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Trump Orders Halt to Airstrikes Against Iran After 13 Days President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. forces to halt airstrikes against Iran, bringing to an end a 13-day campaign of attacks. This decision comes amid concerns about the depletion of missile stockpiles in the Middle East and progress in negotiations through Oman, raising questions about whether the recent military conflict will shift to a diplomatic phase.According to Axios, on July 24, Trump received a report on planned airstrikes from the military but chose not to approve them, instructing that no attacks be carried out. As a result, the airstrikes, which had been ongoing for 13 consecutive days, were stopped.In recent weeks, Trump had approved daily airstrike plans submitted by the military, with attacks typically occurring within hours of approval. While the military continues to prepare plans for resuming airstrikes and large-scale military operations, sources indicate that Trump has not yet given his approval for these actions.Concerns about the depletion of air defense missile stockpiles in the region also played a role in the decision to halt airstrikes. The New York Times reported that on July 24, General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned during a private meeting with Trump and his advisors that resuming large-scale military operations against Iran could deplete U.S. interceptors to dangerous levels.Just days prior, Pentagon officials and military commanders believed Trump was likely to approve the first phase of a multi-step bombing campaign against Iran. The Defense Department had also deployed additional military assets, including aerial refueling aircraft, to the Middle East. In an interview with Axios on July 23, Trump stated, We are considering a larger attack than ever before and added, We are fully prepared. However, the military leaderships concerns about further depleting air defense assets, such as Patriot missiles, appear to have led Trump to postpone the bombing plans, according to the New York Times.This order to halt airstrikes came shortly after an Omani negotiating team arrived in Tehran to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A source familiar with the negotiations told Axios that there is a possibility of an agreement between Oman and Iran over the weekend. If an agreement is reached, Trumps acceptance of it could be a key factor in determining whether airstrikes will resume.Trump has also expressed a preference for negotiation over military action. Speaking to reporters on July 24, he said, A wiser strategy is to negotiate with Iran, adding, We are talking to them now. During a dinner with White House correspondents that same day, he noted, I don’t think Iran is ready to negotiate right now, but they are willing to listen. Despite the halt in airstrikes, the U.S. maintains a full maritime blockade against Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced via social media on July 25 that it had redirected the routes of 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade and neutralized two vessels that did not comply with orders, while boarding two others to verify compliance with the blockade. July 26, 2026 15:48 -
Yoon Suk Yeol's Trials Continue During Court Recess In accordance with the 6-3-3 principle of the Special Prosecutor Act, the trials involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol will proceed as scheduled this week, despite the court recess. The court will hold a ruling on the first trial regarding violations of the election law and the first hearing of the appeal concerning charges of general defection and abuse of authority. According to legal sources on July 26, the Seoul Central District Courts Criminal Division 21, led by Judge Jo Soon-pyo, will conduct the ruling on Yoons election law violation case on July 27. The ruling will be broadcast live. Yoon is accused of making false statements during a discussion at the Kwanhun Club on December 14, 2021, claiming he had not introduced attorney Lee Nam-seok to former Yongsan Tax Office Chief Yoon Woo-jin, despite having done so while serving as the head of the Central Investigation Division of the Supreme Prosecutors Office in 2012. This was allegedly to mitigate concerns over declining approval ratings during the presidential election. Additionally, he faces charges for stating in a media interview on January 17, 2022, that he had never met Jeon Seong-bae of the Geonjin Law Firm, although he acknowledged having exchanged greetings through party officials, but denied meeting with First Lady Kim Kun-hee. If Yoon receives a sentence of more than 1 million won in fines in this case, the People Power Party will be required to return 39.7 billion won in election funds to the National Election Commission. The special prosecutors team, led by Min Jung-ki, requested a two-year prison sentence during the closing arguments on June 8, stating, The Constitution mandates that the president be elected through direct elections, and the dissemination of false information that influences the voters judgment is a serious crime in itself. On July 29, the Seoul High Courts Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Yoon Seong-sik, will hold the first hearing of the appeal regarding Yoons charges of general defection and abuse of authority. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and former Army Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeo In-hyung, who face similar charges, will also appear in court. Yoon and others are accused of escalating military tensions by infiltrating drones into Pyongyang to provoke an attack from North Korea, thereby creating a justification for declaring a state of emergency. Former Commander Kim is charged with obstructing the investigation by preparing and submitting false documents related to the drone operations. The first trial court sentenced Yoon to 30 years in prison, marking the first time a former president has been convicted of general defection in South Koreas constitutional history. Former Minister Kim received a heavier sentence of 30 years, exceeding the special prosecutors request of 25 years. Former Commander Yeo was sentenced to 15 years, while former Commander Kim received a three-year sentence with a five-year probation. Given that the first trial was conducted in private due to concerns over national security leaks, it is highly likely that the appeal trial will also be held behind closed doors.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:52
