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Ukraine Attacks Iranian Vessel in Caspian Sea, One Crew Member Killed An Iranian vessel was attacked by Ukraine in the Caspian Sea, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to another.According to the Financial Times, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported that an explosion occurred on the Iranian vessel due to the Ukrainian attack early on July 25.The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated, Iran will not hesitate to defend itself, and called on European nations to hold Ukraine accountable if they are genuinely concerned about the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.Ukraine has also acknowledged attacking a vessel linked to Iran in the Caspian Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they targeted a ship used for transporting military cargo related to Iran and Russian warships.However, it has not been immediately confirmed whether the vessel mentioned by President Zelenskyy is the same one reported by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack during a phone call with Josep Borrell, the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasizing the need for a strong response from the UN Security Council and the EU.This incident comes amid ongoing military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran. Despite a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. being effectively rendered void, Iran reaffirmed its stance of not intervening in the Russia-Ukraine war.Ukraine has criticized Iran for supplying attack drones to Russia, alleging that Iran supports the war. Iran has denied these allegations or claimed that any transactions occurred before the outbreak of the war.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 15:40 -
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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U.S. Nuclear Double Standards: Saudi Arabia vs. South Korea In international politics, national interests often take precedence over principles. The recent move by the United States to expand nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including allowing uranium enrichment, underscores this reality. The U.S., which has emphasized nuclear non-proliferation as a core principle of the international order, is broadening its nuclear collaboration with Saudi Arabia, a nation without a single commercial nuclear power plant. This is not merely an energy policy; it is a strategic choice aimed at countering Chinas influence in the Middle East and securing Saudi Arabia within a U.S.-led security framework. Geopolitical interests are clearly taking precedence over non-proliferation principles.South Korea has diligently upheld the U.S.-led nuclear non-proliferation regime for over half a century since the nuclear armament controversy during the Park Chung-hee administration in the 1970s. The country has faithfully implemented the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and has accepted significant restrictions on nuclear fuel cycle technologies, such as spent fuel reprocessing and uranium enrichment, under the Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement. Despite possessing world-class capabilities in nuclear power plant design, construction, and operation, South Korea has prioritized the trust of its ally and limited its own actions.South Korea has emerged as a globally recognized nuclear power. It successfully completed the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and has demonstrated competitiveness in the European nuclear market. With over 50 years of operational experience and a transparent safety management system recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), South Koreas nuclear industry is a significant asset. This is why it has been regarded as a model non-proliferation state worldwide.Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, lacks operational experience with nuclear power and has made statements suggesting the possibility of nuclear armament, raising concerns in the international community. Nevertheless, the U.S. is expanding nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia due to strategic needs related to countering China and reshaping the Middle Eastern order. The judgment that Saudi Arabia cannot be overlooked, especially as China expands its influence through nuclear power and infrastructure, appears to be a significant factor. While this may be a pragmatic choice for the U.S., it highlights the reality that international politics does not operate solely on principles. When national interests are at stake, interpretations of principles can change.Our perception also needs to evolve. Nuclear power has become a strategic industry that influences national competitiveness, extending beyond just building power plants to include power supply for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fuel cycles, and decommissioning projects. South Korea, with its world-class technological capabilities, should not cling to outdated frameworks. We must reflect on whether we are still waiting for our ally to eventually recognize our efforts, holding onto the belief that we are allies, so they will acknowledge us someday.This shift also carries significant implications for security. As North Koreas nuclear and missile capabilities advance, the need for nuclear-powered submarines has been consistently raised. These submarines are strategic assets capable of long-term submerged operations and long-range missions, not nuclear weapons. While we must approach this matter cautiously within the framework of respecting the international non-proliferation regime and the Korea-U.S. alliance, it is less convincing that the U.S. applies flexible approaches to Saudi Arabia while imposing outdated standards on South Korea.Adhering to non-proliferation principles and accepting excessive constraints in light of changing times are two different issues. We must demand reasonable treatment that aligns with the trust we have built and our world-class technological capabilities. The operational framework of the Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement also needs to be re-evaluated. Alliances cannot endure at the expense of one party. If the U.S. applies principles flexibly based on national interests, South Korea should also pursue a more proactive nuclear strategy centered on its own national interests. This is the mark of a mature alliance and the realistic path we must choose in a rapidly changing international order. July 26, 2026 14:48
