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Kim Min-seok Questions If Democratic Party Will Support Anti-Myeong Candidates Kim Min-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, questioned on July 26 whether the party would support three anti-Myeong candidates for the Supreme Council. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between the pro-Myeong (Lee Jae-myung) and pro-Cheong (Jung Cheong-rae) factions.Speaking at a policy meeting held at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Kim stated, I will make an important prediction. He continued, Those who view politics as arithmetic believe that since three anti-Myeong and pro-Cheong candidates have advanced to the finals, the Supreme Council vote will result in a 3-to-2 outcome. I see politics as a dynamic drama of physics, as was already proven during the second leadership of Lee Jae-myung.He added, It was the same then, and do you think it will be different this time? The results will begin to change as soon as we start. The key point will be whether all pro-Cheong candidates are eliminated by the end of the election.In the preliminary election held on July 23 for the selection of the party leader and Supreme Council members, Kim Min-seok, Song Young-gil, and former leader Jung Cheong-rae advanced to the finals. The Supreme Council candidates include five from the pro-Myeong faction (Kim Young-ho, Park Sun-won, Seo Mi-hwa, Lim Mi-ae, and Kim Yong) and three from the pro-Cheong faction (Lee Sung-yoon, Choi Min-hee, and Han Min-soo).* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:28 -
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 -
Interview: Director Choi Jeong-kyu on the Hopeful Ending of 'Donggung' Director Choi Jeong-kyu, known for his meticulous craftsmanship in genre dramas like The Devil Judge and Red Moon Blue Sun, has shifted his focus to the royal palace of Joseon in the Netflix series Donggung. The show explores a mystery set in the world of spirits, where a palace maid with secrets investigates a curse that haunts the king. By blending the distinctly Korean theme of shamanistic beliefs with fantasy action, Donggung achieved remarkable success, ranking second in the global Top 10 non-English shows just three days after its release. Chois unique directorial style has captivated global audiences with the series haunting undertones. Rather than focusing on ratings, I am grateful for the viewership. As a creator, my hope was for many people to enjoy it, so I feel thankful for the interest it has garnered since its release, Choi said. When he first encountered the expansive world built by writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, Choi felt a mix of excitement and challenge. My initial thought was, This will be fun. I believed the content would be interesting, and from a creators perspective, it seemed like a challenging and thrilling project. At that time, I didnt fully grasp how complex and difficult it would be, so I first thought about how to make it visually appealing, he explained. One of the biggest challenges was visually realizing the world of spirits that serves as the backdrop for the drama. The production team engaged in intense discussions to create a space that felt both connected to reality and distinctly different. From the beginning, we agreed that while we wanted the world to look different from the real one, it should still reflect elements of reality. The concept was clear, but the technical and visual implementation became a point of contemplation for me as the director, Choi noted. Some viewers have drawn comparisons between the world of spirits in Donggung and the upside-down world in Netflixs Stranger Things. I was surprised to hear the comparison to Stranger Things. Its an excellent work, and I feel honored, but it wasnt a visual reference for us. However, we did discuss the sense of adventure in which characters navigate through various situations, and titles like Stranger Things and The X-Files came up. For visual representation, we sought basic imagery from legends and myths about hell and the afterlife. We aimed for a vibrant color palette in the real world, while the spirit world was dominated by a single color concept, like red, purple, or yellow. We also shot the same space in different seasons to create distinct feelings—spring and summer for reality, and winter for the spirit world, he explained. Behind the stunning visuals was a strong collaboration with the cinematography and lighting teams. Despite the high reliance on visual effects (VFX), the team chose to emphasize the inherent strength of the subjects rather than solely depending on technology. They built separate sets for the real and spirit worlds to create a tactile difference. I learned a lot from cinematographer Park Jeong-hoon and lighting director Kim Seung-kyu. Both started their careers in historical dramas, and since I have also worked on many, we discussed how to express beauty in a fantasy based on Koreas past. We concluded that rather than embellishing too much, we should confront the subjects and landscapes directly. Instead of thinking, This can be solved with VFX, we approached