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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 -
Shaky South Korean Soccer Aims for Asian Games Four-Peat In the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup disaster, South Korean soccer is in turmoil as Lee Min-sung leads the U-23 national team in a bid to reclaim honor with a fourth consecutive Asian Games title.South Korean soccer is currently reeling from the fallout of the World Cup, where the team finished in a historic low of 34th place. Following this disappointing performance, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on June 29, taking responsibility for the teams poor results. The World Cup failure also caused a drop in FIFA rankings, with South Korea falling to 32nd place in the latest rankings released on July 21, marking the first time in nearly four and a half years that the team has been outside the top 30. Administrative chaos is also rampant, with a National Assembly hearing scheduled for July 30 to investigate the Korea Football Associations operations and coaching selection process.Amid this widespread disappointment in South Korean soccer, the pressure is on Lee Min-sungs team as they prepare for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September. Since the 2014 Incheon Games, South Korea has won gold medals at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games and the 2022 Hangzhou Games, and they are now targeting a fourth consecutive title. Winning the gold medal could help shift the heavy atmosphere surrounding South Korean soccer following the World Cup debacle.On July 23, during the tournament draw, Lees team was placed in Group D alongside Saudi Arabia and Qatar. A total of 15 countries will compete in mens soccer, divided into four groups. While Groups A to C consist of four teams each, Group D is uniquely composed of only three teams. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will compete in single-elimination matches for the championship.Being in a three-team group is advantageous for a short tournament format, as it allows for one less match in the group stage, making it easier to manage stamina for the quarterfinals.However, the competition remains fierce. Although South Korea avoided facing Uzbekistan and Iran, they will still contend with formidable Middle Eastern teams in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.Recent matchups have not favored South Korea. In two recent age-group friendly matches against Saudi Arabia last year, South Korea lost 4-0 and 2-0. Qatar has also built a strong team with significant investment, establishing solid organization from the youth level. Historically, South Korea has a record of 1 win, 5 draws, and 2 losses against Qatar at the U-23 level.To achieve the best results in this short tournament, Coach Lee has assembled a top-tier roster. The final 23-man squad includes players like Yang Min-hyeok (Tottenham Hotspur), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), and Kim Ji-soo (Brentford), along with nine players competing in Europe, such as Park Seung-soo (Newcastle United), Lee Hyun-joo (Aroca), Kim Myung-jun (Hank), and Lee Young-jun (Grasshopper). Additionally, 14 players from the K League, including Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Lee Seung-won (Gangwon FC), and Choi Woo-jin (Jeonbuk), have also been selected.Three wild cards, which do not have the 23-and-under age limit, have been strategically utilized. Players who experienced the North American World Cup, including Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), and Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon), will play crucial roles in balancing the teams offense and defense.Immediately after the draw, Coach Lee stated, Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have proven to be competitive teams on the Asian stage. However, to achieve the desired results in the tournament, we must win against any opponent. We will do our best to prepare for good performance and results.The U-23 team will gather in early September to refine their teamwork before traveling to Japan, where they will face Qatar in their first group match on September 15 and Saudi Arabia in their second match on September 22.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:32
