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Samsung Life's CEO Redefines Insurance in the Age of AI The insurance industry stands at a significant turning point. With low birth rates, an aging population, digital transformation, and the AI revolution occurring simultaneously, traditional life insurance models are being shaken. Where insurance companies once relied on product sales and agent organizations for competitiveness, the focus has now shifted to data, platforms, and the ability to manage the entire customer lifecycle. Hong Won-hak, CEO of Samsung Life, is among the insurance leaders most actively embracing these changes. He is redefining insurance not merely as a risk protection industry but as a comprehensive life care industry that manages health, assets, retirement, and overall life. Through AI, healthcare, senior business initiatives, and digital innovation, he aims to transform Samsung Life into a future-oriented financial platform. Hongs entrepreneurial vision in finance ultimately boils down to one question: How far can insurance truly take responsibility for peoples lives? Dreaming of an Life Platform Beyond Insurance The insurance industry has long grown in a consistent manner. Customers purchase insurance, companies underwrite risks, and payouts occur when accidents happen. However, demographic changes are altering this structure. People are living longer and seeking healthier lives, and their expectations of insurance are evolving. Hong Won-hak has quickly recognized this shift. He believes the future of insurance lies not in death benefits but in the integration of health management, retirement planning, and asset management. Insurance companies must evolve from merely providing post-accident coverage to becoming partners that manage the entirety of a customers life. In recent years, Samsung Life has focused on expanding its senior and healthcare businesses. The company is preparing a new business model that combines nursing services, health management platforms, and asset management functions. This is not just a diversification of business; it is an attempt to redefine the very purpose of the insurance industry. Hong views insurance not merely as a financial product but as a life infrastructure. He believes that the insurance company should play a role throughout the entire process of a customers life—from birth to growth, retirement, and aging. This perspective is reflected in Samsung Lifes future strategy. As the life insurance market matures, traditional methods will no longer suffice for growth. New markets must be created, and Hong sees this opportunity in the aging society.The future of the insurance industry is ultimately tied to the future of the senior market. South Korea is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world, and significant industrial changes are likely to emerge from the senior sector over the next decade. Hong aims to position Samsung Life at the center of this transformation. AI as a Revolution, Not Just Cost-Cutting Many financial companies discuss AI, but many remain focused on automation and cost reduction. Hongs view of AI is different. He sees AI as a technology that fundamentally changes the structure of the insurance industry. Insurance is essentially a probability-based industry, predicting who is likely to get sick, what accidents may occur, and which customers might cancel their policies. Ultimately, an insurance companys competitiveness hinges on how accurately it can predict the future. AI excels in this domain. In the past, insurers relied on average data; now, they can utilize individual data. Instead of analyzing groups, they can analyze individuals, providing tailored services based on each customers health status, consumption patterns, and financial activities. Hong believes AI will shift the insurance industry toward a prevention-focused model. Historically, insurance has been about providing coverage after an incident; in the future, preventing incidents will become paramount. It will be more important to help customers avoid illness than to pay out claims after they fall ill. With the integration of wearable devices, health data, and generative AI, insurers can manage customers health in real-time. They can encourage healthy lifestyles, predict disease occurrence, and offer personalized health management services. The digital innovation that Hong emphasizes aligns with this vision. AI is no longer optional; it is a survival strategy for insurance companies. Insurers hold some of the most extensive customer data among financial institutions, providing them with significant potential to leverage AI. This is why Samsung Life is investing in expanding its AI-based customer service and data analytics capabilities. The future of insurance is likely to be shaped by AI, and Hong is preparing for that change. Rebuilding the Insurance Ecosystem with Samsung Life and Samsung Fire Hongs strength lies in his experience across both life and non-life insurance sectors. He has served as the CEO of both Samsung Life and Samsung Fire, giving him a unique understanding of the differences and similarities between the two fields. Life insurance is a long-term asset management industry, while non-life insurance focuses on risk management. The combination of these two areas can enable comprehensive management of a customers entire life.The collaboration between Samsung Life and Samsung Fire is not merely about synergy between affiliates; it is about creating a new model for the insurance industry. For instance, auto insurance customers can be offered health insurance services, while health insurance customers can be connected to asset management services. Customer data can also be utilized in an integrated manner.With the addition of AI, the possibilities expand even further. By comprehensively analyzing customers consumption, health, assets, and risk information, insurers can provide hyper-personalized services. This represents a new value that traditional insurance companies have not been able to offer. Hong views insurance not just as a financial product sales business but as a data industry. Insurance data reflects peoples lives most deeply, encompassing health, assets, consumption, and risk. In the age of AI, the most powerful competitive edge is data. Hong aims to leverage the data held by Samsung Life to create a new insurance ecosystem. Proven Changes in Numbers, but the Real Challenge Starts Now Hongs strategy is still a work in progress, but results are already emerging. In the first quarter of 2026, Samsung Life recorded a consolidated net profit of 1.2036 trillion won, an increase of 89.5% compared to the same period last year. The companys retained CSM grew to 13.6 trillion won, while new contract CSM reached 848.6 billion won. Managed assets totaled 265 trillion won, with a solvency ratio (K-ICS) of 210%. The company maintains one of the highest levels of profitability and soundness in the domestic insurance industry. The number of exclusive agents has also expanded to approximately 44,400, with a net increase of over 1,500 this year alone. This indicates that the company has not abandoned human competitiveness in the digital age. However, the real challenges are just beginning. The insurance industry is poised to undergo significant changes over the next decade. Low birth rates could shrink the insurance market itself, while big tech companies are entering the financial sector, and AI is reshaping industry dynamics. Hong is not just running an insurance company; he is designing the future of the insurance industry. If he succeeds, Samsung Life could evolve into a comprehensive life care platform beyond traditional insurance. If he fails, the company may struggle to break free from the limitations of conventional life insurance. Thus, Hongs challenge is crucial. It represents an experiment to change the future of insurance. : SWOT Analysis :StrengthSamsung Lifes overwhelming competitiveness is reflected in its status as the leading brand in the domestic life insurance industry, with managed assets of 265 trillion won, a CSM of 13.6 trillion won, and a K-ICS ratio of 210%. Hongs experience leading both Samsung Life and Samsung Fire provides him with a comprehensive perspective that encompasses both life and non-life insurance. Setting AI and senior business as future growth pillars is also a strength.WeaknessThe life insurance market itself has entered a low-growth phase. Low birth rates are reducing the base of new customers, and the reliance on investment income is seen as a limitation. Due to the nature of large organizations, the pace of digital transformation may be slower than that of startups or big tech companies.OpportunityAging presents the greatest opportunity for Samsung Life. Healthcare, senior business, nursing industry, and AI-based personalized insurance are likely to be key growth drivers in the insurance industry over the next decade. The synergy with Samsung Fire also represents an important growth opportunity.ThreatThe entry of big tech into finance, intensified AI competition, stricter insurance regulations, and market contraction due to low birth rates are ongoing threats. Additionally, fluctuations in interest rates and strengthened capital regulations may also pose management burdens.* This article has been translated by AI. June 13, 2026 11:36 -
LNG Ship Orders Continue Amid Uncertainty Over IMO Regulations, Boosting K-Shipbuilding The International Maritime Organizations (IMO) introduction of carbon neutrality regulations is taking longer than expected, yet investments in eco-friendly vessels within the global shipping industry continue to grow. Despite regulatory uncertainties, shipping companies are securing alternative fuel vessels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, which is positively impacting the domestic shipbuilding sector. According to industry sources, the IMOs Net-Zero Framework, aimed at decarbonizing the shipping industry, is facing delays in final adoption due to disagreements among member countries. The Net-Zero Framework includes the first global carbon pricing system in maritime history, targeting net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050. The IMO anticipates that this system could generate up to $15 billion annually in carbon pricing revenue starting in 2030. Initially, the IMO planned to implement a global fuel standard and carbon pricing system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. However, opposition from the United States and some oil-producing countries has prolonged discussions. Nevertheless, the transition to eco-friendly fleets among shipping companies is accelerating. The European Union has begun applying its carbon emissions trading system (EU ETS) to the shipping sector this year, alongside the implementation of FuelEU Maritime, which requires reductions in the carbon intensity of ship fuels. Additionally, global shippers are increasingly demanding reductions in carbon emissions across their supply chains, heightening the need for shipping companies to respond. In fact, the market is witnessing a surge in orders for alternative fuel vessels centered around LNG. According to DNV, the worlds largest classification society, a total of 119 alternative fuel vessels