Search results
503 results
-
AI Revolutionizes Agriculture in South Korea The transition to artificial intelligence is an innovation that goes beyond simple technology adoption, enhancing the reliability and quality of public services provided by the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC). Kim In-jung, president of KRC, is accelerating the integration of AI in agriculture. The focus is on using AI to predict droughts and water shortages, manage agricultural water efficiently, and ensure safety in rural areas. At first glance, agriculture and AI may seem unrelated. However, with the aging rural population, labor shortages, and the climate crisis, agriculture has emerged as one of the sectors most in need of AI. Before AI can directly engage in farming, a competition has begun to create an AI-friendly farming environment. Data is the new competitive edge in agriculture. One of the most critical resources in agriculture is water. It is essential to accurately assess when it will rain, how much water is left in reservoirs, and which areas require more water. The challenge lies in climate change. With extreme droughts and heavy rainfall becoming more frequent, managing agricultural water based solely on past experiences and statistics is increasingly difficult. This is where AI comes into play. By analyzing vast amounts of data, including weather information, reservoir levels, crop conditions, and water demand, AI can identify the likelihood of droughts and water shortages earlier. It can also provide more precise assessments of when and where water is needed. A key feature of KRCs AI transition is that AI will be integrated directly into rural areas. Satellites monitor farmland, and AI predicts water shortages. KRC is also participating in the European Unions research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, this year. Through the PROTEUS project, which involves 19 institutions across nine countries, KRC aims to combine satellite data with on-site measurements. The goal is to develop a model that can detect drought and crop stress early and suggest optimal agricultural water supply solutions. Satellites observe the condition of farmland. Sensors collect data from the field. AI analyzes the potential for drought and water shortages. Based on these results, agricultural water is supplied to the necessary areas. In the past, responses were made after droughts occurred; in the future, AI will predict droughts, allowing proactive measures in agriculture. AI also detects algal blooms before they occur. AI is being utilized for water quality management in agricultural reservoirs. KRC employs an AI water quality prediction system that uses historical water quality data and weather information to predict reservoirs at high risk for algal blooms and respond proactively. Previously, the approach was to check the site and respond after algal blooms occurred. With AI, the process changes. Data is collected, and AI analyzes risks, allowing for early identification of reservoirs that are likely to have problems. The true value of AI lies not in quickly generating reports after issues arise but in detecting risks before they become problems. Kim In-jungs bold move: KRC-AX Kim is expanding this transformation beyond individual projects to a comprehensive AI transition across the organization. KRC launched the KRC-AI Strategy Committee at the end of 2025 and established the KRC-AX initiative. Kim serves as the committees chair. Key objectives include building an AX foundation, achieving zero major accidents through AI, innovating operations via AI, and engaging the public with AI. Ethical standards for AI have also been established to prepare for potential risks associated with expanded AI use. This is not merely about introducing a few AI programs in the information department; it signifies a fundamental shift in how agriculture and rural management will be conducted, centered around AI. AI colleagues will also emerge alongside employees. AI is making its way into KRCs offices as well. The organization is implementing a KRC generative AI system that provides employees with relevant information by searching internal documents and data in response to their inquiries. KRC handles many specialized tasks related to farmland, agricultural water, rural development, and production infrastructure. The vast amount of accumulated project data, regulations, and field experience over decades is significant. By connecting this knowledge with AI, the experiences held by individual employees can be shared across the entire organization. Kim described this as a turning point that fundamentally innovates the way the organization operates and its decision-making structure. Employees will transition from merely searching for documents to making decisions alongside AI. AI will also be the first to identify risks in rural areas. KRC manages not only farmland but also numerous facilities such as reservoirs, waterways, and drainage systems across the country. Thus, safety management is a crucial area for AI application. One of the main strategies of KRC-AX is achieving zero major accidents through AI. The use of smart safety equipment, such as AI CCTV, will help identify risks on-site more quickly. In the future, if AI analyzes data collected by sensors and CCTV in real-time, the chances of detecting risky behaviors or anomalies in facilities that humans might overlook will increase. This represents a shift from post-incident investigations to a proactive safety management approach where AI identifies potential accidents before they occur. Next comes Agricultural Physical AI. What is noteworthy is the next phase. Currently, AI primarily plays a role in data analysis and supporting human judgment. However, when AI connects with agricultural machinery, robots, reservoirs, waterways, and automated agricultural facilities, the narrative changes. Weather AI predicts rainfall. Agricultural water AI calculates the amount of water needed for each crop. Sensors monitor the status of reservoirs and waterways. Automated facilities deliver water where needed. Robots and autonomous agricultural machinery operate based on crop conditions. This is the vision of Agricultural Physical AI. KRCs strength lies here. While it is not a big tech company developing AI models, it possesses vast physical environments such as farmland, reservoirs, waterways, and drainage systems where AI can operate effectively. This could become a massive testbed where AI and the real world intersect. Could South Koreas AI agriculture become an export industry? The potential extends beyond domestic borders. Agriculture worldwide faces similar challenges as South Korea. Climate change is exacerbating water shortages, and rural populations are declining. Productivity must increase while using less water and energy. If South Korea can integrate its expertise in agricultural water management, smart farming, agricultural machinery, and AI prediction technologies, a new export model could emerge. Rather than exporting a single smart farm, the goal would be to export a K-AI agricultural package that combines agricultural water management, smart farming, agricultural machinery, and AI. This approach could create new markets for South Korean agricultural AI, especially in countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa that are simultaneously facing water shortages and labor shortages in rural areas. The era of AI in agriculture is upon us. The national transition to AI is not limited to semiconductors, data centers, and manufacturing. Agriculture, directly linked to food production, is also at the forefront of the AI transition. KRCs AI strategy has two main branches. One is to transform the working methods of employees and the organization through generative AI. The other is to