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Love, legacy and the price of a chaebol divorce SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) -There is no shortage of Korean dramas built around chaebol heirs falling in love against the odds. Real life has produced stories just as compelling — except that the endings are often written not by scriptwriters but by judges. Record 944 billion won ($680 million) divorce award involving SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and former wife Roh Soh-yeong last Friday has added another chapter to the small club of Korea's most consequential corporate breakups, where failed marriages have altered family fortunes, tested succession plans and redefined the legal treatment of billionaire wealth. Unlike television dramas, where romance typically triumphs over wealth and family opposition, Korea's real-life chaebol love stories have often unfolded under relentless public scrutiny, ending in courtroom battles over corporate empires worth trillions of won. The SK saga: A marriage that united business and politics Few unions carried greater symbolic weight than the marriage of Chey Tae-won and Roh Soh-yeong. When they married in 1988, Chey was the son of SK founder Chey Jong-hyun while Roh was the daughter of then-President Roh Tae-woo, creating one of Korea's most influential power couples. Over nearly three decades, Roh stood beside Chey as SK evolved from a domestic energy company into one of the world's most valuable AI memory chipmakers. Their marriage unraveled publicly after Chey disclosed that he had fathered a child outside the marriage and sought divorce in 2017. After years of legal battles culminating in Thursday's remand ruling, the Seoul High Court ordered Chey to pay Roh 944 billion won in cash while recognizing her 33.3 percent contribution to the couple's jointly accumulated wealth over almost 30 years of marriage. The finalized award is the largest publicly disclosed property settlement involving a Korean business family. It follows an earlier appellate ruling in 2024 ordering Chey to pay 1.38 trillion won, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court after it found errors in the lower court's reasoning regarding former President Roh's alleged political slush funds. Samsung's Cinderella romance Long before the SK divorce dominated headlines, another corporate romance had captured the country's imagination. Hotel Shilla President Lee Boo-jin, the eldest daughter of late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, fell in love with Lim Woo-jae, then a Samsung security employee. Their 1999 marriage was widely portrayed as a rare Cinderella story inside Korea's most powerful conglomerate. The fairy tale ended in 2014 when Lee filed for divorce. During the proceedings, Lim reportedly argued that Lee's personal fortune exceeded 2.5 trillion won and sought more than 1.2 trillion won in property division—the largest publicly known claim in a Korean divorce at the time. The Supreme Court ultimately upheld a property settlement of roughly 14.1 billion won in 2020, a tiny fraction of the amount sought. Legal observers widely interpreted the outcome as reflecting the court's view that Lee's Samsung shareholdings were not subject to division. Lee Jae-yong and Lim Se-ryung: A quiet ending Not every chaebol romance ended in years of courtroom drama. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Daesang Vice Chairwoman Lim Se-ryung divorced in 2009 after 11 years of marriage. The case was settled through mediation within days after proceedings began, and financial terms were never disclosed. Both went on to become prominent business leaders in their own right, with Lee leading Samsung Electronics and Lim emerging as one of Korea's most influential female executives. A retail heir and a television star One of Korea's most talked-about celebrity-business marriages brought together Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and actress Ko Hyun-jung. The marriage, which attracted enormous public attention, ended in 2003 through mediation only hours after divorce proceedings began. Reports at the time said Chung agreed to pay 1.5 billion won in alimony while retaining custody of the couple's children. The details of any property division, however, were never made public. The gaming founder who paid in shares One of the few founders to divide company ownership rather than cash was NCSoft founder Kim Taek-jin. When his marriage ended in 2004, Kim transferred a 1.76 percent stake in the online game developer to his former spouse. The shares were valued at roughly 30 billion won at the time, making it one of Korea's earliest high-profile examples of equity-based divorce settlements involving a technology entrepreneur. The next blockbuster case Legal and business circles are already watching what could become Korea's next landmark corporate divorce. Smilegate Chief Visionary Officer Kwon Hyuk-bin, whose fortune is estimated at around 8 trillion won, is scheduled to receive a first-instance ruling on Sept. 9 in a divorce case filed in 2022. Local media have reported that his wife is seeking roughly half of his Smilegate shareholding. Following the precedent set in the Chey-Roh litigation, the case is expected to test whether Korean courts are increasingly willing to treat founder-controlled equity in privately held technology companies as marital property. What links these stories is not simply celebrity or wealth. Each has raised difficult questions about how courts value contributions made outside the boardroom, whether family-controlled shareholdings should be divided after decades of marriage, and how personal relationships can reshape the ownership of some of Korea's largest corporations. For a country where chaebol families have long inspired television romances, reality has proved every bit as dramatic—only the scripts are written in court judgments, measured in billions of won, and capable of altering the future of corporate empires. July 26, 2026 14:24 -
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 -