it with the mindset that this is it, without VFX. While we did use a lot of VFX, we set a principle to minimize reliance on it from a blank slate. We first created the art and real sets, then applied retouching or overlays as needed. The sets for the spirit world and corridor scenes were built separately to create different color and texture perceptions, even slightly tilting columns and floors to evoke subtle differences that the audience might not consciously notice, he said. In the series, the character Geumak-sari, who communicates with the protagonist Gucheon, had to balance between being endearing and eerie. Choi aimed to lend credibility to the character through its design. Designing Geumak-sari was quite challenging. Other spirit characters have relatively clear roles, but Geumak-sari needed to be a friendly presence to both Gucheon and the audience while also having the ability to transform and assist. I pondered how to create that credibility and drew inspiration from the textures of statues, clay figures, and earth. The original story had a dark image, so I developed it with a sense of earth and stone. Since this character needs to interact continuously with Gucheon, cuteness was also an important element. The writers mentioned that they found cuteness in the line where Geumak-sari repeatedly says, I am Geumak-sari. I believe that influenced how the character was structured in the script, he said. Leading actors Nam Joo-hyuk (as Gucheon) and Noh Yoon-seo (as Saenggang) displayed a high degree of synchronization with their characters, providing a solid foundation for the series. I see Gucheon as a very lonely character. He grumbles, but ultimately, he bears all the burdens himself. He navigates between life and death, fulfills his duties, and accepts his fate. I felt a good understanding of this character during the casting discussions with Joo-hyuk. He is a bright and playful person, yet he also has a cool and reliable demeanor, with moments of loneliness reflected in his eyes. Most importantly, I felt his sincerity towards the work and character. Yoon-seo, on the other hand, seemed to have a sense of overcoming challenges, even though she didnt appear to struggle in her previous work. I was curious about the source of that, and when I met her and worked together, I found her to have a very straightforward and bold charm. Her simplicity and directness were impressive, Choi shared. Veteran actors like Jang Young-nam and Jo Seung-woo provided the weight of traditional historical drama, while the two leads brought a relatively modern tone to their performances. This contrast arose naturally from the relationships between the characters. I think the contrast came from the positions and relationships of the characters rather than being intentional. Seung-woo and Young-nam play characters who engage in formal and political discussions, while Gucheon is inherently that type, and Saenggang, despite being a princess, becomes closer to Gucheon, altering their distance. That contrast likely became more pronounced. I believe both of them would excel in any role, not just historical dramas. Young-nam had to shoot high-energy scenes in a short period, and despite the exhausting circumstances, her eyes lit up whenever the camera was rolling, which I found truly impressive. The scene where she had to perform with a twisted mouth was particularly challenging, he noted. During filming, a major fire incident forced the team to rebuild the set. However, Choi explained that such accidents ultimately strengthened the bond among the crew. The fire was significant, so it posed challenges. I believe we had to rebuild the set we had constructed. Still, I am grateful that no one was injured. The production company, Netflix, and the staff encouraged me, which helped us overcome the situation. Many people shed tears, but seeing them tell me, Its okay, lets stay strong, made me realize I needed to pull myself together, he said. As the series concludes with a poignant ending, anticipation for a potential second season is growing among viewers. Instead of providing a definitive answer, Choi responded with affection for the characters. Regarding whether the ending was designed with a sequel in mind, I believe that as a creator, its not the first thing to consider. My primary concern was to do everything we could now and hope that many people would love it. However, in discussions with the writers about the ending, we talked about how the characters had gone through so much hardship and suffering, and we wondered if there could be a glimmer of hope. While the situation in the palace hasnt completely changed, the ending reflects a desire for a bit of hope for them in the darkness, he concluded. * This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:16