were ordered globally from January to May this year, with LNG-powered ships accounting for over half of these orders at 60 vessels. In contrast, methanol, ethanol, and ammonia-powered vessels only totaled four each. This trend is favorable for the domestic shipbuilding industry, as LNG carriers are recognized as a high-value ship type that requires advanced technology to store and transport liquefied natural gas at minus 163 degrees Celsius. The design of cargo holds, insulation technology, and ensuring operational stability necessitate a high level of expertise, creating significant barriers to entry in this market. The three major South Korean shipbuilders—HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—are maintaining a competitive edge in the global market, leveraging their extensive experience and capabilities in LNG ship construction. It is reported that global shipowners still prefer South Korean shipyards for their quality, delivery times, and operational reliability. Recent order achievements are becoming evident. As of early June, South Korean shipbuilders secured 34 out of 53 LNG carriers ordered worldwide, maintaining their market leadership. Moreover, the three major South Korean shipbuilders have reportedly already achieved over 60% of their order targets for the year. The increasing orders for LNG carriers, very large gas carriers (VLGCs), and dual-fuel vessels are driving this performance. Industry insiders believe that the trend toward eco-friendly vessel transitions will continue regardless of the timing of the IMO regulations. One industry official stated, While there may be some adjustments to the specifics of the IMO regulations, the overall direction toward decarbonization will not change. Demand for alternative fuel vessels, including LNG, is likely to persist, benefiting domestic shipbuilders with competitive technologies.* This article has been translated by AI. June 13, 2026 10:03 -
The Transformative Power of Buddhism: Changing Lives and the World The greatness of religion cannot be measured solely by the depth of its doctrines. No matter how excellent the scriptures and philosophies may be, if they do not come alive in human life, history will not remember them for long. Conversely, if one persons life changes the fate of many and that spirit continues to resonate through the ages, it becomes a living religion. In this regard, Buddhism stands as one of the most successful spiritual revolutions in human history. It is not merely a religion that left behind theories of enlightenment but one that has produced individuals who practiced enlightenment in their lives. The enlightenment of a practitioner that began in a small kingdom in northern India 2,500 years ago continues to influence the spiritual world of billions today. The history of Buddhism is, therefore, the history of great individuals and a testament to the hope that humanity can change itself.The starting point of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama. Born a prince, he was in a position to enjoy all the wealth and glory of the world by the standards of his time. However, fundamental questions about human existence did not release him even within the high walls of the palace. Confronted with the unavoidable realities of aging, illness, and death, he left the palace at the age of 29 in search of answers to why humans suffer. His departure, leaving behind his wife Yasodhara and young son Rahula, was not merely a religious decision but a great adventure toward the truth of human existence. He experienced extreme asceticism for six years, reportedly surviving on just a grain of rice and a sesame seed each day. Ultimately, he realized that asceticism itself does not guarantee truth. Under the Bodhi tree, after meditating, he finally attained enlightenment. The greatness of Buddhism lies here: enlightenment is not a revelation bestowed by a deity but a state reached through human reflection and practice.After attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama returned to the world. He did not seek to become a king or a religious leader. Instead, he spent 45 years walking barefoot across India, meeting people from all walks of life. He preached to kings and beggars alike, offering teachings to both nobles and commoners. The rigid caste system that dominated Indian society at the time was insignificant in his eyes. His belief that humans should be evaluated by their practice and character rather than their birth was a revolutionary idea for that era. Thus, Buddhism can be seen as a declaration of human equality before being a religion.The greatness of Siddhartha Gautama is also evident in another aspect: he cultivated remarkable disciples. The Buddhist community was not an organization created by a single genius but a collective formed by practitioners with diverse talents. Sariputta, known for his wisdom, served as the spiritual pillar of the community with his exceptional logic and insight. Maudgalyayana, renowned for his supernatural powers, demonstrated the mystique and efficacy of Buddhism to the public. Upali established the order of the monastic community, while Buddhas foremost disciple, Ananda, devoted his life to serving Siddhartha Gautama and remembering his teachings. Many of the early Buddhist scriptures begin with the phrase, Thus have I heard, stemming from Anandas memory. Without Ananda, it would have been challenging for us to access Siddhartha Gautamas teachings as vividly as we do today.After Siddhartha Gautamas passing, Buddhism began to form a vast civilization beyond India. Among the figures that emerged during this process, Bodhidharma stands out as a symbolic presence. He is known for crossing from India to China and laying the foundation for Zen Buddhism. According to legend, he meditated facing a wall for nine years at the Shaolin Temple. The important aspect is not the duration but the spirit of thorough self-reflection he demonstrated. Bodhidharma taught that it is more important to look within oneself than to read many scriptures. His teachings of not relying on words and transmission outside the scriptures redirected religion from an obsession with texts and knowledge back to the path of living practice.The figure who completed Chinese Buddhism was Huineng, a poor woodcutter who had not received formal education. However, he realized that human nature is inherently Buddha. Huinengs emergence holds significant historical importance as it marked a turning point for Buddhism, transitioning from a religion of a few intellectuals to one of the common people. His teachings would later have a decisive influence on the Zen traditions in China, Korea, and Japan.In the history of Korean Buddhism, Wonhyo is an indispensable figure. He is one of the most beloved masters among Koreans. While on a journey to study in Tang China, he once drank water from a skull in a cave, which he initially thought was a cool and sweet spring water. This moment led him to a profound realization: it is not objects that determine the world but the mind. This is known as the enlightenment of everything is mind-only. After this, Wonhyo abandoned his studies in Tang and immersed himself in the lives of the people. He practiced Buddhism not just for the nobility and monks but for the common people. His life became the starting point of the most humanistic tradition in Korean Buddhism.Uisang was the figure who blossomed the Flower Garland teachings. The temple he founded, Beomeosa, remains a symbol of Korean spiritual culture today. Jinul of the Goryeo Dynasty sought to reconcile the conflicts between Zen and doctrinal teachings. Seosan Daesa of the Joseon Dynasty led monk soldiers during the national crisis of the Imjin War, and some believe that without him, the fate of Joseon would have been drastically different. This illustrates that Buddhism is not a religion that turns away from reality but one that acts for the community when necessary.In modern times, Buddhism encountered another giant: Han Yong-un. He was a monk, poet, and independence activist who uniquely connected the spirit of Buddhist compassion with the national liberation movement. As one of the 33 representatives of the March 1st Movement, he proclaimed the dignity and freedom of the nation even amid Japanese oppression. His poetry collection, Silence of the Beloved, is not merely a collection of love poems but an expression of deep longing for the homeland and freedom. He exemplified how Buddhism could embody a spirit of participation in reality.Reflecting on the history of Buddhism, it is clear that it is not merely a history of scriptures but a history of people. Siddhartha Gautama showed that humans can change themselves. Sariputta and Ananda systematized that teaching. Bodhidharma and Huineng opened the path of practice. Wonhyo and Uisang cultivated a uniquely Korean Buddhist culture. Jinul and Seosan Daesa demonstrated a Buddhism that acts in times of community crisis. Han Yong-un reinterpreted Buddhism in the spirit of freedom and independence.Even in an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly catching up to human intellectual capabilities, Buddhism remains significant for this reason. AI can compute but cannot feel compassion. AI can store information but cannot experience enlightenment. AI can execute logic but cannot question the meaning of human existence. Ultimately, what makes humans truly human is not technology but spirit, and Buddhism has explored this issue for 2,500 years.As we conclude the Buddhist segment of the Spiritual Asia series, we reflect again. Hinduism explores the origins of the universe, Daesonggyo investigates the relationship between the nation and heaven, while Buddhism delves into the deepest recesses of the human mind. However, the ultimate destination of these three religions is not different. It is the path to making humans freer, wiser, and kinder beings. The lights of compassion and wisdom illuminated by Siddhartha Gautama and countless great masters will continue to guide the path of human civilization for a long time to come. This is the greatest legacy Buddhism has left beyond Asia and the reason it remains alive even 2,500 years later.* This article has been translated by AI. June 13, 2026 08:54 -