bring AI into agricultural water management, drought, water quality, disaster, and safety management in real rural settings. When these two trends converge, the face of agriculture will change. Agriculture will shift from being experience-dependent to data-driven, from reactive to proactive in disaster response, and from human-only management to a collaborative approach between AI and humans. The core of this transformation is not AI replacing human labor in farming but rather enabling humans to farm more safely and efficiently with less water and labor. This is why KRC, which has managed South Koreas agricultural water and farmland, is gaining renewed attention in the AI era. : Kim In-jung, President of KRC: Kim is a seasoned agricultural policy expert, having served as the director of the Rural Policy Bureau and the Food Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as deputy minister. He was appointed as the 12th president of KRC in May 2025. He leads the KRC-AI Strategy Committee, establishing KRC-AX and ethical standards for AI, and is driving the integration of AI into agricultural water management, disaster response, safety management, and overall internal operations at KRC.* This article has been translated by AI. August 23, 2026 11: -
H2O Hospitality Introduces Smart Check-In at Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi H2O Hospitality, a South Korean hospitality tech company, has completed the implementation of an AI-based smart check-in solution across all Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This system replaces the traditional front desk procedures of presenting passports and filling out paperwork with pre-registration and facial recognition.On August 20, H2O Hospitality announced its partnership with Rotana, which operates hotels in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey, to introduce the smart check-in solution at all Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi. The initiative covers a total of 4,240 rooms across 15 hotels, including Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan, and Centro.The software platform provided by H2O Hospitality manages the entire process, from WhatsApp notifications to pre-check-in, integration with the hotel property management system (PMS), staff screens and tablets, and information sharing with government authorities upon check-in completion.Guests who receive a message one or two days before their stay can complete pre-check-in by registering their passport and taking a facial photo as instructed via WhatsApp. Upon arrival at the hotel, guests can finalize their identity verification through facial recognition while walking to the front desk, where staff will greet them by name and hand over their room key cards, eliminating the need to present passports or fill out forms.Guests who did not pre-check-in or arrive without a reservation can also complete the process by registering their ID and taking a facial photo using a tablet.Dominic Carr, Chief Information Officer of Rotana, stated, Smart check-in meets the heightened expectations of customers while allowing hotel staff to focus on guest hospitality. The data insights gained from this process will enhance the customer experience and enable hotels to make smarter, faster decisions, representing a core technology of next-generation hospitality.H2O Hospitality and Rotana are discussing plans to expand the implementation beyond Abu Dhabi. H2O Hospitality aims to leverage this partnership to grow its business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.Lee Woong-hee, CEO of H2O Hospitality, remarked, We are in discussions with many global and local hotel chains beyond Rotana. We expect the adoption of H2Os smart check-in solution to increase rapidly. We are building a customer data platform (CDP) for innovation in the tourism industry and plan to further enhance our AI-based hotel operation solutions based on this.With this contract, H2O Hospitalitys operations in the Middle East have expanded to three hotel chains in the UAE. Earlier, in August 2023, H2O Hospitality signed a digital transformation (DX) contract with the Middle East and Africa branch of Millennium Hotels and Resorts to prioritize the application of its solution, H2O Flow, at the five-star Grand Millennium Al Wadha in Abu Dhabi.In March of the previous year, H2O Hospitality also secured a contract to supply its smart check-in solution to the luxury Westminster Dubai Mall Hotel, connected to the Dubai Mall.* This article has been translated by AI. August 22, 2026 09:
-
Vietnamese Citizens Alarmed by Fake Fine Text Messages Online scams impersonating the Ministry of Public Security and VNPost are infiltrating daily life in Vietnam. These scams use urgent topics like traffic violation fines and package address corrections, employing overseas numbers and messages to mislead recipients into thinking they are receiving official notifications. In response, Vietnamese authorities, along with broadcasting and security experts, are ramping up warnings through a nationwide anti-fraud campaign.According to local reports from VnExpress and others on August 21, numerous messages impersonating the Ministry of Public Security and VNPost have been identified in Vietnam. The senders use overseas numbers while including phrases and links that resemble official communications, causing recipients to mistake them for legitimate notifications.“Pay within 48 hours”... Fake notices exploit fearMessages impersonating the Ministry of Public Security pressured citizens by demanding payment for traffic violation fines. A resident of Hanoi, identified as A, received a text on the morning of August 18 from a number associated with international calls, claiming to be from the Ministry of Public Security. The message stated that his vehicle had violated a traffic signal on August 6 and that he had not yet paid the fine.The message warned that if the fine was not paid within 48 hours, the penalty would increase by 50% and vehicle documents could be temporarily confiscated. It also included a link for further details and instructed the recipient to reply if the link did not work to receive a new address.A initially thought the message was from a legitimate agency. He said, “I was quite worried because it was related to a fine,” adding that the link had a ‘gov’ prefix, making it easy to mistake for a government site. However, he realized it was a scam after confirming that the senders number was international and the domain was not an official government address.Messages impersonating VNPost followed a similar pattern. They claimed that a package was scheduled for delivery but lacked a specific address for the recipient, urging them to update their personal information. Notably, some cases were reported to have been sent via iMessage to iPhone users.Experts explain that these messages exploit the recipients anxiety and urgency. By presenting situations that seem to require immediate attention, such as traffic fines, package deliveries, and account verifications, they reduce the time available for recipients to verify the sender and address. Users who click on the links may be prompted to enter personal or payment information on fake sites, risking their accounts and finances.Vietnam Faces Growing Fraud Issues, Launches Nationwide CampaignOnline fraud in Vietnam has already resulted in significant social losses. In the first nine months of last year, cumulative losses from online scams exceeded 16.6 trillion dong (approximately $883 million), with around 1,500 cases reported. The State Bank of Vietnam has detected approximately 600,000 suspicious accounts and has issued warnings and blocking measures for transactions totaling 15 trillion dong.The methods of these scams are becoming increasingly diverse. Criminal organizations