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Hyundai Motor Group Strengthens AI Collaboration in San Francisco Hyundai Motor Group is enhancing its collaboration with the innovation ecosystem in San Francisco, USA, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). The company has also announced its long-term plan, the Physical AI Vision, which aims to achieve integrated intelligence at the city level through the intelligence of individual devices such as automobiles and robots, as well as specific spaces.According to industry sources on July 26, the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Silicon Valley, is a global innovation hub where leading tech companies, startups, research institutions, and universities are interconnected. This region is where Hyundai Motor Group is actively pursuing industry-academic-research collaborations for its transition to Physical AI. The group is exploring future technologies and strengthening its research and development capabilities while engaging in various collaborations that encompass talent, culture, and academia.On July 24, during the San Francisco AI Summit, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung unveiled the Physical AI vision, which outlines the companys evolution from an automobile manufacturer to a platform company that transforms lifestyles. The vision extends beyond the intelligence of individual devices like cars and robots to the intelligence of specific spaces, ultimately aiming for integrated intelligence at the city level. The plan is to design urban infrastructure that creates new value as mobility, work, and living spaces change in the AI era.To accelerate the implementation of Physical AI, Hyundai Motor Group plans to combine its strengths in manufacturing, mobility, and robotics with the software, AI infrastructure, and algorithm capabilities of major U.S. tech companies. Specifically, the group aims to strengthen strategic collaborations with global tech giants such as NVIDIA, Waymo, and Google DeepMind.Hyundai Motor Group also announced plans to establish a robot reference platform that integrates NVIDIAs Physical AI technology and to invest in the Saemangeum AI Valley, aiming to enable a new leap for the domestic industry and technology ecosystem based on innovation in robotics and AI.Since establishing Hyundai Ventures as a global open innovation hub in Silicon Valley in 2011 and rebranding it as Hyundai Cradle in 2017, the group has been identifying promising startups in future technology fields such as AI, autonomous driving, robotics, smart cities, and eco-friendly energy, linking them to its business areas to secure future growth engines.Recently, the group has strengthened its research and development capabilities in future mobility by establishing a new organization under the AVP headquarters in Silicon Valley.The newly established AVP Silicon Valley will be led by Jeremy Ma, who has a distinguished background in autonomous driving, robotics, vision, and systems integration from his experience at NASA, Apple, Toyota Research Institute (TRI), and NVIDIA. He will be responsible for integrating technologies in autonomous driving, robotics, and AI.In September, Hyundai Motor Group will host the HMG Tech Talent Forum in Silicon Valley. This event will invite top talents in key technology fields such as AI, software, robotics, and future mobility to introduce the groups future vision and technological innovations, providing opportunities for direct interaction with key leaders and research and development personnel.Participants will have the chance to directly observe Hyundai Motor Groups future strategies and technological competitiveness while exploring the direction of future industries and potential collaborations with the groups core leaders. The forum will also feature the groups first integrated recruitment program.Hyundai Motor Group is expanding its collaboration with the innovation ecosystem in San Francisco in the fields of culture and science. In April, the group established a strategic partnership with the Exploratorium, a world-renowned interactive science museum representing San Francisco, to promote a culture of inquiry based on fundamental science. Through this partnership, Hyundai Motor Group plans to create an interactive science museum at its Global Business Complex (GBC) by 2032.Through its ongoing innovation efforts in San Francisco, Hyundai Motor Group aims to actively prepare for the new industrial paradigm of Physical AI. The recently unveiled Physical AI vision reflects the groups commitment to connecting technology with people, objects, mobility, and daily life, supporting a new future for human life.A company official stated, We will expand the realm of future mobility through innovations that integrate autonomous driving, robotics, AI, and software, and contribute to humanity and future society as a leading company in the Physical AI era based on collaboration with the global innovation ecosystem.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 14:12