SCIENCE and MEDICINE: A centenarian is not created by a single secret GOCHANG, South Korea, June 13 (AJP) -Three scientists who have spent careers studying people who live to 100 gather in South Korea — and find, to their surprise, that their very different methods have led them to the same place. They arrived in Gochang, a rural county on Korea's southwestern coast three very different arguments about why some people live to 100. By the time their conversation ended, the geneticist, the epidemiologist, and the social gerontologist had reached a quiet consensus: the secret to a long life may be that there is no single secret at all. The occasion was the 30th International Centenarian Consortium, the world's foremost gathering of researchers studying extreme old age. What follows is an edited transcript of the special closing dialogue, convened on June 12. ______________________________________________________________________ PART I — HOW THE QUESTION CHANGED ______________________________________________________________________ SANG-CHUL PARK · Chonnam National University When this consortium first met in Georgia in 1994, the question was simple: why do some people live to 100? Thirty years later, we are no longer asking that. We are asking something harder — how can people live healthily to 100? That is not a semantic shift. It is a moral one. TOM PERLS · Boston University That shift is the core of what this meeting has been about. Moving from lifespan to healthspan. We have spent a generation learning to count the years. Now we have to learn to fill them. PETER MARTIN · Iowa State University And that reframing changes everything — what we measure, what we treat, what we consider a success. When I started tracking people in their 90s toward becoming centenarians, I was not asking whether they would survive. I was asking what shape they would be in when they arrived. ______________________________________________________________________ PART II — ON GENES, AND THEIR LIMITS ______________________________________________________________________ PERLS If we expected to find one longevity gene — one switch to flip — we were being naive. Longevity is polygenic. Thousands of variants, each tiny on its own, but in the right combination, powerful. It is like a lottery. You do not win by holding one ticket. You win by combining dozens of them correctly. What is striking is that centenarians carry disease-causing variants at roughly the same frequency as the general population. What distinguishes them is a higher burden of protective variants — inimmune regulation, lipid metabolism, DNA repair. They are not genetically pristine. They are better buffered. PARK Our whole-genome study of 60 Korean centenarians found something that stopped us. One DNA repair gene, BRCA1, was completely intact across more than 110,000 sequences — not a single variant. Silence, in genetics, can be the loudest signal of all. We also found that 99.74 percent of those centenarians carried the same deletion variant in a calcium-channel gene, ORAI1 — a mutation that standard databases classify as disease-causing. In our centenarians, it appears to suppress chronic inflammation. The genome knows things our databases do not yet. PERLS That finding matters far beyond Korea. Our reference genomes are overwhelmingly European. Variants common in Asian populations get flagged as pathological when they may be protective. We need a centenarian reference pangenome built from many ethnicities. This Korean dataset is a founding contribution to that work. ______________________________________________________________________ PART III — TEN YEARS INSIDE THE BODY ______________________________________________________________________ MARTIN Listening to the genetics, I keep asking: how does this actually manifest, year by year, in a living person? My team tracked 516 people who would go on to reach 100, following them from age 90. At 90, arthritis and hypertension were nearly universal. Over the next decade, disease burden grew — but it grew very differently depending on what was being managed. The practical implication is morbidity compression. People who carried less disease burden into their early 90s retained more functional independence at 100. The interventions you make at 92 shape the person you are at 100. That window does not close as early as people assume. PERLS This connects directly to what I mean by resilience. Fifty-five percent of centenarians have dementia. Frailty is present in over 95 percent. They are not, by any clinical measure, super-healthy. What they have is the capacity to carry illness for longer without losing the ability to function. Telomere maintenance, low chronic inflammation, distinctive gut microbiota — these are the molecular substrates of endurance, not immortality. ______________________________________________________________________ PART IV — WHAT THE FIELD GOT WRONG ABOUT CENTENARIANS' LIVES ______________________________________________________________________ PARK I interviewed centenarians in Korea's longevity regions in 2001 and again in 2025. In 2001, nearly 88 percent lived with their children. More than half were confined to their rooms. A centenarian living alone was considered a social failure — a sign that the family had abandoned its duty. By 2025, half were living independently. Half were traveling beyond their villages. We documented a 97-year-old man who drove himself to Jeju Island. The same life circumstances that once signaled abandonment now signal agency. MARTIN What changed? The policy infrastructure, obviously — Korea's Long-Term Care Insurance, the community care services, the Basic Pension. But also what changed is what centenarians expect of themselves. They now go to lunch at community centers. They write poetry. They walk an hour every morning. They have developed a self-concept that wasn't available to their predecessors. PERLS And social connection has biological consequences. Loneliness and isolation elevate chronic inflammation — the same pathway that accelerates aging. The social lives of centenarians are not a soft human-interest sidebar to the real science. They are the real science. ______________________________________________________________________ CODA — WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED ______________________________________________________________________ PARK The three of us have studied the same population for three decades using entirely different methods. Tom looked at their genes. Peter looked at their clinical trajectories. I looked at the land, the policy, the society they inhabit. Our conclusions have converged. A centenarian is not created by a single secret. PERLS And that is actually good news. If there were one dominant cause, we could change nothing. Because longevity is multi-determined, there are multiple places to intervene. Lifestyle, social policy, medicine, genetics — they all move the same needle. The absence of a single answer is an invitation to act on many fronts at once. MARTIN For me, the reward is simpler. If our data helps one person in their early 90s reach 100 a little healthier and a little more independently, that is sufficient reason to keep counting. ______________________________________________________________________ Sang-Chul Park is chair professor at Chonnam National University and the founder of the Korean Centenarian Study, which he has led since 1995. He was the principal organizer of the 30th International Centenarian Consortium. Tom Perls is professor of medicine at Boston University and founder of the New England Centenarian Study, one of the world's longest-running investigations into the genetics of extreme longevity. Peter Martin is professor of human development at Iowa State University, specializing in the clinical trajectories and psychological well-being of adults in their 90s and beyond. *This dialogue was conducted at the close of ICC 2026 in Gochang, South Korea, and has been edited and condensed. It is published as a special feature for AJP. June 13, 2026 08:03 -
South Korea Positioned to Become an AI Full-Stack Nation, Says IITP Chief Hong Jin-bae South Korea is currently at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) power competition. The United States, led by OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Google, dominates the AI ecosystem, while China is engaged in a national effort to catch up. AI has evolved beyond being merely a technological competition among companies; it has become a critical infrastructure that determines a nations economic strength, security, and industrial competitiveness. At the center of this transformation is not just AI models but also AI semiconductors, data centers, networks, cybersecurity, and talent. Ultimately, the competition in AI is not just about models but about ecosystems. Hong Jin-bae, the head of the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), believes South Korea has a strong chance of success in this arena. An ICT expert with nearly 30 years of experience in information and communications policy, network policy, and cybersecurity policy, Hong has been overseeing AI and ICT research and development (R&D), AI semiconductors, and talent development at IITP. Throughout the interview, Hong emphasized, South Korea is one of the few countries equipped with AI models, semiconductors, data, networks, and talent. He stated that the current moment is a golden opportunity for South Korea as it transitions from generative AI to agent AI and physical AI. Below is a Q&A with Hong. IITP as a Facilitator of Digital Innovation To the general public, IITP may be a somewhat unfamiliar institution. What role does it play?We are responsible for R&D and talent development in the AI and ICT fields. We plan and evaluate R&D projects and support their entry into the market. We also play a role in discovering and nurturing core talent in AI and ICT. You referred to IITP as a facilitator of digital innovation.Technology is meaningless if it ends in the lab. It must reach the market. We plan challenging research and help it reach the market. Are there any representative examples?AI semiconductor NPU. In 2019, the concept of NPU was quite unfamiliar. However, we believed it would become an essential technology in the AI era. So, we proactively planned and supported it for six years. The situation has completely changed now.Yes. Companies like FuriosaAI, Rebellion, DeepX, and Mobilint have entered the mass production stage and are receiving global investments. A technology that no one paid attention to at the time has now become a core pillar of the AI semiconductor industry. The Real AI Revolution is Just Beginning The trend of generative AI continues. How do you view the current flow of AI technology?We categorize it into AX 1.0 and AX 2.0. AX 1.0 refers to generative AI like GPT, which assists human intellectual activities. What then is AX 2.0?Agent AI and physical AI. This is the stage where AI not only answers questions but also plans and executes tasks independently. Could you explain that more simply?Current AI answers questions. Future AI will perform tasks, manage schedules, create documents, and collaborate with other AIs to execute projects. What is physical AI?If agent AI operates in the digital space, physical AI operates in the real world. Robots are a prime example. AI will perform actual actions in manufacturing sites, logistics centers, and hospitals. Why is this important?Both share a commonality: they take action. This directly impacts productivity. I believe the AX 2.0 era will bring about much greater changes than AX 1.0. AI Sovereignty Must Be Secured The global competition for AI dominance is fierce. How do you view the issue of AI sovereignty?AI sovereignty must be secured. AI models are not just service technologies; they reflect a countrys culture, values, and mindset. So, it goes beyond economic issues?Exactly. There are economic implications, but there are also mental and cultural meanings. Therefore, unique AI models are important.Is it enough to just have the models?No, AI sovereignty cannot be secured with just one model. AI models, AI semiconductors, networks, and security must all be in place. Ultimately, it’s about the ecosystem.Thats right. We are moving into an era where it’s