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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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Russia preparing to receive 30,000 more North Korean troops, Zelensky says SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Russia is preparing to deploy another 30,000 North Korean troops to support its war in Ukraine, warning that the deepening military partnership poses a growing security threat beyond Europe. In his nightly address posted on X, Zelensky said Moscow had been preparing since June to receive the additional North Korean forces in Russia's Voronezh region, which borders northeastern Ukraine. "Russia wants to receive another 30,000 troops from North Korea," Zelensky wrote. "Since June, preparations have been underway in Russia's Voronezh region to receive them." He also alleged that Pyongyang is preparing to transfer additional launchers for ballistic missiles to Russia. "This is a threat not only to Ukraine," Zelensky said. "Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve its weapons and gain real combat experience in using them. All of this poses a threat to every country in Asia within range of North Korean missiles." The remarks come as military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang continues to deepen under a mutual defense treaty signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their summit in Pyongyang in June 2024. North Korea is estimated to have dispatched about 14,000 troops to Russia's Kursk region beginning in late 2024 to help repel a major Ukrainian incursion, according to Ukrainian and Western intelligence assessments. Kyiv has since warned that Pyongyang could expand its military contribution as Russia seeks to sustain its battlefield offensive. South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies have previously assessed that North Korea has rotated forces into Russia in several waves, with the deployments including combat troops as well as engineering units. NK News, citing Ukrainian intelligence, reported that roughly 14,000 North Korean personnel remained stationed in Russia earlier this year after an estimated four deployments totaling about 20,000 troops. The latest allegation follows North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui's visit to Russia earlier this month. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Putin thanked the North Korean leadership for its assistance in what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Neither Russia nor North Korea immediately commented on Zelensky's latest claim. The reported plan to deploy an additional 30,000 troops could not be independently verified. If confirmed, the reinforcement would represent the largest single expansion of North Korea's military involvement in the conflict and underscore the increasingly strategic nature of the Moscow-Pyongyang partnership as the war enters its fifth year. July 26, 2026 07:32 -
Defense Minister An Kyu-baek Marks One Year in Office, Commits to Reform On July 25, Defense Minister An Kyu-baek reaffirmed his strong commitment to completing defense reforms as he marked his one-year anniversary in office.In a post on his Facebook page, An acknowledged that the deeper and broader the scope of reform, the more intense the growing pains will be, but he vowed to move forward without wavering.He stated, I will shoulder all the burdens of reform and requested warm encouragement and support from the 550,000 members of the defense family who are quietly walking this path.An characterized the governments defense reform as a paradigm shift rather than mere institutional adjustments, emphasizing, Based on the great achievements that have led South Korea to become a strong nation over the past 80 years, we will surely achieve a new paradigm shift for success in the next 80 years.Notably, he addressed the transfer of wartime operational control, stating, The journey of recovery is also heading toward a conclusion, and assessed that the timing and conditions for regaining operational control have matured to the point of being encouraging to allied nations.Accordingly, the Ministry of National Defense plans to finalize the verification of the Future Combined Commands Full Operational Capability (FOC) during the upcoming Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Washington, D.C., scheduled for October or November. Following this, the defense ministers of both countries aim to propose and announce the target year for the transfer of operational control to their respective presidents. Achieving this transfer by June 2030, before President Lee Jae-myungs term ends, is a key policy goal of the current administration.An also listed significant achievements from the past year, including high-intensity internal audits and personnel reforms in response to the December 3 emergency martial law situation, legal and institutional improvements related to martial law, enhanced constitutional education, the operational deployment of the high-power missile Hyunmoo-5, the unveiling of the nuclear-powered submarine Jangbogo N Project, improvements in service members treatment, and the easing of military facility protection zones.Looking ahead, he outlined tasks for the remainder of his term, including the establishment of the National Military Academy, restructuring the military, normalizing intelligence and counterintelligence agencies, reforming the Marine Corps into a quasi-fourth military branch, reorganizing the Defense Drone Headquarters, and increasing duty pay and various allowances.An, who became the first civilian defense minister in 64 years, has led significant military organizational reforms, including the push for the transfer of operational control and the integration of military academies. However, he has faced internal resistance and personal attacks related to past allegations of military service violations during his tenure.* This article has been translated by AI. July 25, 2026 12:52