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DeepSeek Halts Second Round of Funding Amid Controversial Comments Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek has reportedly paused its second round of funding following the online dissemination of comments made by founder Liang Wenpeng regarding the U.S.-China AI competition.Bloomberg News reported on July 25, citing sources familiar with the matter, that DeepSeek verbally informed some potential investors that it would not finalize any investment agreements for the time being.However, negotiations remain fluid, and there is still a possibility that DeepSeek could resume its funding efforts in the future.This decision is believed to be influenced, in part, by Liangs dissatisfaction over the leak of his remarks made to investors during the first round of funding, which concluded last month.Recently, a transcript purportedly from a meeting involving Liang and unidentified individuals circulated online in China. According to reports from Chinese economic media, Liang stated that the Chinese AI industry relies heavily on Nvidias semiconductors in the development of advanced models and that it continues to lag behind the U.S. in terms of technology.Last month, DeepSeek raised $7 billion (approximately 10.24 trillion won) in its first external funding round, marking the largest amount ever for a Chinese tech startups initial investment round, with participation from Tencent, the worlds largest battery manufacturer CATL, and the China National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund.DeepSeek had planned to secure an additional 10 billion yuan (approximately 2.1 trillion won) through subsequent funding rounds. Depending on investor participation, the total amount raised could increase, with a pre-investment valuation target of at least 480 billion yuan (approximately 103.7 trillion won), which is higher than the roughly $50 billion (approximately 73.1 trillion won) valuation during the first funding round.DeepSeek is also preparing for an initial public offering (IPO), with the possibility of submitting its listing application as early as this year. If successful, it is expected to be a significant IPO representing the Chinese tech industry.Last year, DeepSeek gained global attention by unveiling an AI model that achieved high performance with relatively limited computing resources. It demonstrated the potential for Chinese companies to compete with leading firms in Silicon Valley, even amid U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:48
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AI Digital Restoration and Generative AI Search Create a New Future for K-Movie Heritage Film is the most vivid cultural heritage that records the times. However, as time passes, film deteriorates, and once lost footage is difficult to recover. AI is now opening a new era where old films can be restored, visual assets can be permanently preserved, and everyone can easily access them. Mo Eun-young, director of the Korean Film Archive, is drawing attention to whether AI can fully convey the memories of a century of Korean cinema to future generations. Film is National Heritage Film is not just entertainment; it is a record that vividly captures the history, culture, and daily life of an era. An old film contains the streets, architecture, language, and cultural practices of its time. However, film deteriorates over time. Colors fade, scratches appear on the screen, and sound quality deteriorates. If the preservation environment is poor, the original can be lost entirely. Since its establishment in 1974, the Korean Film Archive has been a full member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), and its mission to protect film heritage is not just about preserving the past but also about passing on Koreas cultural identity to the future. AI is opening new possibilities in this field. AI Revives Old Films In the past, film restoration took months or even years, as experts had to manually restore damaged frames one by one. AI is fundamentally changing the restoration process. It can automatically remove dust and scratches, restore faded colors, and improve damaged sound. AI analyzes past footage to estimate the original quality and correct frames. As restoration speeds up, more classic films can be saved. The core value of AI restoration is to revive the legacy of a century of Korean cinema in the digital space. Creating an AI Video Archive The Korean Film Archive houses a vast amount of film and video materials. The challenge is that the more materials there are, the harder it is to find the desired footage. AI directly analyzes the footage. It automatically recognizes characters, locations, historical contexts, and key scenes, generating metadata that allows for natural language searches. 1960s Seoul streets. Films about the Korean War. Scenes of rain. This opens an era where one can find desired footage without knowing the title. The archive is evolving from a simple storage facility to an AI-based video knowledge platform. AI Changes Film Research Film research is also entering the AI era. In the past, researchers had to watch hundreds of films to gather data. Now, AI analyzes directors styles, filming techniques, and characteristics of footage from different eras, helping researchers find necessary scenes. Students can study film history more easily, and researchers can quickly analyze vast amounts of data. AI does not replace researchers; it becomes a new tool that enhances the depth and speed of research. Video Data Becomes a New Content Industry The materials held by the archive should not remain as mere records