not just about selling one AI model but competing in AI ecosystems.South Korea Can Become an AI Full-Stack Nation How do you assess South Koreas AI competitiveness?I see a significant potential. In what ways?We have the capability to develop AI models. We also have AI semiconductors. We possess abundant data and strong networks. Does this include talent?Of course. Including talent, South Korea is one of the few countries that can become an AI full-stack nation. Recently, Jensen Huang and Yann LeCun have made similar remarks.Yes, foreign experts also highly evaluate the strengths that South Korea possesses. What is the most important factor?Connecting each strength. We need to integrate models, semiconductors, data, and networks into a single ecosystem. AI Semiconductors Are an Opportunity for Korea There is much talk about the importance of semiconductors in the AI competition.In the AI era, semiconductor competitiveness is crucial. What areas is IITP currently supporting?We are supporting AI-centric semiconductors and advancing NPU technology. Are there technologies you are preparing for after NPU?Technologies like CXL, DPU, and PIM. These may be somewhat unfamiliar to the general public.CXL is a technology for efficiently sharing memory. DPU reduces the burden on CPUs to enhance data center efficiency. What about PIM?PIM is a technology that integrates computing within memory. It allows calculations to be performed inside the memory without moving data around. Why is this important?It can significantly reduce power consumption. The key in the AI era is to achieve both high performance and low power consumption simultaneously. What future technologies are you looking at?Neuromorphic semiconductors, which mimic the structure of the human brain, are the next generation of semiconductors. AI Competition Ultimately Comes Down to Talent Ultimately, all technology is created by people, right?Absolutely. The importance of talent cannot be overstated. What kind of talent is needed?Three types: top 1% core talent, individuals who can lead AX in the industry, and general talent who can effectively utilize AI. How is IITP nurturing talent?We operate ten AI graduate schools and have established a graduate school for AI semiconductors. I heard you recently started an AX graduate school.Yes, we selected ten universities this year to cultivate talent that will lead the AI transformation in the industry. Innovation Cannot Happen Without Embracing Failure You have emphasized a research culture that allows for failure.Innovation is predicated on failure. Our society tends to be unforgiving of failure.Thats true. However, future technologies cannot be achieved without taking risks. Are there any examples?Look at the U.S. DARPA. Technologies like GPS and stealth were not guaranteed successes at first. Yet they invested in them.They encouraged the very act of trying innovative ideas. How is IITP approaching this?We operate an open feedback system where researchers, users, and investors evaluate together. Connecting research to the market.Exactly. Technology should not end in the lab; it must lead to commercialization. In the AI Era, Talent Should Be π-shaped Lastly, what advice would you give to young people living in the AI era?Back to Basics. That’s an unexpected answer.As AI advances, individual expertise becomes increasingly important. What kind of talent do you see as future talent?I call them π-shaped talent. What does that mean?It means to deeply acquire one area of expertise and one ability to utilize AI. So, AI won’t automatically develop skills for individuals?Exactly. The gap between those who can effectively utilize AI and those who cannot may actually widen. Ultimately, it’s about the need for continuous learning.That’s right. I study every day. In the AI era, no one can afford to stop learning. :Hong Jin-bae:Hong Jin-bae, head of the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), began his public service career in the first cohort of the Ministry of Information and Communications and has spent nearly 30 years overseeing information and communications policy, network policy, and cybersecurity policy. He has served as the Director of Network Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT and is currently responsible for AI and ICT R&D and talent development at IITP. He has contributed to the establishment of the domestic AI semiconductor ecosystem by supporting AI semiconductor NPU from its early stages and is actively engaged in nurturing future talent through AI graduate schools, AI semiconductor graduate schools, and AX graduate schools. Hong emphasizes that the AI competition is not just about models but about ecosystems, urging South Korea to leap forward as an AI full-stack nation.* This article has been translated by AI. June 13, 2026 07:48 -
Justice and Gender Equality Ministries Form Legislative Committee to Support Female Violence Victims The government has decided to actively pursue legislative support activities in collaboration with relevant civic organizations to eradicate violence against women.On June 12, the Ministry of Justice established a legislative committee with the Ministry of Gender Equality and organizations supporting female violence victims, holding its first meeting to discuss specific operational methods.Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Gender Equality, as well as Kim Hye-jeong, head of the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center; Song Ran-hee, executive director of the Korean Womens Hotline; Lee Ha-young, co-representative of the National Coalition for the Resolution of Prostitution Issues; Jeon Da-un, chair of the Womens Rights Committee of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society; and Kim Yeo-jin, director of the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center.Participants exchanged broad opinions on priority legislative tasks related to intimate partner violence, proposed changes to terminology in the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, and the review of overseas legislative examples, among other discussion topics and the committees schedule and methods.The formation of the committee and the first meeting followed a meeting with organizations supporting female violence victims on May 11, where officials gathered on-site opinions and assessed the current legislative situation, agreeing to consult with relevant agencies including the Ministry of Gender Equality.During that meeting, participants discussed the challenges and necessary improvements in the investigation and prosecution processes for sexual violence victims, proposed amendments to criminal law related to sexual violence, legislative directions reflecting the ongoing issues of intimate partner violence, difficulties faced by disabled sexual violence victims during investigations and prosecutions, improvements to the operation of public defenders for victims of sexual crimes, and legislative directions for amending laws to block demand for prostitution.Kim Hye-jeong expressed concerns during the meeting, stating, If supplementary investigations by the prosecution become difficult, significant delays in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases are expected, which would further exacerbate the suffering of victims, urging the Ministry of Justice to devise countermeasures.The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Gender Equality, and organizations supporting female violence victims plan to continue their communication and collaboration, holding follow-up meetings for in-depth discussions on related legislative tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. June 12, 2026 16:06 -
Youth Employment Declines Despite Economic Growth in South Korea The number of employed individuals in South Korea decreased by 40,000 in May compared to the same month last year, according to a report released by the National Data Agency on June 11. This marks the first decline in employment since the state of emergency declared in December 2024. Employment in the manufacturing sector fell by 140,000, the largest drop in over seven years. Most concerning is the significant decline of 255,000 in employment among young people aged 15 to 29, highlighting the severity of the issue. Ironically, the economy is not in a recession. Semiconductor exports are reaching record highs, the KOSPI index continues to rise, and corporate earnings are improving. Growth forecasts are also being revised upward. However, the reality for young people is starkly different. While the economy appears to be improving, job opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. This creates a perplexing situation where the benefits of economic growth are not reaching the youth. The government attributes the situation to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and high oil prices. While these factors are valid, they do not fully explain the current youth employment crisis, which is more a structural issue than a cyclical one. The South Korean economy is rapidly restructuring, with a few advanced industries driving growth. The semiconductor sector, while crucial for the national economy, does not generate a large number of jobs. Even with investments amounting to tens of trillions of won, automated production facilities and AI systems perform most tasks, leading to increased production without a corresponding rise in employment. A more significant concern is that the pace of job losses is outstripping the rate at which the benefits of growth are being distributed. While semiconductor companies report record profits and the stock market thrives, manufacturing jobs are declining, and youth employment is vanishing. This indicates a fundamental shift in the growth model of the South Korean economy rather than a simple economic cycle. The challenges faced by young people also stem from the structure of the labor market. Companies prefer to hire experienced workers through ongoing recruitment rather than open hiring processes. While those with experience gain better opportunities, young people entering the job market find it increasingly difficult to even get a foot in the door. The system protects those already within the labor market while leaving those outside, particularly the youth, vulnerable. Therefore, what is needed now is not another youth support fund or short-term job program. The government must move away from treating youth employment as a separate policy area and instead examine the overall structure of the labor market. South Korean society has long focused on protecting existing jobs. While protections for regular employees, seniority-based wage systems, and rigid employment structures provide stability for those within the labor market, the costs are largely borne by the youth. When new hiring decreases, young people are the first to lose opportunities. If the government is genuinely concerned about youth employment, it should focus on how much it has expanded pathways for young people to enter the labor market rather than how much budget has been allocated for youth support. Whether through labor market flexibility, wage system reform, or addressing the gap between regular and non-regular workers, the approach must now be from the perspective of the youth. Businesses also cannot escape responsibility. Profits gained from increased productivity through AI and automation should not only be distributed to shareholders and employee bonuses but also invested in hiring future generations. Expanding the hiring of experienced workers solely for short-term efficiency could ultimately undermine the foundation for nurturing talent within companies. The decline in youth employment is not merely a worsening employment indicator; it signals a weakening of the nation’s future growth potential. A society where young people cannot find work will see declines in consumption, marriage, and childbirth, ultimately undermining its growth potential. No matter how much semiconductor exports increase or how high the stock market rises, if young people are losing hope, that is not a successful economy. What is needed now is not to boast about the achievements of growth but to pay attention to the youth left behind in its shadows. There is no future in growth without youth. June 12, 2026 10:36 -