Trump Orders Halt to U.S. Airstrikes Against Iran After 13 Days President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. forces to cease airstrikes against Iran, bringing to an end 13 consecutive days of attacks. Axios reported on the 25th, citing multiple sources, that Trump received a report on airstrike plans from the military the previous day but did not approve them, instructing the military to refrain from conducting any attacks. As a result, the U.S. airstrikes against Iran were halted for the day on the 24th. However, it remains uncertain whether this directive is a one-time measure or if the pause in airstrikes will continue for the foreseeable future. In recent weeks, Trump had approved daily airstrike plans submitted by the military, with attacks reportedly carried out within hours of approval. The military is still preparing plans in case of a resumption of large-scale operations, but sources indicate that Trump has not yet ordered an expansion of operations. Should a resumption order be given, the military is reportedly in a position to act relatively quickly. During a press briefing at the White House the previous day, Trump stated that while the U.S. is engaged in dialogue with Iran, he warned that military action could be taken immediately if negotiations fail. He said, We are fully prepared and can act at any time, while also emphasizing that discussions with Iran are ongoing. He expressed that reaching an agreement with Iran would be a wiser strategy than continuing or expanding airstrikes. At a dinner with the White House Correspondents Association, Trump remarked, I don’t think Iran is ready to make a deal right now, but I am ready to listen. The Israeli government and military had initially anticipated additional U.S. airstrikes and were preparing for potential retaliatory attacks from Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups. According to Israeli officials, the security cabinet and military leadership were on alert for large-scale airstrikes, having not fully grasped the U.S. operational plans. They were informed the previous night that Trump had not approved further airstrikes. Trumps order to halt airstrikes came just hours after an Omani negotiating team arrived in Tehran to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that progress is being made in discussions between Oman and Iran, with the possibility of an agreement emerging over the weekend. Whether Trump will accept any agreement reached will be a key factor in determining the future of airstrikes.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 11:08
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Samsung Revamps AI Subscription Club with Up to 50% Device Buyback Guarantee Samsung Electronics is launching a revamped New Galaxy AI Subscription Club ahead of the pre-sale of its latest Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8 series, significantly enhancing purchase and usage benefits.According to Samsung Electronics, the New Galaxy AI Subscription Club guarantees up to 50% of the devices residual value upon return after the subscription period ends, along with various benefits such as discounts on Samsung Care Plus and accessory packages.Notably, the subscription club has expanded the options for subscription periods. In addition to the existing one-year and two-year plans, a new three-year option has been introduced.Subscribers to the three-year plan will receive coverage for damage, as well as the Samsung Care Plus Loss/Damage product, which provides compensation once every 12 months. Free repairs, battery replacements, and on-site repair services are also included. The one- and two-year plans will focus on damage coverage.For customers who purchase a self-supplied model and return the device, the guaranteed residual values are as follows: 50% for the one-year plan, 40% for the two-year plan (50% for the Flip 8), and 25% for the three-year plan.Tailored benefits targeting the Gen Z demographic have also been introduced. Customers who purchase the Galaxy Z Flip 8 through a self-supplied model and subscribe to the two-year plan will receive the Flip Youth Subscription benefit, guaranteeing up to 50% residual value upon return after two years. Additionally, a one-month premium plus subscription to the language learning app Speak will be provided.To address security concerns in daily life, financial crime compensation benefits will be offered to all subscribers (customers who register their IMEI). In cases of cyber financial crime such as phishing and smishing, customers can receive compensation of up to 3 million won, and up to 500,000 won for internet transaction and shopping fraud.Monthly subscription fees will vary based on the model and duration. For the Fold 8 Ultra and Fold 8, the fees are 9,900 won per month for the one- and two-year plans and 14,500 won per month for the three-year plan. For the Flip 8, the fees are 8,900 won per month for the one- and two-year plans and 11,500 won per month for the three-year plan.Jung Ho-jin, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, The New Galaxy AI Subscription Club has been revamped to comprehensively reflect the secure usage needs of foldable phone users, financial security, and the preferences of the Gen Z demographic. We will continue to expand differentiated subscription services tailored to customer lifestyles.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:28
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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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President Lee Proposes U.S.-Korea Startup Alliance, Signs MOU with Six VCs President Lee Jae-myung proposed on July 25 that South Korea and the United States expand their cooperation beyond security to include technology, innovation, and startups during a meeting with leading venture capitalists in San Francisco. The National Pension Service signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six major Silicon Valley VCs to establish a framework for supporting domestic startups in attracting overseas investment.At the Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup held at a hotel in San Francisco, President Lee stated, Korea and the U.S. should broaden our cooperation from a long-standing security alliance to a technology alliance, an innovation alliance, and a startup alliance.The MOU includes participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, General Catalyst, New Enterprise Associates, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Khosla Ventures. The total assets under management of these firms amount to approximately $313 billion.These VCs have been instrumental in discovering and nurturing global innovators such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Apple, Google, Airbnb, Uber, Coinbase, and Databricks. The National Pension Service and the six VCs aim to build a long-term partnership to enhance opportunities for domestic startups to attract foreign investment and enter the U.S. market.During a subsequent roundtable, participants shared insights on global venture investment trends and investment cases involving Korean companies, discussing the investment environment in Korea, areas for improvement, and collaboration strategies for the U.S.