of the past. In the AI era, video data becomes the source of a new industry. Filmmakers can study classic films to create new works, and documentary producers can utilize historical footage. AI companies can learn from video data to develop new services. Education, tourism, gaming, and exhibition industries can also leverage film heritage data. Good data should create new content, and new content should foster a virtuous cycle of growth in the cultural industry. AI Brings Films Closer to the Public The archive should evolve beyond a storage institution to become a platform where the public can learn about and enjoy films. Generative AI narrows the gap between the public and cinema. When viewers ask questions about films, AI can explain the director, historical context, and filming techniques. It can provide educational content for students, simple language for general audiences, and in-depth information for experts. The public will no longer have to search for information. We are entering an era where AI recommends and explains the films needed. In fact, the archives classic film YouTube channel has already gained 1.05 million subscribers, expanding its reach to the public. AI-based services can further deepen and personalize this connection. AI and K-Movie Connect the World Korean cinema is already recognized for its global competitiveness. Now, it is time to introduce past masterpieces to the world. By utilizing AI translation, subtitles, and voice technology, old Korean films can be easily enjoyed by global audiences. The archive should evolve from merely preserving films to supporting the globalization of K-movies. Korean film heritage can become a new global cultural asset. The Korean Film Archive Must Transform into an AI Organization AI is not just a technology for film restoration. It can assist in material classification, searching, metadata creation, research support, and more. Staff can move away from repetitive tasks to focus on film restoration, research, international cooperation, and developing new services. The archive must transition from a digital archive to an AI archive institution. The task assigned to Mo Eun-young is not limited to preserving films. It is to utilize AI to eternally preserve Koreas film heritage and make it a cultural asset that can be shared by the public and the world. AI helps restore old films, analyze vast footage, and enables anyone to easily find the films they want. Film heritage expands into research, education, tourism, and the content industry. Transforming from a storage institution to an AI platform that revives films. Evolving from an organization that preserves the past to one that supports future content industries. Continuing the memories of a century of Korean cinema through AI forever. This is the new future that the Korean Film Archive must create. :Mo Eun-young, Director of the Korean Film Archive: Mo Eun-young has extensive field experience in film screening, planning, and festival operations, having served as a programmer for the Seoul International Environmental Film Festival, Seoul Indie Animation Festival, and Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, as well as the head of the CinemaTech Department at the Korean Film Archive and the executive director of the Seoul Independent Film Festival. Appointed as the director of the Korean Film Archive in March this year, she has begun a three-year term, preparing for the next decade of Korean film heritage through AI-based digital restoration, advanced video archiving, and the introduction of generative AI search services.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 13:48
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Lee courts Silicon Valley's 'kingmakers' to back Korean startups SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung met six of Silicon Valley's most influential venture capital firms on Saturday, urging them to help turn South Korea into an indispensable global hub for innovation and startup investment. The "Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup," held at a hotel in San Francisco, came a day after Lee met the chief executives of major U.S. technology companies, extending his U.S. visit from discussions with established Big Tech leaders to the investors who helped build many of them. Speaking at the meeting, Lee described South Korea as "an irreplaceable base for innovation" capable of offering new growth opportunities for global investors. "We will create the world's best environment for investment and entrepreneurship," he said, pledging to improve visa policies, expand cooperation with overseas investors and provide comprehensive support ranging from financing to overseas market expansion so promising startups can grow into global companies. Lee also called for the Korea-U.S. alliance to evolve beyond its traditional security foundation. "The two countries should broaden cooperation from a security alliance to a technology alliance, an innovation alliance and a startup alliance," he said. "I hope you will become reliable partners in building an 'irreplaceable Korea' where global talent, technology and capital come together to create