidarity in sports while providing customers with a unique brand experience and fulfilling its corporate social responsibility.The sponsorship of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup is significant as it offers Hyundai a strategic opportunity to engage with the Southeast Asian football ecosystem. The company plans to resonate with local fans and convey a brand message that encompasses diverse countries and cultures.To reflect this purpose, Hyundai is launching a promotional campaign and marketing program under the slogan Hyundai, Driving ASEAN as One.On digital channels, Hyundai will showcase content in collaboration with popular influencer Arkan Dika, symbolizing ASEANs cheering culture and the energy of the younger generation. Following the release of a main film featuring Arkan Dika on July 7, additional social content featuring him will be distributed during the tournament. Arkan Dika previously generated millions of memes on global social media with his cheering performance at an Indonesian traditional boat race last year.During the tournament, a participatory campaign will allow fans to decorate their personal vehicles with stickers. Free stickers reflecting the culture and enthusiasm of various Southeast Asian countries will be distributed to football fans at offline dealer networks and stadium fan booths. Vehicles adorned with these stickers are expected to serve as mobile platforms promoting the ASEAN Hyundai Cup.Prior to the tournaments opening, a trophy tour visited major countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, providing numerous fans with the opportunity to see the championship trophy up close. After the tournaments commencement, Hyundai is actively fulfilling its role as a title sponsor through various activities, including stadium branding, a kids escort program, and broadcast graphic exposure.During the tournament, Hyundai will offer various purchase promotions, including down payment support and special discounts for customers who buy vehicles. Additionally, events for group match viewings at dealer showrooms, official merchandise giveaways, and prize draws for opportunities to attend the finals will enhance customers brand experience.Meanwhile, Hyundai plans to officially sponsor a total of 10 tournaments, including club, U-23, and womens competitions organized by ASEAN UNITED FC, through 2028, including its participation as a title sponsor for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:16
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President Yoon Proposes U.S.-Korea Startup Alliance, Signs MOU with Six VCs President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed expanding U.S.-Korea cooperation beyond security to include technology, innovation, and startups during a meeting with prominent venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. The National Pension Service (NPS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six major U.S. VCs to establish a framework for supporting domestic startups in attracting overseas investment and entering the U.S. market.Speaking at the Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup on July 25, Yoon stated, Korea and the U.S. should broaden our cooperation from a long-standing security alliance to a technology, innovation, and startup alliance.Following meetings with global tech CEOs the previous day, Yoon discussed strategies for increasing investment in Korean startups with leading Silicon Valley investors known for identifying early-stage tech companies.On that day, the NPS signed MOUs with six VCs: Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, and Khosla Ventures.The total assets under management of the participating VCs amount to $313 billion, approximately 458 trillion won.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung noted in a written briefing that the gathering of the NPS, one of the worlds top three pension funds with assets of 1,690 trillion won, and major Silicon Valley investors to discuss U.S.-Korea startup investment cooperation is significant.These VCs are recognized as key players in identifying the growth potential of innovative companies. Sequoia Capital has made early investments in Apple, NVIDIA, and Google, while Andreessen Horowitz has invested in Meta, Instagram, and defense startup Anduril. Khosla Ventures also made early investments in OpenAI in 2019.Andreessen Horowitz has recently opened an office in Korea, demonstrating its commitment to venture investment in the country. The NPS and the six VCs aim to expand strategic cooperation with Koreas innovation ecosystem and establish a long-term partnership to jointly discover promising innovative companies and global investment opportunities.Yoon emphasized, Korea is an irreplaceable hub of innovation that can offer new growth opportunities to global investors, and we will create the best environment for investment and entrepreneurship in the world.He added, The U.S. has top-tier venture investment capabilities and a global network, while Korea possesses excellent technology, manufacturing competitiveness, and a dynamic startup ecosystem. If we combine our strengths, we can create the next generation of leading companies like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and Naver that will lead the world in innovation.Yoon also highlighted the role of venture capitalists, stating, They are not just providers of funds but partners in innovation who discover technological potential and connect strategies and networks to help startups leap into the global market.He noted that when promising Korean startups meet global investment capabilities, investors gain new growth opportunities, and startups can establish a foothold in the global market, creating a successful innovation model where investors and companies grow together.The government plans to improve visa regulations that hinder the influx of overseas entrepreneurial talent and expand collaborative foundations connecting