impersonate bank call centers, police, and credit agencies to request password changes or information verification. On social media, they lure victims with promises of high returns on investments and illegal cryptocurrencies, while also using AI and deepfake technology to mimic voices or videos to request OTPs and passwords.Victims are not limited to the elderly or students; even tech-savvy young people are falling prey to sophisticated schemes. Personal data breaches are severe, with reports indicating that 14.5 million accounts have been compromised. Amid this, the state broadcaster VTV9 has launched a nationwide anti-fraud campaign in collaboration with the public security departments of Ho Chi Minh City and Lam Dong Province. This campaign aims to inform citizens about the latest scam tactics and help them identify warning signs.Public reactions are mixed, with a blend of vigilance and anxiety. One iPhone user noted, “There’s been an increase in iMessage spam,” suggesting that users should enable filtering for unknown senders. Another user questioned, “Isn’t the content verified just because it’s in iMessage rather than SMS?”Some responses pinpointed the essence of scam messages. One user advised, “The more they rush you to send money or click links, the more you should pause and verify,” adding, “The more urgent they make it, the less urgent I should feel.” Another user emphasized that if messages related to police, traffic fines, or packages request money or personal information, they should first be verified through official channels.Real-life experiences have also surfaced. One user reported receiving a VNPost message from a +212 number, joking, “Did VNPost’s headquarters move to Africa?” Another user recounted receiving a call about a free order, which led to being given a delivery persons Zalo number, and realized it was a scam when asked for a tracking update link.Experts advise that if messages come from unfamiliar numbers, include short deadlines, and contain suspicious links, recipients should not reply or click. If personal or payment information has already been entered, they should contact their bank and relevant authorities to protect their accounts.* This article has been translated by AI. August 21, 2026 16:
-
Cell Biotech Expands Global Reach with DuoLac Probiotics Export to Africa Cell Biotech has made its first export of CBT probiotics to South Africa, marking its entry into the African market for the first time since its founding.According to Cell Biotech, the company has expanded its export network to include Africa, completing its reach across all six continents, following previous expansions into Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania.This export was facilitated through the Vitafoods Europe, the worlds largest health supplement expo. Vitafoods Europe encompasses the entire value chain of the health supplement industry, from raw materials to finished products and distribution.Since becoming the first domestic company to participate in this expo in 2002, Cell Biotech has consistently attended for 25 years, broadening its connections with international partners and showcasing the technological prowess of Korean probiotics. The first export to South Africa is a tangible result of the overseas network established at the expo.Building on these international partnerships, Cell Biotech has achieved steady results in various countries. From 2013 to 2025, the cumulative export value of domestic probiotics reached 538.5 billion won, with Cell Biotech accounting for 268.8 billion won, or about 50% of the total. This achievement has allowed Cell Biotech to maintain its position as the top exporter of domestic probiotics for 13 consecutive years.The companys performance varies by country. In Denmark, the home of probiotics, DuoLac has surpassed local brands to capture the top market share in pharmacies. In Germany, a leading market for health supplements, cumulative exports have exceeded $30 million. Additionally, since entering Indonesia in 2001 with its independently developed CBT probiotics, Cell Biotech has achieved the top market share, and DuoLac, launched in Singapore in 2015, has become the number one in the ethical pharmaceutical (ETC) market.Cell Biotech attributes its global market expansion to its independently developed dual coating technology. This technology protects live probiotics with a dual layer of protein and polysaccharides, safeguarding them from stomach acid and bile salts while ensuring safe delivery to the intestines. Clinical trials have demonstrated that this coated probiotics have up to 221 times higher survival rates in the intestines compared to uncoated probiotics.A representative from Cell Biotech stated, We will continue to expand our global partnerships based on our unique CBT probiotics and dual coating technology, further enhancing the competitiveness of K-probiotics in the global market.Meanwhile, Cell Biotech reported an increase in both revenue and operating profit for the second quarter of this year. The company announced preliminary figures showing revenue of 15.8 billion won, operating profit of 1.6 billion won, and net profit of 3.6 billion won for the second quarter, marking increases of 32.8% in revenue and 28% in operating profit compared to the same period last year.* This article has been translated by AI. August 19, 2026 15:
-
Oura Ring 5 Officially Launches in South Korea We created the smart ring category.Global smart ring company Oura officially launched the Oura Ring 5 in South Korea during a press conference held on August 18 at Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul. As Samsung Electronics expands the domestic smart ring market with its Galaxy Ring, Oura aims to establish its presence by leveraging technology and data accumulated since its first generation.George Abbott, Ouras head of Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, stated, We are the market leader in this field and the company that created the category, adding that all the learnings from previous generations have been reflected in the fifth-generation product. Since launching its first smart ring in 2015, Oura has continuously improved its products. The Ring 5 is described as a culmination of the hardware and software technologies developed over the years.Brian Lynch, Ouras Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, explained, We redesigned the mechanical and electrical structures from the ground up. The Ring 5 is 40% thinner than its predecessor, with sensor LED output increased fourfold. This design allows for stable biometric signal measurement even during high movement. It can be used for up to a week, with a starting price of 630,000 won in South Korea.Oura emphasizes its competitive edge not only in hardware but also in the extensive health data it has accumulated over time. Abbott noted, Simply showing a lot of data is not enough; Ouras experience helps users understand what is changing in their bodies. The company has researched sleep data for over 12 years, analyzing health status based on sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, and movement.The key feature, Readiness, integrates over 20 bodily signals to indicate recovery status. It also analyzes cardiovascular health using heart rate and heart rate variability, providing a cardiovascular age based on vascular elasticity and measuring maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 Max).Oura also offers a Symptom Radar to track early signs of illness. If unusual changes in biometric data are detected, users are guided to reduce activity and focus on recovery. The womens health feature analyzes data related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Oura has also released research findings based on over 10,000 pregnancy cases.The company maintains a