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One Year In: Minister Kwon Oh-eul Connects Veterans' Voices to Systemic Change “The past year has been a time of connecting the voices of veterans families to systemic change, based on the belief that ‘policies are completed in the field, not at the desk,’” said Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, on July 25, marking his first anniversary in office.Kwon pledged to continue his efforts to fill the gaps in veterans affairs and to create a South Korea where dedication to the nation is especially respected.The Ministry highlighted three major achievements over the past year: strengthening national responsibility for veterans gaps, implementing a national unity culture of remembrance, and expanding the global outreach of South Koreas veterans affairs.One significant initiative was the establishment of a living support fund for spouses of deceased veterans, which began disbursement in March. Approximately 17,000 spouses aged 80 and older, with incomes below 50% of the median, receive monthly support of 150,000 won. Before the programs launch, Minister Kwon visited homes of veterans spouses in Daegu to hear about their challenges and explain the support measures.Additionally, the compensation scope for descendants of independence activists has been expanded to include grandchildren, benefiting over 2,300 individuals starting in 2027, regardless of the timing of the independence activists death. The ministry also improved the system to grant membership to one descendant of each independence activist, addressing the decline in membership due to aging.In celebration of the 80th anniversary of liberation in 2025, the ministry successfully executed public participation events, including a pre-liberation day ceremony, a media facade at Gwanghwamun, and a drone show titled ‘Light of Liberation.’ They also buried a ‘100th Anniversary Time Capsule’ in over 100 schools nationwide, fostering remembrance and inheritance of the spirit of independence among future generations.Minister Kwon has worked to ensure that veterans affairs can serve as a focal point for national unity, balancing recognition of sacrifices and contributions in independence, national defense, and democracy.He has paid respects at the graves of former presidents and their spouses, placed presidential wreaths on memorial days, and facilitated remembrance of national dedication through events like the May 18 Democratic Movement commemoration and National Veterans Month activities.As part of his efforts to host the 2029 Invictus Games, Kwon participated directly in presentations in the UK, showcasing South Koreas commitment and Daejeons infrastructure capabilities. This achievement marks South Korea as the first Asian host of the international military sports event, providing a pivotal opportunity to showcase the nations veterans medical and rehabilitation capabilities to the global community.Furthermore, the ministry has expressed gratitude and responsibility towards those who dedicated their lives for South Koreas freedom through initiatives such as the return of UN veterans and their families, the repatriation of remains, and the expansion of international cooperation with UN member states.Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to create tangible changes that veterans families can feel, under the principle of ‘special compensation for special sacrifices,’ targeting a veterans budget that constitutes 1% of total government spending. Plans include expanding recognition of military service and veterans education for future generations, as well as ensuring the successful hosting of the 2029 Invictus Games.* This article has been translated by AI. July 25, 2026 09:04
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Prosecutors Seek 30-Year Sentences for Lee In-hyung and Lee Jin-woo on Insurrection Charges On July 24, the special prosecution team presented its closing arguments in the Seoul Central District Court regarding charges of insurrection against former Army Counterintelligence Command Chief Lee In-hyung and former Capital Defense Command Chief Lee Jin-woo, seeking 30-year prison sentences for each. Former Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo was recommended for 25 years, while former Special Warfare Command Chief Kwak Jong-geun and former Military Intelligence Command Chief Moon Sang-ho each faced 20-year sentences.The prosecution stated, The defendants insurrection activities disregarded the lawful procedures established by the Constitution and aimed to incapacitate the functions of state institutions, fundamentally undermining the core values of democracy. They used the military to participate in insurrection for personal gain, reducing the military to a private army for insurrectionist forces.They further noted, There is a saying in military texts: Life is death, and death is life. This means that in the battlefield, one should not question orders but be prepared to fight under the command of their leaders. The unconstitutional and illegal orders from the defendants have shaken the trust in the militarys command structure.The prosecution identified Lee In-hyung as the brain behind the insurrection preparations, stating, From planning to execution, he acted in concert with his high school seniors Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim Yong-hyun, and formed a united front with fellow Korea Military Academy alumni Lee Jin-woo and Kwak Jong-geun, playing a significant role.They also accused the defendants of using military counterintelligence functions for political purposes aimed at seizing power, stating, They displayed shameless behavior, showing no remorse for the counterintelligence personnel mobilized under their orders for this incident.Regarding Lee Jin-woo, the prosecution said he actively commanded military police to arrest citizens gathered at the National Assembly when it became difficult to block them, and ordered the removal of lawmakers from the assembly. Kwak Jong-geun was noted for deploying troops to the National Assembly, the Democratic Party headquarters, and the Central Election Commission in Gwacheon, participating in key acts of insurrection.In contrast, Lee In-hyungs defense argued, The defendant consistently opposed the declaration of martial law to former President Yoon Suk Yeol and only passively carried out his duties after it was declared. While there may have been some obstacles caused during the execution of orders from the Minister of National Defense, there was no intent or awareness to incapacitate those functions for an extended period.In his final statement, Lee In-hyung said, As a commander, I will take responsibility for what I must, and the truth will be revealed. I believe the injustices faced by my subordinates will be made known as they are.Lee Jin-woo denied giving orders to block the National Assembly or to remove lawmakers, while Moon Sang-ho claimed he was thoroughly used by the Minister of National Defense and former Military Intelligence Chief Noh Sang-won. Conversely, Kwak Jong-geun, who acknowledged his charges, expressed deep regret for deploying his beloved subordinates to the National Assembly and the Election Commission during the martial law declaration, stating, I apologize to the public and will take full responsibility for my mistakes.