domestic and international companies, research institutions, and investment organizations. The government will also integrate funds from the Korean Growth Fund, the National Pension Service, and private capital to comprehensively support promising startups in their growth into global companies.During a subsequent roundtable, participants shared trends in global venture investment and investment cases related to Korean companies, discussing challenges in improving Koreas investment environment and cooperation between the U.S. and Korean venture ecosystems.Global VC representatives identified a culture that allows for recovery from failure and appropriate investment as essential elements for the success of startups in Korea.In response, Yoon expressed appreciation for the insightful suggestions, stating, I will work on policies to create a society that provides entrepreneurial opportunities for all citizens, including the youth.He also mentioned that he gained much inspiration from the proposals to improve Koreas investment environment and inquired with Chief Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom and First Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Roh Yong-seok about more feasible ways to connect universities and investors, urging them to review specific policies.Yoon concluded by urging, Let the worlds talent, technology, and capital gather in Korea to create growth opportunities for the next 30 years, and be a strong partner for an irreplaceable Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:16
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Hyundai Group Chairwoman emphasizes communication and trust at new employee ceremony Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun attended a new employee training completion ceremony, emphasizing the importance of communication and trust among colleagues while encouraging the new managers who will lead the groups future.On July 24, Hyundai Group held the completion ceremony for the 2026 First Half Group New Manager Orientation Training at the H-Stadium in its headquarters in Yeonji-dong, Seoul, as announced on July 26.The ceremony featured presentations by new managers on their training projects conducted over the two-week program, along with awards for outstanding trainees, encouraging remarks, and the issuance of certificates.During the event, Chairwoman Hyun highlighted the value of experience sharing between colleagues, stating, Let us open the path for everyone at Hyundai Group to grow together.She added, In this rapidly changing era, the essence of learning begins with people rather than technology. The driving force for growth lies in gathering each others thoughts and sharing experiences to find better paths.This orientation program focused on enhancing the AI job utilization capabilities of new managers while facilitating experience sharing with senior employees to help them naturally learn the core values and culture of Hyundai Group.Hyun also remarked, The beginning and end of everything is determined by trust with people, urging the new managers to add their unique perspectives and challenges on the foundation of trust built by their senior colleagues, and to dream continuously and act boldly.Hyun has consistently expressed her belief that the core competency of the company in the era of AI transformation lies in the insight and judgment of employees. In her New Year’s address this year, she mentioned sense-making—the ability to connect information to insights—while presenting the creative thinking, proactive decision-making, and active execution that represent Hyundais DNA.Hyundai Group stated, The new manager training program, which continues for a year through orientation, buddy systems, mentoring, and global trips (overseas site visits), is being well established, and added that it plans to continue discovering and actively incorporating training that allows for shared experiences among colleagues.Additionally, Hyun previously encouraged new managers at the completion ceremony on July 1, saying, Act proactively and challenge boldly.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:00
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Korea's Chimaek diplomacy gets a Silicon Valley AI makeover SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korea's signature chimaek culture — fried chicken and beer — found a Silicon Valley twist on Friday as President Lee Jae Myung clinked Budweiser bottles over burgers and fish and chips with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun and other AI leaders on San Francisco's waterfront. The informal dinner at a marina restaurant, following a day of high-level meetings and an AI summit, was designed to mirror the relaxed "chimaek diplomacy" Huang enjoyed during his visit to Seoul last year, when the Nvidia chief famously bonded with Korean business leaders over fried chicken and barbecue. This time, California seafood and beer replaced Korean fare, but the objective remained the same: forging personal ties behind one of the world's fastest-growing AI partnerships. Earlier in the day, Lee held separate meetings with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, urging each company to deepen participation in South Korea's AI ambitions. Lee introduced his administration's three mega AI projects and said South Korea was transforming itself into an AI-native economy spanning industry and society. Huang praised Seoul's vision, saying South Korea's ambition to become an "AI-native nation" was inspiring and that the country possessed the talent and industrial foundation to build sovereign AI if it secured sufficient access to graphics processing units. He also highlighted Nvidia's expanding cooperation with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Naver, Hyundai Motor and a planned joint AI research institute with KAIST. Altman described South Korea as one of OpenAI's most important partners and praised Lee's AI leadership. He said