subscription model priced at 9,400 won per month in South Korea. Abbott stated, What users actually purchase is not just the hardware but also the app and insights, noting that the retention rate for paid members is 87%. This indicates Ouras intention to continue providing new health analysis features through subscriptions after hardware sales.In response to criticisms regarding its later entry into the South Korean market compared to Samsung, Abbott emphasized the importance of technology accumulation. He said, We believe in doing things right rather than doing them quickly, adding that South Korea is a technologically advanced market with a high interest in health.Oura plans to begin domestic sales starting August 25 with a pop-up store at Lotte World Mall.Lynchs background aligns with Ouras hardware enhancement efforts. He worked at Apple for about 24 years, overseeing hardware development, including for home devices and participating in autonomous vehicle projects. He joined Oura this year to lead hardware development.Abbott expressed confidence that Oura can provide a new perspective on health in South Korea. The company plans to expand its market presence by selling products through Naver and its official website.* This article has been translated by AI. August 18, 2026 17:
-
Alibaba's Qwen AI Model Tops Global Download Charts, Outpacing Google and Meta Alibabas artificial intelligence (AI) model, Qwen, has achieved the top position in global open-source AI model downloads. According to Bloomberg on August 18, Alibaba recently announced that the cumulative global downloads of its Qwen series of open-source AI models have surpassed 3 billion in the past six months. The company has released 460 different types of Qwen models as open-weight models, with over 300,000 derivative models created based on them. Open-weight models allow developers to download the models weights and modify or enhance them for their own use or as a foundation for new AI services. Therefore, the number of downloads and derivative models serves as an indicator of which AI models developers worldwide are actively utilizing. A report released by the global open-source AI platform Hugging Face on August 14 revealed that the cumulative downloads of Google’s AI models this year reached 418 million, while Meta’s AI models totaled 227 million. Qwens download count is approximately 7.2 times that of Google and about 13.2 times that of Meta. Notably, the creation of over 300,000 derivative models within the Qwen ecosystem highlights that developers around the world are building their own AI models based on Qwen, indicating a rapidly growing ecosystem. Hugging Face noted, “When developers decide which AI model to use, Qwen has effectively become one of the default options.” Alibaba is attracting developers into its ecosystem by offering open models that are both affordable and high-performing. Additionally, the company is integrating its cloud services to provide offerings to corporate clients in regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa. Previously, among U.S. open-source AI models, Metas Llama had a strong influence in the global developer market. However, recently, the adoption of Chinese AI models, including those from Alibaba, DeepSeek, Kimi from Moonshot AI, and MiniMax, by overseas developers has been rapidly increasing.* This article has been translated by AI. August 18, 2026 09:
-
U.S. Oil Imports Surpass 20% in First Half of 2026, Saudi Oil at 30% The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is rapidly changing the landscape of oil imports for South Korea. As supply concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz grow, the countrys reliance on Middle Eastern crude oil has decreased, while the share of U.S. crude oil imports has surpassed 20% for the first time in the first half of this year.According to the Korea Petroleum Association and the Korea National Oil Corporation, South Koreas crude oil imports in the first half of the year totaled 467.12 million barrels, an 8% decrease compared to the same period last year. However, due to a surge in international oil prices, the value of these imports rose by 8.1% to $41.367 billion (approximately 58.4 trillion won).By country, Saudi Arabia remained the largest supplier, with imports of 142.47 million barrels, accounting for 30.5% of the total. This marks a decline from 33.1% in the same period last year, as the country barely maintained its position above 30%. The ongoing conflict has led to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil facilities, disrupting Saudi oil supply and exports.U.S. crude oil imports reached 95.87 million barrels, making up 20.5% of the total, a significant increase from 16.5% in the previous year. This is the first time U.S. imports have exceeded 20% in a half-year period. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed with 15.1%, Iraq at 7.4%, and Kuwait at 4.9%.The UAE, which has the Fujairah port as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, saw its share rise from 11.9% to 15.1%. In contrast, Iraq and Kuwait experienced declines of 2.6 percentage points and 3 percentage points, respectively, due to the blockade.Regionally, the share of Middle Eastern crude oil imports fell from 68.7% in the first half of last year to 62.3% this year, a decrease of 6.4 percentage points. Meanwhile, the share of crude oil from the Americas increased from 23.4% to 26.5%, while imports from Africa rose from 2.0% to 5.6%, and from Asia from 5.1% to 5.5%.In contrast, South Koreas petroleum product exports saw a decline, with a 7.5% drop to 226.23 million barrels, largely due to export restrictions on key items.Industry experts believe that even if the situation in the Middle East stabilizes, it will be challenging to quickly restore the previous level of dependence on Middle Eastern oil. The current crisis has highlighted the importance of supply chain stability for refiners, and the need to expand energy imports from the U.S. and other non-Middle Eastern sources may increase.* This article has been translated by AI. August 17, 2026 10:
-
President Lee Confirms Plans for Constitutional Amendment to Introduce Four-Year Term Limits President Lee reaffirms plans for constitutional amendment to decentralize power President Lee Jae-myung has reiterated his proposal for a constitutional amendment aimed at decentralizing presidential powers and introducing a four-year term limit or re-election system. He stated that discussions on the amendment should be led by the National Assembly based on bipartisan agreement, and he is open to shortening his term if necessary to facilitate the amendments passage. On August 14, President Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter), The majority of the public agrees that our constitution, which has been in place for 40 years, is outdated and needs to be amended. If an amendment is to be made, it is preferable for the specific content to be determined through bipartisan agreement in the National Assembly. He outlined specific directions for the amendment, including enshrining the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the Busan-Masan Democratic Movement in the preamble, adjusting the powers of the president and the National Assembly, introducing a four-year term limit or re-election system for the president, and strengthening local autonomy and citizens basic rights. Research Institute calls for reflection on An Sang-hos pro-Japanese actions The National Issues Research Institute has addressed the controversy surrounding actor Ha Youngs great-grandfather, An Sang-ho, stating that his pro-Japanese actions are clear and calling for historical reflection and remorse. The institute clarified that An Sang-hos exclusion from the Pro-Japanese Personnel Dictionary does not negate or