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 19:48
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Yoon Seok-yeol Faces 5-Year Sentence Request Amid Controversy The special prosecutors team has requested a five-year prison sentence for Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of facilitating the escape of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop to Australia. Yoons defense argues that his actions were a legitimate exercise of his authority.During a sentencing hearing on July 24 at the Seoul Central District Court, the special prosecutors team asked the court to impose a five-year sentence on Yoon, who faces charges of aiding a fugitive and abusing his power.Co-defendants Cho Tae-yong, former head of the National Security Office, and Park Sung-jae, former Minister of Justice, are facing three-year sentences, while former officials Lee Si-won, Jang Ho-jin, and Shim Woo-jung are each facing two years.The special prosecutors team stated, The defendants turned a blind eye to the truth and conducted a formal review to facilitate Lees appointment as ambassador, mechanically processing the procedure to lift his travel ban. This was not an isolated incident but an organized effort to conceal the truth.In contrast, Yoons attorney argued, The special prosecutors team has framed the legitimate exercise of presidential authority as if it had an illegal motive from the start. If there are penalties for exercising presidential authority, it will inevitably deter future actions in the national interest.In his final statement, Yoon remarked, For a year, despite Lees requests for an investigation, he was not called in for questioning. I wonder if the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission truly intended to investigate. He also challenged the special prosecutors team, saying, You think you are safe, right? Prosecuting without clear evidence can be an abuse of power and a violation of political neutrality.All co-defendants, including Cho and Park, have denied the charges and asserted their innocence.Yoon is on trial for allegedly appointing Lee, a key suspect in the investigation into the death of Marine Chae Sang-byeong in November 2023, as ambassador to Australia to facilitate his escape. The special prosecutors team believes Yoon aimed to obstruct the investigation against him, while Yoons side maintains it was a normal exercise of governmental duties. The first-instance sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 11.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 19:20
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Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid Rising Oil Prices; Defense Sector Gains The Chinese stock market, which had risen the previous day, fell across the board on July 24, attributed to the surge in oil prices stemming from the Middle East.On this day, the Shanghai Composite Index closed down 1.61% at 3,814.20, the Shenzhen Component Index dropped 2.47% to 13,774.68, and the ChiNext Index fell 2.65% to 3,480.87.Brent crude oil prices reached as high as $102 per barrel during the day before trading around $100. Concerns over oil supply disruptions have intensified following attacks on Saudi oil tankers by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and difficulties in normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal, and the U.S. is reportedly expanding military actions against Iran, with plans for more intense attacks than in the past, contributing to the spike in international oil prices. This surge raises fears of a resurgence in global inflation, while expectations for interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve have virtually disappeared, with the possibility of further rate hikes being discussed. The significant drop in big tech stocks on the U.S. market the previous day also negatively impacted the Chinese stock market.Haitong Securities stated, The stock market is expected to experience high volatility in the coming weeks, entering a period of severe turmoil. After a correction in mid-May, the Chinese stock market is likely to hit bottom and stabilize ahead of overseas markets. By August, the autumn market is expected to begin, and there is a possibility of a sufficiently positive market emerging.On this day, the defense sector showed strong performance, with companies like Changcheng Military Industry and Jianjie Industrial hitting their upper limits. Expectations are rising that military conflict between the U.S. and Iran will escalate, increasing weapon demand from Middle Eastern countries, which led to a broad rise in Chinas defense sector. Additionally, there are expectations that the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army will benefit from policies aimed at accelerating military modernization.The semiconductor equipment sector also performed well, with Zhichun Technology reaching its upper limit and Zhengfan Technology showing significant gains. According to a report from the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), global semiconductor equipment sales are expected to reach $165.9 billion this year, a 23.2% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, global semiconductor equipment sales are projected to hit $229.5 billion by 2028.Meanwhile, the Peoples Bank of China set the yuans central parity rate against the dollar at 6.7939 yuan, an increase of 0.0033 yuan from the previous day, reflecting a 0.05% decline in the yuans value.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 16:20