Former Lawmaker Min Byung-du Launches New Theater Company Unexpected second acts can emerge in life. Many believe that once individuals reach the pinnacle of social success, they enter a phase of winding down. However, some choose to view this juncture as a new starting line. Instead of merely wearing their past achievements like medals, they embark on new dreams. This was evident in the recent founding of the Gold Grass Theater by former lawmaker Min Byung-du, who staged the inaugural play Unruly Youth. This theaters establishment is not just a cultural endeavor; it symbolizes how an individual can design and pursue their second life. When discussing Min Byung-du, many first think of him as a politician. However, his life is far more complex and multifaceted than that single label. He was an activist during his student years, participated in the democracy movement, became a journalist chronicling the times, and later served as a member of the National Assembly. Now, he is opening a new chapter in the world of culture and arts. While these paths may seem distinct, a consistent thread of concern for people, society, and community runs through them. His youth coincided with a tumultuous period in modern Korean history, marked by a vigorous student movement demanding democracy during military rule. In an era where simply speaking freely could be dangerous, young advocates for democracy and human rights often faced imprisonment or had to risk their futures for resistance. Min Byung-du was part of this generation. Today, democracy is taken for granted, but for those young people at the time, it was not just a concept in textbooks; it was a matter of life and belief. This experience became a foundational aspect of his life. He later chose the path of journalism, serving as a reporter and political editor for the Cultural Daily and as a Washington correspondent, closely covering Korean politics and international affairs. A journalist is not merely a conveyor of facts; they interpret events, analyze the words and actions of politicians, and assess the direction of the nation and society. Through this process, he naturally developed strategic thinking, which would later contribute to his reputation as a policy expert and strategist in politics. After entering politics, he served multiple terms in the National Assembly, distinguishing himself in policy and strategy. He focused particularly on issues directly affecting everyday life, such as economic democratization, consumer finance, household debt, and consumer protection. Through his work on the National Assemblys Political Affairs Committee, he emphasized the health of financial markets and consumer rights while consistently showing interest in the changes brought by the digital economy and platform industries. Within political circles, he was often regarded as a strategist, known for his ability to read electoral trends and for his long-term vision in policy design. However, his true strength lay in his focus on peoples lives rather than on power itself. His philosophy that politics should serve people did not change after he left the National Assembly; rather, it expanded into broader realms. Unlike many politicians who limit themselves to lectures or advisory roles after leaving office, he boldly ventured into new fields. One notable example is his work as a senior model. When this news first emerged, many were surprised. However, Min Byung-du was not overly concerned with others opinions. He believes that giving up on challenges due to age is the true definition of aging. Stepping onto the senior modeling stage is not merely about wearing clothes and walking; it is another form of cultural expression. Through this platform, he demonstrated that new dreams can be pursued at any age. He actively participated in various senior fashion events and cultural programs, embodying a new life in old age. In a rapidly aging South Korea, he has presented a model for how seniors can live. His senior modeling activities are not just a personal hobby but carry a social message: life does not end with retirement, and new challenges are ageless. His interest in theater naturally followed. He had already engaged in various cultural and artistic activities, experiencing the power of the stage and audience. He understood better than anyone that while politics changes systems, art moves peoples hearts. If speeches and debates appeal to reason, theater appeals to emotion and memory. This deep attraction to the theatrical form likely influenced his decision to establish a theater company. He has gained stage experience through participation in various performances and cultural events, culminating in the founding of his theater company. The first production of the newly established Gold Grass Theater, Unruly Youth, holds special significance. It addresses painful modern history, specifically the forced conscription during military rule. This work does not merely reenact past events; it explores themes of youth, state power, memory, trauma, and human dignity. For Min Byung-du, a member of the democracy movement generation, this subject is deeply personal. As someone who lived through that era and fought for democracy, he aims to restore those memories through the language of art. The history recorded by politics differs from that remembered by art. He is now engaging with the times not as a politician but as a theater artist. His faith also plays a crucial role in this journey. Min Byung-du has long been a devout Catholic. The Catholic emphasis on human dignity and community spirit permeates his life. The democracy movement was about human dignity, journalism was about truth, and political activity was for the community. His current cultural and artistic endeavors ultimately focus on people. Although his professions have changed multiple times, the direction of his life has remained largely consistent. He continues to tell stories about people, meet people, and act for people. Today, South Korea is entering an ultra-aged society. However, we still lack imagination regarding the lives of the elderly. While we discuss how to prepare for retirement, we do not adequately address how to dream and challenge ourselves afterward. In this context, Min Byung-dus life holds significant meaning. He is not just a successful politician; he is someone who has redefined the second half of life. His journey from democracy activist to journalist, from journalist to politician, from politician to senior model, and now to theater artist is a history of continuous change and challenge. We often evaluate success based on high positions and great power. However, true success in life may lie in not losing sight of new dreams. Min Byung-du may have stepped down from his role as a lawmaker, but he has not stopped living. He has left the political stage but has not given up on challenges. Instead, he has created his own second stage, where he is embarking on new challenges with the vigor of youth. The founding of the Gold Grass Theater is not merely a cultural news item; it is a declaration of a beautiful second act for an individual. It is not just a cliché that age is just a number; it is a testament to life demonstrated through action. A young man who dreamed of democracy became a journalist, a journalist became a politician, and a politician has now become an artist, engaging with people. No one knows where this journey will end. However, what is clear is that he continues to grow. Thus, Min Byung-dus new challenge deserves applause. It is not just an individual achievement but a case that illustrates the direction our society should take moving forward. He proves through his life that life belongs to those who learn, challenge, and dream until the very end.* This article has been translated by AI. June 12, 2026 07:30 -
National Education Commission Holds 6th Meeting, Delays Decision on History Curriculum Revisions The National Education Commission engaged in a heated debate regarding the Education Ministrys request to expand the modern history content in middle and high school history textbooks and to introduce new elective courses. Amid strong opposition citing the voices from the education field and procedural legitimacy, the Commission decided to postpone a conclusion and continue discussions at the next meeting.The Commission convened its 6th meeting on June 11 at the Government Seoul Building, where it reviewed the Education Ministrys request for revisions to the middle and high school history curriculum. The meeting lasted over an hour and included Chairman Cha Jeong-in, Secretary General Choi Soo-jin, and members Ban Sang-jin and Kim Young-do, along with Education Ministry officials including Vice Minister Choi Eun-ok and School Policy Director Kim Young-jin.Education Ministry: Revisions are essential to combat historical distortion and foster critical thinkingThe discussion was sparked by three key proposals from the Education Ministry: 1) to increase the proportion of modern history (from the opening of ports to the present) in middle school history textbooks from the current 20% to over 30%; 2) to secure instructional time for middle school social studies (including history and ethics); and 3) to introduce a new elective course titled in high school.Kim Young-jin, the Education Ministrys School Policy Director, emphasized the need for these revisions, stating, The rampant dissemination of distorted historical materials online and on platforms like YouTube complicates classroom instruction and negatively impacts students historical understanding. He added that the new course aims to help students critically assess the perspectives behind historical content, asserting that verifying sources from diverse viewpoints is essential for developing democratic citizens.Regarding the increase in modern history content, he noted, Currently, modern history constitutes only 20% of the middle school history curriculum, which leads to significant omissions of important historical facts. To learn history in a contextual and in-depth manner, we must increase the proportion of modern history in Korean history education.Disagreement among commissioners: Increasing hours infringes on school autonomy and equity among subjectsHowever, there