-Korea venture ecosystem.President Lee emphasized Koreas technological prowess, manufacturing competitiveness, digital infrastructure, and cultural strengths. He remarked, When the promising startups of Korea meet your global investment capabilities, investors will gain new growth opportunities, and our startups will have a platform to leap into the global market. This is the most successful innovation model where investors and companies grow together.He further noted, The U.S. possesses world-class venture investment capabilities and a global network, while Korea has outstanding technology, manufacturing competitiveness, and a dynamic startup ecosystem. If we combine our strengths, we can create the next generation of leading innovative companies like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and Naver that will lead the world.The government plans to improve visa regulations that hinder the entry of overseas entrepreneurial talent and expand collaborative foundations connecting domestic and international companies, research institutions, and investment organizations. The government will also integrate the Fund of Funds, the National Growth Fund, pension funds, and private capital to comprehensively support promising startups in their growth into global enterprises.President Lee stated, Venture capitalists are not just providers of funds; they are partners in innovation who discover technological potential and connect strategies and networks to help startups leap into the global market. He urged, 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 Irreplaceable Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 08:12
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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 -
Korea's Chimaek diplomacy gets a Silicon Valley AI makeover SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korea's signature chimaek culture — fried chicken and beer — found a Silicon Valley twist on Friday as President Lee Jae Myung clinked Budweiser bottles over burgers and fish and chips with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun and other AI leaders on San Francisco's waterfront. The informal dinner at a marina restaurant, following a day of high-level meetings and an AI summit, was designed to mirror the relaxed "chimaek diplomacy" Huang enjoyed during his visit to Seoul last year, when the Nvidia chief famously bonded with Korean business leaders over fried chicken and barbecue. This time, California seafood and beer replaced Korean fare, but the objective remained the same: forging personal ties behind one of the world's fastest-growing AI partnerships. Earlier in the day, Lee held separate meetings with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, urging each company to deepen participation in South Korea's AI ambitions. Lee introduced his administration's three mega AI projects and said South Korea was transforming itself into an AI-native economy spanning industry and society. Huang praised Seoul's vision, saying South Korea's ambition to become an "AI-native nation" was inspiring and that the country possessed the talent and industrial foundation to build sovereign AI if it secured sufficient access to graphics processing units. He also highlighted Nvidia's expanding cooperation with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Naver, Hyundai Motor and a planned joint AI research institute with KAIST. Altman described South Korea as one of OpenAI's most important partners and praised Lee's AI leadership. He said equity-based wealth-sharing models could prove more effective than simple cash transfers in the AI era and called Korea's investments in physical AI, energy infrastructure and its three mega projects globally exemplary. OpenAI also expressed interest in using South Korea as a test bed for its next-generation AI devices scheduled for release early next year. Meeting Hock Tan, Lee emphasized that governments and companies must jointly build AI ecosystems rather than compete independently. Tan praised South Korea's AI strategy and highlighted Broadcom's partnerships with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Korean AI startup FuriosaAI, predicting AI infrastructure demand would continue expanding through at least 2029. Amodei said Anthropic would expand cooperation with South Korea in data centers, AI security and cybersecurity after signing a memorandum of understanding with Seoul's science ministry. The meetings culminated in the San Francisco AI Summit, where Lee unveiled the San Francisco AI Declaration, pledging to make South Korea an "irreplaceable" pillar of the global AI supply chain by leveraging its leadership in memory semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure. The summit also produced a series of commercial commitments between Korean conglomerates and global technology companies. According to the presidential office, SK Group agreed to pursue long-term AI infrastructure cooperation with global technology firms, Samsung Electronics expanded strategic cooperation with Broadcom, while Naver announced plans to develop global AI factories with Nvidia and Brookfield. Together with planned investments in AI data centers and computing infrastructure, the announced projects represent commitments valued at roughly $950 billion. Ending the day around a waterfront dinner table rather than a conference stage, Lee sought to reinforce a broader message that South Korea intends to pair its manufacturing strengths with America's AI software leadership — not only through investment pledges and semiconductor deals, but also through the personal relationships increasingly shaping the global AI race. After concluding his AI-focused visit to San Francisco, Lee headed to South America, where he pledged to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and revive trade talks with the Mercosur bloc. July 26, 2026 07:01 -