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Navy Conducts First Combat Experiment with Robot Crew Member On July 23, the South Korean Navy conducted its first combat experiment using a robot crew member at the Naval Education Commands training facility in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, in collaboration with KAIST.The experiment is part of the Navys initiative to develop a smart military force based on advanced science and technology, exploring the operational use of robots in naval vessels as part of the Navy Sea GHOST program.During the experiment, the humanoid robot PIBOT, developed by a research team led by KAIST Professor Shim Hyun-cheol, was tasked with the role of a helmsman. The combat experiment was divided into four phases: 1) land-based simulation, 2) docked vessel testing, 3) daytime navigation at sea, and 4) long-term navigation at sea during both day and night. The experiment conducted on this day was the first phase.Prior to the combat experiment, the Navy and the KAIST research team designed PIBOT to execute the ships steering procedures using a large language model (LLM) AI technology that understands the meaning of commands and generates appropriate responses.As the experiment began, the officer on duty issued a steering command to PIBOT, saying, Turn left 5 degrees, hold 330 degrees! PIBOT repeated the command and adjusted the helm accordingly. Once the vessel maintained a course of 330 degrees, PIBOT reported back to the officer, Holding 330 degrees complete!This procedure mirrors the confirmation process used by human crew members to ensure clear command execution, and PIBOT performed its tasks in the same manner as a human helmsman would.Notably, the combat experiment simulated various challenging conditions, including frequent course changes in narrow straits and rough seas, where the vessels course needed to be maintained. PIBOT faithfully executed the officers commands throughout these scenarios.The Navy and KAIST research team plan to analyze and evaluate data from the first phase, including PIBOTs response times and the appropriateness of helm adjustments, to identify areas for improvement. This information will be applied in subsequent phases of the experiment to ensure reliability in safety for actual maritime operations.Through this combat experiment, the Navy aims to identify the range and potential of tasks that robots can perform, including steering, thereby alleviating the workload of current crew members and proactively addressing future security challenges, such as a decrease in military personnel due to demographic changes.Brigadier General Kim Hyung-jun, head of the Navys Force Analysis and Evaluation Division, stated, This combat experiment is a first step in analyzing and evaluating whether robots can perform the helmsmans duties, which have traditionally been the domain of human crew members. Based on the results of this experiment, the Navy will explore ways to operate robots on vessels, reducing the workload of crew members while actively responding to changes in the defense environment, including a sharp decline in military personnel and rapid advancements in technology.Professor Shim Hyun-cheol, the lead researcher at KAIST, expressed, It is very meaningful to be able to experiment with the potential of a physical AI-based humanoid robot to perform the helmsmans duties on naval vessels.Meanwhile, the development of PIBOT is part of a future defense technology research and development project funded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, with 5.7 billion won allocated for research led by KAIST since 2022.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 15:52
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Unauthorized Access to Military Medical Imaging System Raises Security Concerns Last year, an unauthorized individual accessed the mobile Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) operated by the Republic of Koreas Medical Command, gaining access to personal medical information of military personnel.According to the Ministry of National Defense, the unauthorized access was confirmed during a central security audit conducted by the Military Counterintelligence Command in April.PACS is a system that stores medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, allowing medical staff to retrieve them. The system was operational in the military since July of last year.In June, a joint investigation team from the Ministry of National Defense, Cyber Operations Command, Counterintelligence Command, and Medical Command examined the incident and found that approximately 8GB of data had been accessed improperly between November and December of last year. This amount is equivalent to about 1,000 X-ray images.A Ministry official stated to reporters, While there are indications of a potential leak, we have not confirmed any actual data breaches, adding that it is difficult to determine whether the incident was a deliberate attack.The unauthorized individual was able to access PACS through open communication ports. It was also revealed that these ports had remained open from November of last year until March of this year.The official explained, The system is relatively new, and it appears that inadequate management allowed the communication ports to operate in a vulnerable state. Upon realizing the unauthorized access, the Ministry of National Defense immediately suspended operations of the mobile PACS system and notified individuals whose contact information was stored in the system about the breach. Additionally, measures to prevent recurrence will be implemented based on the investigations findings.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 14:36