equity-based wealth-sharing models could prove more effective than simple cash transfers in the AI era and called Korea's investments in physical AI, energy infrastructure and its three mega projects globally exemplary. OpenAI also expressed interest in using South Korea as a test bed for its next-generation AI devices scheduled for release early next year. Meeting Hock Tan, Lee emphasized that governments and companies must jointly build AI ecosystems rather than compete independently. Tan praised South Korea's AI strategy and highlighted Broadcom's partnerships with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Korean AI startup FuriosaAI, predicting AI infrastructure demand would continue expanding through at least 2029. Amodei said Anthropic would expand cooperation with South Korea in data centers, AI security and cybersecurity after signing a memorandum of understanding with Seoul's science ministry. The meetings culminated in the San Francisco AI Summit, where Lee unveiled the San Francisco AI Declaration, pledging to make South Korea an "irreplaceable" pillar of the global AI supply chain by leveraging its leadership in memory semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure. The summit also produced a series of commercial commitments between Korean conglomerates and global technology companies. According to the presidential office, SK Group agreed to pursue long-term AI infrastructure cooperation with global technology firms, Samsung Electronics expanded strategic cooperation with Broadcom, while Naver announced plans to develop global AI factories with Nvidia and Brookfield. Together with planned investments in AI data centers and computing infrastructure, the announced projects represent commitments valued at roughly $950 billion. Ending the day around a waterfront dinner table rather than a conference stage, Lee sought to reinforce a broader message that South Korea intends to pair its manufacturing strengths with America's AI software leadership — not only through investment pledges and semiconductor deals, but also through the personal relationships increasingly shaping the global AI race. After concluding his AI-focused visit to San Francisco, Lee headed to South America, where he pledged to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and revive trade talks with the Mercosur bloc. July 26, 2026 07:01 -
The Future of K-Content in the Age of Generative AI, Says Kim Yoon-ji South Korea is leading the global cultural market with K-pop, K-dramas, games, and webtoons. However, the emergence of generative AI is reshaping the content industry. AI is no longer just a production tool; it is a new platform that transforms content planning, creation, distribution, and export. The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) stands at the forefront of whether South Korea can evolve from a K-content powerhouse to an AI content leader. AI is transforming the content industry The content industry is at a significant turning point. In the past, creative ideas and excellent production skills were the keys to competitiveness. Now, AI is being added to the mix. Generative AI is fundamentally changing the production methods for videos, music, webtoons, games, and animations. Production times are decreasing, and costs are being cut. We are entering an era where individuals can create content aimed at global markets. The question is clear: Will South Korea be a consumer of these changes, or will it become a leading nation that creates new markets? AI does not replace creators but enhances their imagination One of the most common concerns about AI is that it will take jobs away from creators. However, the true role of AI is not to replace creators but to expand their imagination. AI reduces repetitive tasks, automates translation and dubbing, and assists with video editing and special effects. This allows creators to focus more on planning, storytelling, and emotional expression. We are moving into an era where it is not about competition between AI and humans, but rather about creators who effectively utilize AI leading the global market. K-Content must integrate with AI South Koreas greatest competitive advantage lies in its strong intellectual property (IP). Dramas, films, webtoons, games, music, and characters are recognized as valuable content assets worldwide. Now, AI must be added to this mix. AI can translate content into various languages, analyze overseas user preferences, and recommend content suitable for global platforms. It can also support the production process. Combining K-content with AI will enhance production efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness. AI is a new growth engine for the content industry. We need to nurture AI creators The key competitive advantage in the AI era is not technology but people. We need more directors who make films using AI, programmers who develop games, writers who create webtoons, and producers who make music. The training and education of AI creators promoted by KOCCA are significant in this regard. Equipping industry professionals with the ability to utilize AI and create a new creative ecosystem can lead to national competitiveness. AI content companies must expand globally Creating good content is not enough; it must connect to the global market. AI lowers the barriers to international expansion. Automated translation, dubbing, and localization technologies help K-content reach more countries. When KOCCAs overseas business hubs combine with AI technology, domestic content companies can target the global market more quickly. We must create an AI content ecosystem In the AI era, it is difficult for companies to grow alone. AI companies and content companies must collaborate. Startups and large corporations should work together to create new production systems. Universities and research institutions need to develop new technologies, and the government should support these efforts. AI content production support