President Yoon Calls for Stronger Korea-South America Ties in Key Minerals and Manufacturing President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on July 25 that the relationship between South Korea and South America is entering a new phase, emphasizing the need to resume trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur and strengthen cooperation in key minerals for the AI era.During his visit to the United States and three South American countries (Brazil, Chile, and Argentina), Yoon made these remarks in a written interview with Spains EFE news agency, aimed at informing South American citizens about the purpose of his visit. He noted, The cooperation between the two sides should not merely be an exchange of natural resources for manufactured goods, but rather a relationship that creates value together through innovation, investment, technology, and talent.Yoon assessed that Mercosur member countries are global leaders in agriculture, food production, energy, and key minerals, while South Korea excels in advanced manufacturing, digital technology, shipbuilding, batteries, and innovation. He highlighted that South America possesses essential resources for future industries, and South Korea has the advanced technology, industrial know-how, and investment capabilities to match.He explained, By combining these strengths, we can build resilient value chains that benefit both regions, fostering resilient supply chains, nurturing new industries, and creating quality jobs that benefit both areas.Yoon also pointed out that as concerns grow over the spread of protectionism, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and energy security, countries need reliable partners and trade based on clear norms and mutual trust.In this context, he identified modernizing the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement, South Koreas first free trade agreement signed and enacted in 2004, as a key objective of his visit to enhance economic cooperation with South America.Yoon stated, Now, more than 20 years after the agreement was signed, we have the opportunity to modernize it to reflect new areas such as digital trade, environmental cooperation, labor standards, gender equality, and innovation.He concluded, Our goal is clear: to build deep relationships not only in economic success but also in social exchanges and cooperation between future generations between South Korea and South America.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 06:52
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President Lee Welcomes EU Exemption on Russian LNG Exports to South Korea President Lee Jae-myung expressed optimism on July 25 regarding the European Unions decision to exempt South Korea from sanctions related to the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russias Sakhalin-2 project. He stated, In a situation where energy supply uncertainty is increasing, I expect this will greatly help the daily lives of our citizens and our economy.While on a tour of the United States and South America, President Lee shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), saying, I was pleased to hear that our companies have been recognized as exceptions to the EUs sanctions on Russian LNG.He added, During my meeting with EU leaders in June, I explained the need for exceptional allowances for our energy security and urged their active interest in this matter.President Lee promised to continue to do his utmost to protect the lives of citizens and national interests through thorough responses.The EU adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia on July 23, which includes an exemption allowing South Korea to import LNG produced from the Sakhalin-2 project until March 2028.The South Korean government explained that this development is a result of significant progress made during the Korea-EU summit held in Brussels on June 10, where the issue of importing Russian LNG was a key economic and trade concern.The government has been requesting the EU to apply the exemption to ensure that the Korea Gas Corporation can import 1.5 million tons of LNG annually from the Sakhalin-2 project under a long-term contract from April 2008 to March 2028, preventing any disruptions in LNG supply. July 26, 2026 02:40
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President Yoon Welcomes EU Exemption on Russian LNG Exports to South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed optimism on July 25 regarding the European Unions exemption of South Korea from sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, stating it will be a significant benefit to the daily lives of citizens and the economy.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Yoon said, I was pleased to hear that our companies have been recognized as exceptions to the EUs sanctions on Russian LNG.He added, During my discussions with EU leaders in June, I explained the need for exceptional allowances for our energy security and urged their active interest. I will continue to do my utmost to protect the lives of our citizens and national interests through thorough responses.According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the EU Council adopted the 21st sanctions package against Russia on July 23, which includes provisions for South Koreas LNG imports. Under this measure, LNG produced in Russias Sakhalin can be transported to South Korea and Japan without EU sanctions until March 2028.The government noted that the issue of Russian LNG imports was a key economic and trade topic during the Korea-EU summit held in Brussels on June 10, leading to significant progress in related discussions.The government has been requesting the EU to apply sanctions exemptions to prevent supply disruptions, as Korea Gas Corporation is set to import 1.5 million tons of LNG annually from the Sakhalin II project from April 2008 to March 2028.* This article has been translated by AI. July 25, 2026 20:28
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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