absolve his pro-Japanese activities. On August 14, the institute issued a statement saying, The fact that he is not listed in the Pro-Japanese Personnel Dictionary does not mean he had no pro-Japanese actions. The National Issues Research Institute is a civic organization that published the dictionary in 2009. The institute explained that it released the statement in response to requests from citizens and members to clarify the facts amid growing media and online discussions about An Sang-hos pro-Japanese actions and the behavior of his descendants. Binance launches perpetual futures for Korean stocks, blocks local accounts Global cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced on August 14 the launch of perpetual futures that allow investments in companies such as Naver, LG Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Hanmi Semiconductor with leverage of up to 20 times. However, accounts verified under Korean names are currently blocked from accessing these products. According to the cryptocurrency industry, Binance began trading perpetual futures linked to domestic stocks, including Naver, LG Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Hanmi Semiconductor, and the KODEX 200 ETF, on this date. These products can be traded 24/7 with up to 20 times leverage. While these products were previously available to Korean accounts, access has now been restricted. Industry sources believe this decision was made independently by Binance, not at the request of Korean financial authorities. The newly listed products track the prices of four stocks listed on the Korean stock market and the KODEX 200 ETF, allowing traders to bet on price fluctuations without holding the actual stocks, with settlements made in the stablecoin Tether (USDT). Democratic Republic of Congo reports Ebola death in new area, raising concerns In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new area that had not previously reported Ebola cases has now seen a death, raising concerns about the spread of the virus. On August 14, Jean Kaseya, Secretary-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, held a virtual press conference on August 13 (local time) and announced that a man who died in the northeastern province of Ituri tested positive for Ebola. Ahn Song-yi achieves milestone of 300 tournament cuts in KLPGA Ahn Song-yi has made history by becoming the first player in the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour to pass the cut in 300 tournaments. She also expressed her ambition to challenge for the record of the oldest winner in the KLPGA Tour. On August 14, Ahn completed the second round of the KLPGA Tour Mediheal-Korea Daily Championship at the Myungseong Mountain Course (par 72) in Pocheon with a score of 3-under 141, placing her in a tie for 19th. She improved her score by two strokes from the previous day to make the cut. Broadcasting Commission reverses sanctions against fact-checking organization, issues apology The Broadcasting and Communications Commission has partially reversed sanctions against the fact-checking organization Party after a re-examination and issued an apology. This decision came after it was determined that there was no evidence of misuse of funds outside of labor costs. On August 14, the commission visited the social cooperative Party to express its apologies for the difficulties faced during the audit and administrative sanction process. Previously, the commission had announced in 2024 that an audit found evidence of misuse of funds by Party, which was an indirect beneficiary of the fact-checking project. As a result, it had canceled the 2025 grant decision and imposed a fine. OpenAIs annual revenue projected to exceed $40 billion, doubling in a year OpenAIs annual revenue has reportedly surpassed $40 billion. On August 14, it was reported that OpenAIs annual revenue has exceeded $40 billion, doubling from approximately $20 billion at the end of last year. The companys revenue has grown rapidly in recent months, partly due to the success of its coding models, as well as growth in subscription sales and its nascent advertising business. The consumer segment, which is its core business, is also said to be continuing to grow. August 14, 2026 22:
-
Ebola Deaths Reported in New Area of Democratic Republic of Congo A new Ebola death has been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns about the spread of the virus in areas previously unaffected. According to Yonhap News Agency, Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced during a virtual press conference on August 13 that a man who died in Baoule Province tested positive for Ebola. The deceased was a motorcycle taxi driver who had traveled from the existing Ebola outbreak area of Ouele Province to the provincial capital, Butaro, where he exhibited symptoms of bleeding before passing away. Post-mortem tests confirmed the Ebola infection. It has been reported that the man visited several healthcare facilities in Baoule Province before his death. The situation escalated when other motorcycle taxi drivers attempted to retrieve the body, prompting intervention from local police, which heightened fears of virus transmission. In its latest report, the Congolese government included Baoule Province as the sixth area in the country to experience an Ebola outbreak. As of August 12, statistics from the Congolese Ministry of Communication indicated that there have been a total of 4,665 confirmed Ebola cases and 2,184 deaths, with increases of 99 cases and 56 deaths from the previous day, resulting in a fatality rate of 46.8%. Currently, there are 634 patients in isolation or hospitalization, while 965 have recovered. The Congolese government officially declared the Ebola outbreak on May 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the actual onset of the outbreak as occurring three months earlier, in February. Internationally, confirmed cases continue to emerge. An American aid worker active in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Ebola on July 10 and was transferred to a hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. The patient, in their 60s, worked as a warehouse manager for a Christian relief organization and is reported to be in stable condition. Earlier in late May, a surgeon affiliated with an American medical missionary organization also contracted Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo and received treatment at Charité University Hospital in Berlin.* This article has been translated by AI. August 14, 2026 21:
-
Seoul shuts down Africa-based sites for piracy on K-webtoons SEOUL, August 13 (AJP) - Korean authorities have taken down three North Africa-based piracy sites accused of illegally distributing tens of thousands of Korean webtoons and web novels, following a cross-border investigation involving Interpol and Naver Webtoon. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Police Agency said Thursday that one site operator was arrested locally and all three platforms were shut down as part of the joint operation. The case marks a shift in Korea's approach to piracy overseas — moving beyond blocking orders and takedown requests toward criminal investigations that target operators themselves, rather than only removing access to the sites they run. It follows a similar international cooperation case in Vietnam earlier this year, part of what officials describe as an expanding push to pursue K-content piracy networks through public-private cooperation. The three sites included one dedicated to webtoons, one dedicated to web novels and a third platform that shared pirated material sourced from the other two. Operating since July 2024, the network had copied and distributed 83,688 pieces of copyrighted content without authorization, according to the ministry. The total included 30,926 items tied to Korean webtoons and 5,202 tied to web novels, among them recent popular titles such as “The Trauma Code.” Korean content made up roughly 57 percent of everything on the sites, and industry estimates put the resulting annual damage at around 20 billion won ($14.5 million). What made the sites especially damaging, authorities said, is that they functioned as first-stage distributors: pirating paid content from official platforms, translating it into English and posting it online at the first stage of illegal distribution. From there, the material can be copied and re-uploaded across a wider network of mirror and repost sites, meaning the true scale of damage could extend beyond what these three platforms alone accounted for. The investigation began in March, after Naver Webtoon flagged the network through its own in-house piracy monitoring. The culture ministry then opened an international cooperation channel through Interpol's I-SOP project, coordinating with the National Police Agency's international cooperation bureau, an I-SOP liaison officer based in Singapore and a Korean police attaché stationed in North Africa. Working with local law enforcement, the joint team shut down all three sites in mid-July and arrested the suspected operator, identified by authorities only by an alias, on the ground. The takedown is the first international case announced by the ministry's Copyright Special Judicial Police Division, a unit launched on June 30. The ministry said it will keep coordinating with local authorities as legal proceedings against the operator move forward and plans to expand similar cooperation against copyright infringement elsewhere in the region. For Korea's webtoon and web novel industry, the case underscores a growing enforcement challenge: as K-content draws bigger audiences overseas, the networks that illegally translate and redistribute it are also becoming faster, more organized and harder to contain within any one country's borders. AJP Takeaway: South Korea shut down three North Africa-based piracy sites accused of illegally distributing Korean webtoons, web novels and other copyrighted content. The sites copied and distributed 83,688 pieces of content since July 2024, including 30,926 Korean webtoon items and 5,202 web novel items. Korean content made up about 57 percent of the material on the sites, with industry-estimated annual damage of around 20 billion won. August 13, 2026 10: -
S2W Collaborates with Interpol on Africa Cyber Threat Report, Sharing AI-Based Cybercrime Insights Big data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) company S2W recently announced its participation as a private sector partner in the creation of the 2026 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report released by Interpol. The report provides data and intelligence for analyzing cybercrime trends in Africa.This report was published as part of the Africa Joint Cybercrime Operation (AFJOC), supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It was developed using a multi-source analysis approach that combines survey data provided by law enforcement agencies from 36 Interpol member countries in Africa with telemetry data and threat intelligence from global companies and non-profit organizations, including S2W, Mastercard, Fortinet, Shadowserver Foundation, and Trend AI.As online fraud methods increasingly intertwine with other crimes such as drug trafficking, the importance of public-private cooperation in sharing information across borders is growing. This collaboration aims to identify and block criminal infrastructure early by linking private sector data and technology.S2W, as a Korean partner in Interpols Gateway Initiative, utilized AI-based big data collection and analysis technology during the reports preparation to identify and classify content from African sources on dark web forums. The company confirmed a 62% increase in such content compared to the previous year, which included personal identification documents, SIM card PINs, bank account authentication information, and mobile financial account details. Many of these were identified as information leaked from past breaches, phishing campaigns, and compromised mobile applications.According to the report, reported cybercrime-related losses in Africa surged from $192 million in 2024 to $484 million in 2025, more than doubling. The number of confirmed victims rose from 35,000 to 87,000 during the same period. Additionally, it was found that 55% of reported cybercrimes in Africa in 2025 involved some level of AI, which was exploited for automating phishing campaigns, creating deepfake impersonations, and generating synthetic identities for financial fraud, thereby increasing the speed, scale, and sophistication of attacks.Neil Jettin, head of Interpols Cybercrime Division, stated, “Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant threats in the African region. AI automates every stage of cyberattacks, from reconnaissance and phishing to extortion and evasion.” He added, “However, we are also confirming that through international cooperation, we can identify, neutralize, and dismantle cybercrime infrastructure.”Seo Sang-deok, CEO of S2W, remarked, “S2W has focused on closely analyzing the crime situation in developing countries that are relatively vulnerable to cyberattacks due to insufficient infrastructure and institutional foundations, providing high-quality intelligence that law enforcement agencies can practically use to fill security gaps.” He emphasized, “We will continue to enhance our AI-based global data collection and analysis technology to quickly capture signals of security threats occurring worldwide and support responses to transnational crime.”S2W has been expanding its international cooperation activities since being selected as the first Korean partner in Interpols global public-private cooperation program, the Gateway Initiative, in October 2025. In 2026, it participated in Synergia III, which addresses phishing, malware, and ransomware, supporting cybercrime tracking and malicious server identification. The company also collaborated in Cyber Protect III, led by Interpol and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).* This article has been translated by AI. August 12, 2026 08:
-
Shinhan Bank Completes First Foreign Exchange Transaction with UN Green Climate Fund Shinhan Bank has entered into a foreign exchange derivative transaction with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This marks the first time the GCF has engaged in foreign exchange derivatives since its official launch in 2013.On August 6, Shinhan Bank announced that it had completed a foreign exchange derivative transaction worth approximately $200 million with the GCF.Foreign exchange derivatives are used to mitigate the risk of losses due to fluctuations in exchange rates. The GCF receives contributions in various currencies from countries around the world to support climate change initiatives, which means the value of its funds can vary with exchange rate movements.To reduce the volatility of its contributions and manage its resources more stably, the GCF has introduced a foreign exchange hedge program and has executed its first transaction with Shinhan Bank.The GCF is an international organization established to support greenhouse gas reduction and climate change responses in developing countries. It invests in projects aimed at transitioning to green energy and addressing climate challenges using resources pooled from various countries.Previously, in September of last year, Shinhan Bank participated as a senior investor in the Africa Green Energy Fund H2R, which was established by the global impact investment firm Acumen, amounting to approximately $246.5 million.A Shinhan Bank official stated, Following our joint investment in the green energy sector last year, we have expanded our collaboration with the GCF through this foreign exchange derivative transaction. We will continue to broaden our cooperation with international organizations and global financial institutions.* This article has been translated by AI. August 11, 2026 14:
-
IVI President Park Sang-cheol: Vaccines Are Global Assets, Not National Ones The International Vaccine Institute (IVI), established in October 1997 under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is the first international organization headquartered in South Korea. It is the only global organization dedicated to developing vaccines for children in developing countries, with 42 countries, including Sweden, India, Finland, and China, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO), having signed its founding agreement.Over the past 30 years, IVI has collaborated with domestic companies to achieve significant global vaccine milestones. Notably, it transferred its technology for an oral cholera vaccine to the domestic venture company, EuBiologics, in 2010. Through partnerships, IVI has supplied over 240 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine to 52 countries, with more than 80% of the vaccine currently produced in South Korea. A typhoid conjugate vaccine developed in collaboration with SK Bioscience has also passed WHO prequalification for commercialization.At the heart of these efforts is the IVI Korea Support Committee, which has led fundraising activities from both domestic and international supporters. The committee plays a crucial role in supporting IVIs growth as a leading global vaccine development organization, with Park Sang-cheol, a distinguished professor known for his expertise in aging and longevity science, serving as its chairman.In a recent interview at IVIs headquarters in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Chairman Park discussed IVIs achievements, challenges, and the value of vaccines. Below are excerpts from the conversation.- What is the International Vaccine Institute (IVI)?IVI develops and distributes vaccines for children in developing countries, particularly in impoverished areas. We do not just create vaccines in the lab; we also investigate the actual incidence of diseases and develop vaccine candidates. We transfer technology to manufacturers after clinical trials and approvals. We train local researchers and healthcare workers to ensure vaccinations can be administered in developing countries, providing necessary infrastructure such as refrigeration, power, and cold chain support. Simply bringing vaccines is not enough; if there are no refrigerators, we need to provide them, and if there is no electricity, we must establish a power supply.- What are some of IVIs notable achievements?The development of the cholera vaccine is a key achievement. Cholera primarily affects impoverished regions, but pharmaceutical companies often hesitate to develop vaccines for diseases with low market profitability. Historically, cholera vaccines were administered via injection, requiring medical personnel and posing challenges in transportation and storage. IVI led the development and commercialization of the worlds first low-cost oral cholera vaccine. We transferred this technology to EuBiologics in 2010, and as of last year, over 240 million doses have been supplied to 52 countries. This collaboration between domestic manufacturing capabilities and IVIs international clinical and development expertise has positioned South Korea as a central supplier of oral cholera vaccines.The typhoid conjugate vaccine is another significant achievement. IVI spearheaded its development, with SK Bioscience participating in its commercialization, resulting in a vaccine suitable for infants and young children. Last year, we also conducted evaluations of the real-world effectiveness of the mpox vaccine, initiated Phase II clinical trials for a new cholera conjugate vaccine, and began early clinical research for a vaccine against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), among other projects.- What vaccine developments are currently underway?We are collaborating with domestic companies in the next-generation vaccine field. We are developing an SFTS mRNA vaccine with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Seoul National University, and ST Pharm. We are also working with Quad Medicine on microneedle patch technology for measles, rubella, and COVID-19 vaccines. A hepatitis B microneedle vaccine, co-developed with Quad Medicine, LG Chem, and Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, is currently in Phase I clinical trials. Additionally, we are conducting research with CreoSG and POSTECH to optimize synthetic antigens for rotavirus and dengue virus using AI-based protein design. Our goal is to secure candidate substances and manufacturing technologies while conducting some preclinical trials.- How is IVI preparing for the changing landscape of infectious diseases due to climate change and demographic shifts?Infectious diseases typically emerge in tropical regions, and climate change alters the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. New infectious diseases may arise in areas where they previously did not exist, and it is challenging to predict when and where diseases will emerge. The population is also changing, with an increase in the elderly, chronic disease patients, and immunocompromised individuals, raising the risk of severe illness from the same infections. Urbanization and increased international travel heighten the likelihood of local outbreaks spreading rapidly worldwide.IVIs core mission remains unchanged: to protect impoverished children in developing countries from infectious diseases. However, our research scope has expanded to include preparedness for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. We are currently focusing on diseases such as Ebola, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, mpox, and SFTS. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we are conducting studies on the real-world effectiveness of the mpox vaccine in collaboration with local research institutions. We are also developing mRNA vaccine candidates for Rift Valley fever with Afrigen Biologics in South Africa. Additionally, we are researching vaccines for diseases with insufficient development, such as pneumonia, Group A Streptococcus, and schistosomiasis, to address antimicrobial resistance. Our aim is to establish a system that allows for immediate production and clinical response whenever viral issues arise globally.- Finally, what is the value of vaccines, and why is global collaboration important?Diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and schistosomiasis cause significant harm in low- and middle-income countries, but their low commercial viability makes it difficult for private companies to continue vaccine development and distribution. Therefore, governments, international organizations, research institutions, companies, and foundations must share responsibilities and collaborate in the long term. IVI supports the entire cycle of vaccine discovery and development, including preclinical and clinical trials, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, and evaluation of vaccine utility and distribution. We also strengthen local research and manufacturing capabilities and health systems to ensure that production and supply lead to actual vaccinations in the necessary countries.Infectious diseases do not recognize borders. The threat of an outbreak in one region ultimately connects to global health security, meaning vaccines cannot be considered the asset of any single nation. Every person worldwide should be equally protected from preventable diseases. Saving a child in one country ultimately contributes to the safety of the entire world. The international community must work together in vaccine development and distribution.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 18:
-
Police Raid Highlights Scandal Involving Sexual Services for Referees in South Korean Football The Korea Football Association is under scrutiny following a police raid related to allegations of misconduct in the hiring process of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. The situation has intensified with revelations that the association provided sexual services to foreign referees in the past.A report from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, made public on August 7, revealed that from March 2011 to March 2012, the Korea Football Association offered sexual services to over 10 foreign referees and officials during seven A matches and Olympic team games held in South Korea.The referees came from various countries, including Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan. Payments were made using the associations corporate credit cards at massage parlors in Seouls Gangnam district, Changwon, and Ulsan, ranging from hundreds of thousands to over one million won.During the seven matches officiated by these referees, the South Korean football team achieved five wins and two draws, remaining undefeated. This included victories in the final qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics against Oman (2-0) and Qatar (0-0), as well as wins in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait (2-0) and Honduras (4-0), and draws against Serbia (2-2) and Poland (1-1), along with a win against the Chinese Olympic team (1-0).However, it is unlikely that this scandal will lead to direct disciplinary action from FIFA, as the statute of limitations for general violations under FIFAs ethics code is limited to 5 to 10 years. Given that these events occurred nearly 15 years ago, retroactive application of penalties is structurally challenging.Nonetheless, the fallout is expected to damage the associations credibility both domestically and internationally. Foreign media outlets are closely covering the controversy surrounding the Korea Football Association.The Japanese football media outlet The World described the allegations of sexual services as actions that undermine the fairness and ethics of sports, warning that the issue could have repercussions not only for the Korea Football Association but for the entire international football community.Japanese-language AFP and other outlets expressed shock at the involvement of Japanese referees in the scandal.The police raid conducted on August 6 has also drawn significant attention from foreign media. Major outlets, including Reuters, the Associated Press, The Washington Post, and Al Jazeera, reported on the polices search of the Korea Football Association headquarters in Seoul and the Chungnam Football Center in Cheonan as part of the investigation into allegations of misconduct in Hongs hiring.The search warrant executed that day reportedly included charges of obstruction of business. This marks the first time police have conducted a forced investigation into the Korea Football Association regarding this matter.Global football media outlet Goal.com highlighted the core allegation of the Bakery Scandal, which involves an unauthorized individual offering the coaching position near the coachs home. Reports noted that the disappointing outcome of South Koreas elimination from the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup reignited public anger and revived an investigation that had stalled for over two years.AFP noted that the decision to bench Son Heung-min during the first half of the pivotal match against South Africa sparked outrage among fans, who jeered at Hong upon his return to the airport.Additionally, the Yomiuri Shimbun pointed out that questions about the transparency and fairness of the hiring process have arisen due to the connection between former Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-kyu and Hong, who graduated from the same university, especially following the criticism that erupted after the teams group stage exit from the North and Central America World Cup.* This article has been translated by AI. August 10, 2026 14:
-
Daewoo E&C moves closer to Mozambique LNG megaproject SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) -Daewoo Engineering & Construction has taken a major step toward securing one of Africa's largest energy projects after receiving a letter of intent to lead engineering, procurement and construction work on the first phase of Mozambique's Rovuma LNG development, reinforcing South Korea's presence in the global race to expand liquefied natural gas capacity. The company said Friday that ExxonMobil Mozambique, the project operator, selected the SMDC joint venture—comprising Daewoo E&C, Italy's Saipem, U.S.-based McDermott and China's CPECC—as the preferred EPC contractor for the project's midstream LNG liquefaction facilities. The letter of intent authorizes the consortium to begin front-end engineering refinement, procurement preparation and constructability reviews ahead of a final investment decision, which ExxonMobil aims to complete by the end of this year. A full EPC contract is expected to follow if the project receives final approval. The Rovuma LNG Phase 1 project will develop the giant Area 4 offshore gas field in northern Mozambique and build an LNG liquefaction complex capable of producing 18.6 million metric tons annually, together with a large gas-fired combined-cycle power plant and related infrastructure. The project is designed as an electrically driven LNG facility that replaces conventional gas turbines with electric motors to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. Commercial operations are targeted for 2031. The project is owned by Rovuma Venture, a consortium led by ExxonMobil, Italy's Eni and China's CNPC through Mozambique Rovuma Venture, alongside Mozambique's state energy company ENH, Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) and Abu Dhabi's XRG. For South Korea, the project extends its footprint in global LNG infrastructure beyond gas imports. KOGAS already holds a 10 percent stake in the development, while Daewoo E&C's selection as a prime contractor strengthens Korea's role across both upstream investment and downstream engineering. The appointment also reinforces Daewoo E&C's standing in one of the world's most technically demanding construction markets. LNG liquefaction plants require specialized cryogenic technology capable of processing natural gas at temperatures below minus 162 degrees Celsius, a market historically dominated by a handful of global contractors including Bechtel, McDermott, Saipem and Japan's JGC. Daewoo E&C became the first South Korean builder to join that group as a prime contractor through Nigeria LNG Train 7 in 2020. Its selection for Rovuma LNG further establishes the company as one of the few Asian contractors capable of leading large-scale LNG liquefaction projects rather than serving only as a subcontractor. The project also comes as demand for LNG infrastructure is expected to remain robust despite the global energy transition. Rapid growth in artificial intelligence, hyperscale data centers and electricity consumption has revived interest in natural gas as a lower-carbon transition fuel capable of supporting increasingly power-intensive economies. If the final investment decision proceeds as planned later this year, Rovuma LNG would become one of the largest new LNG developments launched globally in recent years and a significant overseas order for South Korea's engineering industry. At 02:12 p.m. Friday, shares of Daewoo E&C were trading 3.26 percent lower at 16,330 won. August 7, 2026 14:2