projects are policies aimed at creating such an ecosystem. They provide support for AI content production at various stages of company growth through entry-level, leading, and collaborative assistance. AI heralds a new era for K-Culture K-content has already become a representative export industry for South Korea. Now, the goal is even bigger. Through AI, we must produce content more quickly, export it to a wider range of countries, and continuously create new IP. When games, films, broadcasting, webtoons, music, and performances are interconnected within a single AI ecosystem, South Korea can leap from being a cultural powerhouse to an AI cultural superpower. AI is not just a technological revolution; it is a cultural revolution. Kim Yoon-ji, the head of KOCCA, has emphasized the core direction since her appointment: creating new value from intellectual property (IP), supporting export economic policies for the content industry, establishing a growth foundation for creators and companies, and proactively responding to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). This ultimately signifies the future growth strategy for South Koreas content industry. KOCCAs role must also evolve. It should transform from an agency that supports content to a platform that designs the AI content industry. AI does not replace creators; it expands their possibilities. AI does not standardize content; it enables a wider range of imagination to be realized. To maintain the global competitiveness of K-content in the AI era, South Korea must connect technology, creativity, IP, and global strategies into one. The goal of the AI content revolution is clear: to elevate South Korea from a content powerhouse to an AI content superpower. Kim Yoon-ji, the head of KOCCA, is an expert in the content industry and cultural economy, having researched the economic effects of content exports and the financial infrastructure needed for global expansion at the Korea Export-Import Banks Overseas Economic Research Institute. Since her appointment, she has focused on creating value from intellectual property (IP), supporting industry from an export economic policy perspective, establishing a growth foundation for creators and companies, and responding to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), concentrating her efforts on helping content companies enter global markets and fostering an AI-based industrial ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. July 25, 2026 15:36
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Kookmin students take top prize at HUSS hackathon SEOUL, July 25 (AJP) - Kookmin University students helped win the top prize and two other awards at a national hackathon that asked humanities and social science students to solve social problems with artificial intelligence. The 2026 HUSS Convergence Camp Insight hackathon ran from July 1 to 3 at the Sono Calm resort in Gyeongju, backed by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea and organized by the council of the Humanities Utmost Sharing System (HUSS), a government program that trains humanities and social science students to work across disciplinary lines. About 430 students and program officials took part in the hackathon, with students from different universities and majors grouped into five-member joint teams to propose solutions to social problems. A total of 55 teams entered. Around 20 advanced through a written preliminary round to the final presentations, where 10 teams took prizes: one top prize carrying the award of the deputy prime minister and education minister, four excellence prizes from the National Research Foundation chairman, and five encouragement prizes from the HUSS council chair. Kookmin students stood on three of those teams, including the one that won it all. The top team, Onsaemiro, included Yang Seung-eon of Kookmin's Department of Political Science and International Relations and Lee Tae-ho of the Department of AI, Big Data and Management. The team proposed ORIGIN, a platform that screens AI-generated traditional culture content for distortion before it spreads. The service analyzes such content for likely historical and cultural errors, then runs it past heritage practitioners and experts before issuing certification. Yang researched distortion cases and the surrounding regulations, defined the problem and built the presentation. Lee tested the feasibility of the solution and shaped a business model aimed at government agencies and public institutions. Kim Yun-seo of the School of Management Information Systems joined the excellence prize team Daumi, which proposed Dahda, an AI-based indoor evacuation navigator for visually impaired people. The service uses Wi-Fi fingerprinting and Bluetooth beacon technology to guide users to the nearest emergency exit during a fire and relays their location inside the building to rescue teams, with voice and vibration guidance tailored to different types of disability. Kim designed and developed the application prototype and handled its interface design. Hyun Yun-su of the School of Management Information Systems and Choi So-yul of Kookmin University Business School (KIBS) joined the encouragement prize team Poporiner, which proposed Daol, a legal and administrative support service for migrant workers offering individual visa schedule management, administrative information and expert consultations in users' native languages. The two managed the team, planned the service and led the research behind its main functions. The results gave Kookmin students a hand in solutions spanning cultural content credibility, disaster safety and support for vulnerable groups, the mix of AI technique and humanities grounding the HUSS program was built to produce. The university's HUSS office said it would keep expanding hands-on education that turns that grounding toward real social problems, working through inter-university cooperation and global partnerships. July 25, 2026 14:59