was a clash between the Commissions members over the Education Ministrys proposals. Concerns about equity among subjects were raised, particularly regarding adjustments to middle school history hours and content. Commissioner Kim Kyung-hoe pointed out, The Education Ministrys idea of increasing modern history content while maintaining or expanding history hours contradicts the principle of school autonomy. He suggested that increasing hours for one subject would necessitate reducing hours for others, which is impractical for current third-year middle and high school students and inappropriate from an equity standpoint. He proposed further discussion on the matter. Commissioner Lee Kwang-ho also expressed skepticism about adopting the Education Ministrys proposal as is, highlighting the haste of the discussions.Debate over the introduction of : A solution through integrated subjects vs. Resistance from teachers and increased burdenThe most contentious issue during the meeting was the proposal to introduce the high school course . While commissioners agreed on the importance of the courses intent, they suggested modifying it to an integrated elective that encompasses social studies and ethics.Commissioner Lee Kwang-ho argued, In the diverse media environment of the AI era, many social phenomena cannot be addressed through text alone, so it is advisable to revise it into an integrated subject that allows for a combined understanding of history and society. Commissioner Kim Kyung-hoe added, Issues of information distortion, bias, and discrimination involve not just history but also geographical and ethical content, and proposed a modification to an integrated elective format, noting that the increasing number of high school subjects could be burdensome.However, there was significant pushback from education officials and members with backgrounds as parents and teachers. Commissioner Kang Eun-hee, the Daegu City Education Superintendent, criticized the proposal, stating, Creating a new subject seems excessively irresponsible. She argued that media literacy is already adequately covered in existing language courses, questioning the need for a new subject that appears to focus on superficial analysis without in-depth research. She warned that introducing another subject in an already crowded selection would disrupt the normal operation of schools.Commissioner Yoon Geon-young, the Chungbuk Education Superintendent, also expressed concerns about the risks of partial revisions. He stated, Curriculum changes require thorough preparation, and developing and certifying textbooks can take at least three to four years. We must seriously consider whether the course is truly urgent at this time. If passed without sufficient professional review and discourse, who will guide and take responsibility in schools?Concerns were also raised about the expertise and receptiveness of teachers in the field. Commissioner Kim Joo-sung cautioned, Creating integrated subjects must be approached with great care, recalling past experiences where ambiguous subject identities made it difficult to establish specialized teachers. Commissioner Ahn Sang-hyun noted that education is highly path-dependent, and even minor changes to textbooks can provoke significant resistance from teachers, who may face challenges in managing multiple subjects and assessment methods. Commissioner Kim Young-do, the President of the Korea Association of Community Colleges, questioned whether frontline teachers are prepared to teach critique and analysis, warning that it could inadvertently instill errors and biased perceptions of history in students.Conversely, a minority opinion argued for preserving the original intent of strengthening history education. Commissioner Jeon Eun-young, representing parents, stated, There is a growing sense of urgency and demand for history education among parents. If we merge it into an integrated subject, we risk losing the distinctiveness and context of history education, so I agree with emphasizing the identity of history education to promote historical discussions.Chairman Cha Jeong-in: Modern history content is lacking compared to global standards... We will proceed cautiouslyAs the debate among the commissioners continued without resolution, Chairman Cha Jeong-in referenced global standards to clarify the nature of the discussions. He stated, Internationally, the proportion of modern history ranges from 35% to 60%, and in Germany, modern history is taught as a significant majority in high school to cultivate global citizens. Compared to this, our 20% is too low. We need to move beyond fragmented narratives and superficial descriptions to provide contextual storytelling.Chairman Cha acknowledged the concerns raised by commissioners about the portrayal of Korean history as a conflict between progressives and conservatives, as well as the lack of context in the narratives of industrialization and economic development that leave students without a sense of pride. However, he made it clear that he would not rush to a conclusion, reflecting the confusion and concerns in the field.He stated, While there is an educational necessity and it is a task we must undertake, we cannot rush given the difficulties in subject organization and the significant concerns of parents. He declared that the proposals for the course and the integrated subject modifications would undergo formal review and coordination by expert committees and monitoring groups before being discussed again at the next meeting.Following the meeting, the Commission announced via a separate text notification that it would conduct further discussions at the next meeting, considering various aspects based on the matters discussed today.* This article has been translated by AI. June 11, 2026 19:45 -
Korea's ruling party explores second year's challenges in an in-house forum SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has restored the dignity of the country's hard-won democracy, but what lies beyond can define the true scorecard of the liberal government, according to the ruling party's in-house seminar amid sagging approval rating following disappointing local election results. At a forum at the National Assembly in Yeouido, hosted by the office of Rep. Sohn Myung-soo of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) Thursday, persistent challenges such as demographic decline and economic uncertainty as well as a widening wealth gap and inequality were highlighted, although self-congratulatory reflections dominated the talk. DP leader Jung Chung-rae under scrutiny over election accountability had only praises for the president. "The country has entered an era of a 'Korea Premium,'" Jung said, citing rising international confidence in the country and improvements in economic indicators. He argued that Lee's leadership had strengthened the country's global standing and positioned South Korea among advanced nations. Jung also described the Lee government as the product of a "revolution of light," referring to the public movement that led to the ouster of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle. He added the Lee administration was committed to democratic governance and improving citizens' lives. Rep. Han Jeoung-ae said the government had navigated a series of challenges over the past year, including political instability, a presidential election, U.S. tariff negotiations and regional security tensions. She said South Korea had demonstrated the resilience of its democracy and achieved strong economic growth, but noted that many households had yet to feel the benefits. "High inflation and a weak currency continue to put pressure on people's livelihoods," Han said. Yoon Chang-ryeol, the minister of government policy coordination, said the administration had focused on restoring growth, improving public safety and expanding communication with citizens. He pointed to economic growth that reached its highest level in more than five years, a rebound in the stock market, the restoration of research and development spending and stronger measures against crimes affecting ordinary citizens. "Of course, we cannot be satisfied with the achievements of just one year," Yoon said, citing low birth rates, regional decline and widening inequality as long-term challenges. Several speakers stressed that the administration's second year should focus on structural reforms rather than short-term achievements. Hong Sung-kook, an adviser to the ruling party, said Korea was facing a rare opportunity to strengthen its economic position through growing exports and advances in key industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. However, he warned that the country continued to face a "K-shaped" economic structure in which gains are unevenly distributed across society. "If we fail to make structural changes over the next year, it will be difficult to do so in the future," Hong said. Lee Chul-hee, a professor of economics at Seoul National University said the government had made notable progress in labor policy, public safety and social welfare but had fallen short on long-term issues such as education reform and population policy. He called for stronger monitoring of government policy implementation and greater attention to emerging challenges including artificial intelligence, immigration policy and wealth inequality. Jung Sung-eun, a professor at Konkuk University's Graduate School of Public Administration, said the first year of the administration had focused on restoring democracy and constitutional order. The next four years, he said, should be devoted to institutionalizing "popular sovereignty" through reforms including changes to the prosecution and police systems, expanded public participation and constitutional revision. On foreign policy, Rep. Kim Young-bae said the administration had pursued a "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests" while seeking to normalize relations with major powers including the United States, China and Japan. Kim said Seoul had successfully managed pressure from Washington over tariffs and economic security issues while rebuilding ties with Beijing and advancing cooperation with Tokyo. He also cited the administration's efforts to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance, including discussions on revising the bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement and introducing nuclear-powered submarines. Asked by AJP how South Korea planned to address potential U.S. concerns about nuclear proliferation related to its pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, Kim said securing the support of U.S. President Donald Trump would be a key factor in the process. He said discussions were underway within the U.S. government and argued that a stronger South Korean military operating within the framework of the alliance would ultimately benefit both countries and align with broader U.S. strategic interests. Kim added that building trust with Washington across a range of issues, not only security matters, would be essential to advancing the discussions. DP leader Jung declined to comment when asked by reporters about recent calls within the DP for his resignation to account for some major losses including Seoul mayorship in local elections. June 11, 2026 18:01 -