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Prosecutors Seek Heavy Sentences for Military Leaders Involved in Emergency Martial Law Prosecutors have requested severe sentences for military leaders charged with participating in the emergency martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3. The Special Investigation Team for Insurrection, led by Special Prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, asked the Seoul Central District Courts 26th Criminal Division, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, to impose 30-year prison terms on former Army Counterintelligence Command Chief Yeon Hyung and former Capital Defense Command Chief Lee Jin-woo.Former Army Chief of Staff Park An-soo, who was the martial law commander at the time, faces a 25-year sentence, while former Army Special Warfare Command Chief Kwak Jong-geun and former Military Intelligence Command Chief Moon Sang-ho are each facing 20 years in prison.In their closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized that the defendants actions disregarded constitutional procedures and aimed to incapacitate the functions of state institutions, including the National Assembly, through violent means. They stated, This fundamentally undermined the core values of democracy, asserting that holding them accountable is a minimal measure for upholding constitutional order and ensuring trust and justice in the criminal justice process.The prosecutors particularly criticized the involvement of high-ranking officers representing the South Korean military in the emergency martial law, noting that these individuals were well aware of the consequences such actions would have on the nation, the military, and the public. They stated, They left a significant scar on the mission and pride of the Republic of Koreas armed forces by involving the military in insurrection.The prosecution believes that Yeon, Lee, Kwak, and Moon actively participated in the planning and preparation for the emergency martial law for an extended period.Prosecutors described Yeon as having played a crucial role, stating, He moved in tandem with his high school seniors Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim Yong-hyun from the conspiracy to execution stages, forming a united front with fellow Army Academy alumni Lee Jin-woo and Kwak Jong-geun, effectively serving as the brain behind the insurrection preparations.Regarding Lee, they noted, When many citizens gathered at the National Assembly, making it difficult to contain the situation, he actively commanded military police to issue arrest orders or to forcibly remove lawmakers from the assembly.The afternoon session of the trial is expected to include the defendants final arguments and statements.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 14:04
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U.S. Intelligence: Current Airstrikes Won't Change Iran's Negotiation Stance U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that while President Donald Trump is escalating military action against Iran, current airstrikes are unlikely to change Irans negotiation stance. Analysts also suggest that Iran is rapidly restoring military and critical infrastructure damaged by the strikes.According to CNN on July 23, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) believe that the ongoing U.S. airstrikes are not likely to alter Irans position in negotiations. The report cited two U.S. officials familiar with the intelligence assessment.Despite suffering significant military and economic damage from U.S. and Israeli attacks, Irans leadership appears to believe it can endure longer than the United States. Iran continues to exert pressure on the U.S. by targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and energy facilities in the Gulf region.Alex Vatanka, a researcher at the Middle East Institute, stated, Iran is willing to endure economic and military losses under the belief that it can outlast President Trumps resolve to continue the war.CNN noted that if the airstrikes and retaliatory actions continue for an extended period, there could be additional U.S. casualties and a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation could mirror the endless wars in the Middle East that President Trump has criticized.Irans rapid recovery capabilities have also been identified as a factor diminishing the effectiveness of military pressure from the U.S. and Israel.The Wall Street Journal reported, citing satellite imagery analysis from Israeli and Western officials, that Iran is quickly restoring facilities damaged in airstrikes, including missile bases, bridges, ports, and production sites.In Khangavar, western Iran, the entrances and access roads to a missile base destroyed in a March airstrike were reportedly repaired within weeks. Bridges that were damaged in the strikes were also restored in just a few days.The focus of the airstrikes on collapsing tunnel entrances rather than the underground missile facilities themselves has expedited the recovery process. Much of the weaponry and equipment stored inside remained undamaged, allowing Iran to clear debris and reopen access points for use.Former Israeli Air Defense and Missile Defense Commander Ran Kohav remarked, Iran has replenished its missile stockpile and possesses significant weapon production and recovery capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. July 24, 2026 14:00