the next 30 years of growth." During the event, the National Pension Service signed memorandums of understanding on investment cooperation with six leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms — Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates and Khosla Ventures. The participants also held a roundtable discussion on expanding cross-border venture investment and strengthening startup ecosystems in South Korea and the United States. Together, the six venture capital firms manage about $313 billion in assets, while the National Pension Service oversees about 1.69 quadrillion won ($1.2 trillion), making the gathering one of the largest assemblies of venture capital and institutional investment capital focused on Korean startups. The firms have collectively backed many of the world's biggest technology companies. Sequoia Capital was an early investor in Apple, Nvidia and Google. Andreessen Horowitz invested in Meta, Instagram and defense technology startup Anduril, while Khosla Ventures was an early backer of OpenAI. Andreessen Horowitz recently opened a Seoul office, underscoring growing interest in Korea's startup ecosystem. According to the presidential office, venture capital executives emphasized that the biggest ingredients for startup success in Korea are a culture that allows entrepreneurs to recover from failure and sufficient access to capital. Lee said the comments "deeply resonated" with him and pledged to pursue policies that would give young people and aspiring entrepreneurs more opportunities to launch businesses. He also instructed presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom and First Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Noh Yong-seok to explore practical ways to strengthen links between universities, investors and startups after hearing suggestions on improving Korea's investment environment. The agreements signed Saturday call for long-term cooperation to identify promising Korean startups and expand global investment opportunities through closer collaboration between the participating institutions. In a separate post on social media, policy chief Kim described the gathering as a meeting with Silicon Valley's "kingmakers," saying Lee met not only Big Tech executives during his U.S. visit but also the venture capital investors who helped create many of today's technology giants. Kim noted that the six VC firms collectively invested early in companies including Apple, Nvidia, Google, Meta, Instagram and OpenAI, adding that their attention is now increasingly turning toward Korea, pointing to Andreessen Horowitz's recent decision to establish a Seoul office. He said the meeting represented years of efforts by Korean institutions to deepen ties with Silicon Valley, citing the National Pension Service's San Francisco office, Korea Venture Investment Corp.'s long-standing presence in the region and the Startup Venture Campus in Menlo Park. Kim said the roundtable was ultimately about nurturing "the next Samsung or SK hynix" through the venture capital ecosystem rather than the state-led industrial policies that powered South Korea's earlier economic development. "Global Big Tech companies begin as startups and grow with venture capital," Kim wrote. "Connecting Korean startups with the world's leading venture investors is precisely the role the government should play." July 26, 2026 13:34 -
Korea's big chip week begins as SK hynix, Samsung face AI boom reality check SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korea's technology sector enters its most closely watched week of the earnings season as memory giant SK hynix reports second-quarter results on Wednesday, followed by Samsung Electronics' full earnings on Thursday, with investors looking beyond record profits for clues on whether the AI-driven semiconductor boom still has room to run. The two companies now sit at the center of the global AI infrastructure cycle, and their earnings conference calls are expected to shape investor sentiment toward semiconductor stocks worldwide as markets debate whether the industry's extraordinary profitability has further upside or is approaching its peak. Consensus forecasts compiled from 14 domestic brokerages project SK hynix will post record quarterly revenue of 84.1 trillion won ($60.7 billion) and operating profit of 64.1 trillion won, extending the unprecedented earnings surge driven by high-bandwidth memory (HBM), AI DRAM and enterprise solid-state drives. If realized, SK hynix's quarterly operating profit alone would exceed the company's entire 2025 annual operating profit of 47.2 trillion won by nearly 17 trillion won. Combined with first-quarter operating profit of 37.6 trillion won, the chipmaker would surpass 100 trillion won in operating profit during the first half of this year. Samsung Electronics, which earlier this month reported preliminary second-quarter operating profit of 89.4 trillion won on revenue of 171 trillion won, is expected to disclose detailed divisional results on July 30. Investors will focus on the performance of its Device Solutions semiconductor division and management's outlook for AI memory demand. Should SK