Korea's Broadcasting Commission Plans Media Voucher for Low-Income Households The Broadcasting and Communications Commission (BCC) is preparing to implement a Media Basic Society initiative as part of its budget planning for the upcoming year. The proposal includes a media voucher system aimed at supporting online video service (OTT) fees for low-income households, with the goal of expanding access to content and addressing the digital service gap. According to the BCC on June 11, the commission is reviewing policies to establish a Media Basic Society as a key objective for next years budget. With a consensus among members, led by Chairman Kim Jong-cheol, the focus is on enhancing content access for vulnerable populations and reducing disparities in digital service usage. A BCC official stated, We are preparing a media voucher system that would support OTT fees and paid broadcasting costs as a long-term project. However, discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other financial authorities are still needed. The push for this policy comes in response to changing content consumption patterns. While OTT services have become a primary source for content, significant disparities in usage based on income and region persist. Data from the BCCs broadcasting statistics portal indicates that 80.2% of households earning less than 1 million won per month do not use paid OTT services. In contrast, only 22.9% of households earning over 8 million won are non-users, revealing a 57.3 percentage point gap between the two groups. Usage rates for Netflix, the most popular OTT service in Korea, also vary significantly by income. Only 16.5% of households earning under 1 million won use Netflix, compared to 71.6% of those earning over 8 million won. Regional disparities are also evident. Netflix usage is highest in Seoul at 56%, while it is only 32.2% in Gwangju, Jeolla, and Jeju. The highest non-usage rate for paid OTT services is found in Daegu and Gyeongbuk at 59.7%, while Seouls rate is 36.2%. The BCC is examining policies to mitigate these access gaps. However, opinions differ on whether the proposed subsidies will enhance the competitiveness of the domestic media industry. The paid broadcasting sector has expressed concerns that the voucher system could lead to increased use of global OTT services. Since users are likely to apply vouchers to well-known platforms like Netflix, the benefits for nurturing the domestic media ecosystem may be limited. There are also calls to clarify the policy objectives of the Media Basic Society. An industry insider noted, It is essential to define whether the media voucher is a support policy for vulnerable groups, an access expansion policy, or a domestic media industry development policy, as the support methods should vary accordingly. Experts emphasize the need for a cautious approach to using government funds to support OTT usage. Kim Yong-hee, a professor at Sun Moon University, stated, While the intention to expand content access for vulnerable groups is commendable, using national resources to support specific platforms could lead to market distortion. There needs to be ample discussion on the scope and intensity of market intervention. He added, Supporting OTT usage could ultimately imply incorporating OTT into policy and regulation frameworks, suggesting that discussions on deregulation and market restructuring should precede simple fee support measures.* This article has been translated by AI. June 11, 2026 17:30 -
Korea's ruling front humbles as approval rating droops in election aftermath SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - The honeymoon period had been unprecedentedly longer for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung compared with past leaders, but it eventually came to an end. Just before departing for a European tour on Wednesday, Lee took time for a moment of self-reflection. In a post on X, he apologized to the public and pledged to "work harder" with greater modesty and openness after a string of polls showed his approval ratings falling sharply in the aftermath of the June 3 local elections. The remarks echoed the contrite tone Lee adopted days earlier during a news conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, when he described the ruling party's disappointing local election performance as "a warning from the people." Lee's approval rating, which had remained comfortably above 60 percent throughout much of his first year in office, has fallen rapidly since the local elections exposed growing voter fatigue with the ruling camp and signaled a revival of the conservative opposition. A survey conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute on Monday and Tuesday and released Wednesday showed Lee's approval rating falling 9.4 percentage points from late May to 50.4 percent. Negative assessments rose 10.5 percentage points to 45.7 percent, narrowing the gap between approval and disapproval to within the survey's margin of error for the first time since he took office. Support for the governing Democratic Party slid in tandem, dropping 4.7 percentage points to 38.6 percent, while the opposition People Power Party climbed 6.5 points to 38.1 percent. The decline was particularly pronounced among younger voters and in the southeastern industrial belt. Disapproval reached 62.3 percent among voters in their 20s and 59.9 percent among those in their 30s, while negative views also surged in the Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang region. A separate survey released Wednesday suggested the political momentum may be shifting even more dramatically. The poll, conducted by Cho Won C&I for Straight News from June 6 to June 8, showed support for the PPP at 41.6 percent, edging past the DP at 40.4 percent. It marked the first time the conservatives outpaced the liberals since Yoon's martial-law stunt and impeachment. The same survey showed Lee's approval rating dropping 13.3 percentage points to 50.6 percent, while disapproval climbed 12.5 percentage points to 45.5 percent. Taken together, the polls suggest the June 3 local elections may have served as a watershed moment — one that has shaken what once seemed an iron DP grip on power and clouded the party's once-comfortable path to extending its rule into another term. Rep. Park Sun-won of the DP told AJP the waning numbers were "deeply distressful." Lawmakers from both parties cited a combination of factors behind the shift in public opinion, including the ballot paper shortage controversy during the local elections, growing unease over the ruling party's legislative agenda, and the emergence of new conservative leadership figures. The ballot shortage incident, which forced some polling stations to suspend voting temporarily and left voters waiting for extended periods, sparked nationwide criticism and allegations that citizens' voting rights had been compromised. "The decisive cause was the infringement of citizens' voting rights resulting from the ballot paper shortage incident," said PPP lawmaker Park Sung-hoon. Park also cited a range of factors that fueled public resentment toward what he described as the ruling camp's growing arrogance, including its push for the special prosecutor bill on canceled prosecutions, the politicization of the Starbucks controversy and the consolidation of conservative voters during the local elections. The legislation, championed by the DP, seeks to investigate allegations of politically motivated prosecutions under the previous Yoon administration. Critics, however, argue that parts of the bill could effectively grant a special prosecutor authority to nullify existing indictments, making it one of the most contentious legislative proposals in recent months. "Through the local elections, the public warned that the Lee Jae Myung administration and the DP were acting too arrogantly and doing whatever they wanted," said PPP lawmaker Ahn Sang-hoon. Calling the bill a symbol of overreach, Ahn said voters were bewildered that the ruling party appeared determined to revive the proposal immediately after the election. Ahn also cited concerns over housing policy and efforts to support the stock market through the National Pension Service, while attributing the PPP's improving fortunes to growing expectations surrounding Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon. Their victories in the local elections were widely viewed as strengthening the reform-minded wing of the conservative party and broadening its appeal among moderate voters. PPP lawmaker Woo Jae-jun similarly argued that public expectations for change within the opposition had helped boost the party's support. "I think expectations that our party will change before the DP have been reflected in the PPP's approval ratings," he said. Even within the ruling party, some lawmakers acknowledged growing public frustration."The ruling party must be humble and inclusive," a three-term DP lawmaker said on condition of anonymity. "During this local election, we became complacent." The lawmaker also criticized what he described as excessive enthusiasm for stock market promotion by the government and ruling party, arguing that many ordinary investors had not benefited from recent market gains while foreign capital continued to leave Korean equities. He added that the party must use its upcoming national convention to reorganize its leadership and reconnect with voters before public dissatisfaction hardens into a more lasting political trend. June 11, 2026 16:53 -
Debt Repayment as a Fundamental Right: South Korea Moves to Support Debtors Discussions are intensifying around the idea of guaranteeing the opportunity for individuals in debt to rebuild their lives as a fundamental financial right. The plan aims to establish a legal framework that supports vulnerable financial groups not just through loan provision but through a step-by-step recovery support system that includes counseling, debt adjustment, insurance, loans, and savings. On June 11, the Credit Recovery Commission held the Second Policy Forum for Realizing the Peoples Financial Rights and Launching the Financial Rights Research Group at the National Library of Korea. Kim Eun-kyung, chair of the Credit Recovery Commission and the Korea Financial Services Agency, presented the proposal for the enactment of the National Basic Financial Security Act aimed at guaranteeing financial rights. She stated, Financial rights are the essential infrastructure of society, allowing everyone to access finance without discrimination and to utilize it minimally for a dignified life. This should not remain in the realm of charity but be viewed as a universal right. The concept of financial rights is divided into five categories: the right to access, the right to survive, the right to recover, the right to independence, and the right to asset formation. To realize these rights, four basic financial services are proposed: basic counseling and debt adjustment, basic insurance, basic loans, and basic savings. The key principle is diagnosis first, then prescription. Kim emphasized that just as a sick person receives a diagnosis and treatment at a hospital, financially vulnerable individuals should first assess their financial status and debt structure. She explained, The first step in realizing financial rights is diagnosis. After counseling and debt adjustment, we will prescribe a structured approach to insurance, loans, and savings based on the results. Basic insurance is designed to protect against minimal living risks such as health issues, while basic loans are intended to provide necessary funds for recovery after debt adjustment. Additionally, there are plans to offer asset formation opportunities through basic savings for diligent repayers. Kim noted that many users of policy-based financial services are overwhelmed by living expenses and existing debt repayment burdens. She stressed the need for prior debt adjustment, stating, It is not about borrowing more to live well; first, we need to get organized. However, the legislative process is expected to face challenges regarding the target population, eligibility criteria, and funding sources. If financial rights are defined as legal rights, the scope of coverage for basic insurance, basic loans, and basic savings, as well as the funding structure, will need to be clarified. Furthermore, Kim expressed hope that just as the National Basic Livelihood Security Act changed the welfare paradigm in 1999, the National Basic Financial Security Act will transform the financial paradigm in 2026.* This article has been translated by AI. June 11, 2026 16:27 -
Safety Concerns Rise After Recent Accidents at SPC and Auhome Facilities Recent entrapment incidents at SPC Groups subsidiaries, Shani and Auhome, have raised serious concerns about safety management in the food industry. Both facilities have a history of similar accidents, leading to criticism that the companies promised measures to prevent recurrences are not being implemented effectively. According to industry sources, on June 10, a Vietnamese migrant worker, identified as A, was injured at the Shani factory in Daegus Dalseong County when he became trapped in an automatic panning machine. This equipment is designed to automatically align shaped dough on baking trays. A sustained serious injuries to his right arm and was transported to a hospital. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident and potential violations of industrial safety laws. This is not the first incident at SPCs facilities. In 2022, a worker in his 20s died after becoming trapped in a sauce mixer at the SPL factory in Pyeongtaek. In 2023, a worker in his 50s lost his life in a similar accident involving a dough machine at the Shani factory in Seongnam. Additionally, in May of last year, a worker in his 50s died after becoming trapped in a conveyor belt at the SPC Samlip factory in Siheung. In April of this year, two employees at the same factory suffered finger amputations while performing maintenance and cleaning tasks. Despite President Lee Jae-myungs visit to the Siheung factory last year, where he called for fundamental measures to prevent such accidents, incidents continue to occur. The Food and Chemical Workers Union issued a statement asserting, Industrial accidents are recurring at SPC subsidiaries, and emphasized that the recent incident should not be attributed to language barriers or worker negligence. The union is demanding special negotiations with management, joint investigations into accidents, support for affected workers, expanded multilingual safety training, implementation of two-person work teams, and enhanced safety measures for hazardous machinery. They are also calling for thorough investigations and accountability for management from the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the police. Earlier, on June 8, a worker from a subcontractor at Auhomes second factory in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, suffered serious injuries after becoming trapped in a conveyor belt while packaging products. The worker was found in cardiac arrest and was transported to a hospital, where he is currently in critical condition. Auhomes CEO, Kim Tae-won, issued an apology, stating, We deeply regret that an incident occurred that should never happen in the workplace. We will completely halt operations on the production line where the accident occurred and conduct urgent safety inspections across all facilities. The issue is compounded by the fact that this factory also has a history of accidents. In April of last year, a worker died after becoming trapped in machinery on the fish cake production line, and in March, a foreign workers arm was caught in equipment, prompting a police search of the facility. Industry experts cite aging equipment, excessive operational demands focused on productivity, and inadequate safety training and oversight as chronic issues. Despite the introduction of automated systems, entrapment incidents continue to occur during cleaning, maintenance, and debris removal processes, indicating a need for a complete redesign of work procedures. Indeed, industrial accidents are on the rise. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 605 workers died from industrial accidents last year, an increase of 16 (2.7%) from the previous year, which recorded 589 fatalities. Falls accounted for the highest number of deaths (249), followed by incidents involving being struck by or caught in objects, with 50 fatalities attributed to entrapment accidents. Lee Ju-hee, a sociology professor at Ewha Womans University, stated, Protecting workers lives and safety is the most fundamental obligation of a company. If a company cannot even fulfill this basic duty repeatedly, society must send a more severe legal and social message about whether such a company deserves to exist. June 11, 2026 16:03 -
Won Min-kyung Proposes Enhanced Response to Stalking and Gender Violence, Plans for Femicide Statistics Won Min-kyung, the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, outlined key initiatives for the second year of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, including the establishment of a response system for dating violence, the introduction of an employment equality disclosure system, and the provision of public menstrual products. Notably, she announced plans to develop statistics specifically for femicide, categorizing and compiling data on gender-based homicides. During a press meeting held on June 11 at the Government Seoul Building, Minister Won stated, Gender equality is explicitly mentioned as a national strategy in the governments 123 national tasks, emphasizing that gender equality should not be fragmented across individual ministries but should be a fundamental strategy for national governance. She highlighted achievements over the past year, including amendments to laws protecting victims of the Japanese militarys sexual slavery, the launch of a unified support system for victims of digital sexual crimes in May, the introduction of a pre-payment system for child support, an increase in personnel dedicated to at-risk youth, and the expansion of childcare services. For the second year of the peoples sovereignty government, she prioritized strengthening gender equality governance. This includes enhancing the role of the Gender Equality Committee as a control tower and expanding dedicated gender equality departments across all ministries. Plans are also in place to address structural discrimination against women and the burdens of gender roles on men through the Youth Coexistence and Empathy Committee. The government is also moving forward with the introduction of public menstrual products, termed Everyones Menstrual Products, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of menstrual product costs while improving public health rights. To ensure citizens can enjoy stable daily lives, the government will enhance responses to gender violence. This includes expediting the enactment of laws addressing dating violence and distributing Red Flag guidance documents that outline high-risk signs of stalking and dating violence. This initiative aims to help victims recognize danger signals early and receive timely protection and support. Minister Won noted the necessity for femicide statistics, stating, There have been many suggestions regarding the need for gender violence and femicide statistics, and since there are related guidelines from the United Nations, we will consult with the National Data Agency and coordinate with relevant ministries. The system for responding to digital sexual crimes will also be advanced. Plans include enhancing an AI-based system to preemptively block online sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, as well as strengthening penalties for sites that fail to remove illegal content or repeatedly post such material. Efforts to close and block illegal harmful websites will also continue. In the family and caregiving sectors, the focus will be on expanding the supply of childcare personnel and improving their working conditions. The government plans to secure caregiving personnel through increased childcare allowances and support the implementation of the newly established childcare worker qualification system and private registration system. Support for single-parent families will also be expanded. Under the revised Child Support Enforcement Act, which will take effect in October, income criteria for pre-payment of child support will be eliminated, and a system will be established to ensure the government recovers all child support payments made. In the area of children and adolescents, an AI-based crisis youth detection system will be established within the year, and a phased integration counseling system linking youth counseling services, police, and emergency rooms will be developed. Additionally, the Ministry of Gender Equality aims to implement an employment equality disclosure system by 2027 to address gender wage gaps by publicly reporting companies gender wage statistics. Regarding the delayed submission of recommendations on the criteria for juvenile delinquents, Minister Won explained, The National Assembly has many agenda items, and the recommendations have been delayed due to being overshadowed by other pressing issues. I feel that our society has only been skimming the surface of such an important issue during the public discussion process, but it is significant that we have taken the first steps in this discussion. On June 5, in response to a court ruling stating that same-sex couples should be recognized as legal partners, she remarked, We are currently monitoring this closely. I believe we need to consider the judiciarys perspective carefully as we develop policies in the future. Addressing the gap in gender discrimination perceptions among young men and women, she noted, During the five talk concerts held last year, women discussed structural discrimination such as gender violence and wage gaps, while men expressed concerns about military service burdens and expectations of gender roles. Minister Won concluded, Gender conflict is a complex and structural phenomenon reflecting the anxieties of a competitive society, and it will be challenging to resolve in the short term. We plan to conduct public discussions through the Youth Coexistence and Empathy Committee about three more times in the second half of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. June 11, 2026 15:30