hynix meet market expectations, the combined second-quarter operating profit of the two Korean chipmakers would exceed 150 trillion won, underscoring the industry's dominant role in powering the AI investment cycle. Analysts attribute the record earnings to the extension of the memory supercycle that began in the second half of last year. HBM shipments continued to expand during the April-June period while conventional DRAM prices remained firm. Strong capital spending by North American cloud service providers on AI data centers also lifted demand for enterprise SSDs, supporting a recovery in NAND flash prices. "The expansion of HBM production will continue to limit supply of conventional memory products," said Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities. "Long-term supply agreements are increasing, and sales to global big tech companies and AI data centers are expected to account for around 70 percent of revenue." The earnings boom has also pushed profitability to levels rarely seen in manufacturing. Brokerages estimate SK hynix's second-quarter operating margin at 75 to 77 percent, up from 72 percent in the previous quarter, meaning the company would generate more than 7,500 won in operating profit for every 10,000 won of products sold. If achieved, SK hynix would outperform Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in operating margin for a third consecutive quarter. TSMC, widely regarded as one of the semiconductor industry's most profitable companies, reported a 60.3 percent operating margin for the second quarter. SK hynix first surpassed TSMC in profitability in the fourth quarter of last year, posting a 58 percent operating margin compared with TSMC's 54 percent. The gap is expected to widen to as much as 15 to 17 percentage points this quarter. The company's balance sheet has strengthened alongside its earnings. SK hynix returned to a net cash position in the third quarter of last year for the first time since 2019 and expanded net cash holdings to 35 trillion won at the end of the first quarter. Analysts expect cash reserves to increase further after another quarter of record earnings. Despite the blockbuster numbers, investors are expected to focus less on the reported results than on management's outlook for the second half. Key questions include whether HBM supply can keep pace with surging AI demand, whether pricing power in conventional memory can be sustained, how quickly major cloud providers will expand AI infrastructure spending, and whether the current AI investment cycle is entering a more mature phase. With semiconductor stocks accounting for a substantial share of South Korea's benchmark indexes, the guidance from SK hynix and Samsung Electronics next week will likely to influence not only domestic equities but also broader sentiment across global AI-related technology stocks. July 26, 2026 13:21 -
South Korea and U.S. Tech Giants Form $1.4 Trillion AI Alliance The announcement of a $1.4 trillion semiconductor and AI alliance between South Korean and U.S. tech giants is a welcome development for South Koreas struggling economy. Major South Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver, have secured significant investments by partnering with global tech leaders like NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Anthropic. This achievement is attributed to a combination of advanced technology, fierce survival efforts from the private sector, and government support. As the global tech power struggle intensifies, South Korea has demonstrated its role as a key player in the global AI supply chain, moving beyond being merely a semiconductor supplier. Notably, the government and President Lee Jae-myung have pledged to act as a strong administrative accelerator to support this massive opportunity created by the private sector. President Lee emphasized that he would ensure the swift processing of administrative procedures and national support in line with the companies large-scale collaboration plans. When global tech leaders requested expedited approvals and rapid policy implementation, the President responded, When it comes to administration, speed is always my top priority. This statement is crucial, as the greatest fear for global tech companies is not the absence of technology but delays in time. The commitment from the highest levels of government to prioritize administrative speed has alleviated uncertainties for businesses. The key now is execution. To ensure that the long-term cooperation and investment promises, amounting to 1.4 trillion won, do not remain mere flashy events, a public-private one team system must be operational. The government must immediately implement comprehensive support measures, including a fast-track for AI data center approvals, securing a stable power grid, and easing regulations to build a physical AI reference platform. Companies must also make bold technology investments and expand the domestic ecosystem to ensure these achievements benefit small and startup businesses across the industry. The success of the tech power era cannot be determined by companies or the government alone. The combination of businesses creating opportunities and the government backing them with innovative administration and policies is the ultimate weapon to dominate the global market. Additionally, addressing the chronic issues in the labor market remains a challenge. While focusing solely on growth is problematic, it is equally important not to neglect future investment potential by concentrating only on distribution. The public-private collaboration model showcased at the recent South Korea-U.S. AI summit could mark a turning point for the South Korean economy, transforming it from a fast follower to a first mover. It is hoped that this case, combining corporate ambition with government support, will establish a new standard for South Koreas growth. July 26, 2026 12:52
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YouTube Limits Revenue from AI-Generated Low-Quality Content YouTube has strengthened its revenue generation policy for content utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). The platform will limit revenue from factory-style and edited content, as well as from AI avatars providing advice in sensitive fields such as healthcare and law. This move aims to curb the spread of low-quality content produced in bulk by generative AI.According to the information and communications technology (ICT) industry on July 26, YouTube has revised the guidelines for its revenue generation program, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), to clarify the criteria for monetizing low-quality AI content.The new guidelines took effect on July 16. YouTube has restricted the use of AI to content that incorporates human creativity and plans to guide creators on how to adapt their use of AI tools in the future.The YPP guidelines were established in response to the surge of indiscriminate low-quality AI content on the platform. While the use of AI technology is not entirely banned, YouTube has outlined three types of content that will be disqualified from earning ad revenue.First, revenue generation will be limited for videos produced in a factory-like manner using AI, where the content is mechanically generated with little variation between videos. Second, content that is designed to provoke discomfort, such as staged animal rescue videos aimed at increasing views, will also be excluded from ad revenue eligibility, regardless of whether it is AI-generated.Lastly, the use of AI in sensitive fields such as healthcare, finance, and law has been restricted. Channels featuring AI avatars that provide medical diagnoses, financial advice, or legal consultations will no longer be able to monetize their content.Matt Halprin, YouTubes Vice President of Trust and Safety, stated, While AI tools can assist creators in producing high-quality content, we will draw a strict line against automated channels that lack narrative structure and human creativity. In July of last year, YouTube redefined its YPP guidelines, changing the term repetitive content to inauthentic content to address the issue of template-based videos being repeatedly uploaded for views and ad revenue. This includes similar narration videos with only minor content changes and slideshows produced with the same narration and format. However, YouTube has not banned the use of AI outright; creators can still monetize content that features original commentary or possesses narrative, educational, or entertainment value, even if AI is utilized.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 12:28
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Samsung to Launch AI Glasses Focused on Comfort and Design Samsung Electronics is set to launch artificial intelligence (AI) glasses that prioritize comfort and design. The company aims to create glasses that can be worn all day without discomfort, focusing on minimizing weight and improving balance, heat dissipation, and overall wearability.Choi Jae-in, Vice President and Head of the XR Development Team at Samsungs MX Division, stated during a briefing on July 23 in London that many companies can create AI glasses, but making a product that people want to wear every day is a completely different challenge. He emphasized that the primary goal was to create glasses that are appealing at first glance and comfortable for all-day wear.The development of the Intelligent Eyewear, a collaboration between Samsung and Google, aims to differentiate itself from existing AI glasses. Rather than prioritizing technical performance, the focus is on design and user experience. Choi noted, Glasses are a fashion item and a means of personal expression. True AI glasses should not replace smartphones but rather provide a new interface that helps users understand the world and naturally extends mobile AI experiences beyond the screen.Samsung has leveraged its expertise in ultra-compact design from its mobile business. The glasses feature a slim hinge structure, ultra-thin injection technology, and lightweight materials such as titanium and aluminum. The internal components have been reconfigured to balance weight, minimizing any tendency to tilt when worn. Additionally, a new heat dissipation structure has been designed to prevent heat from the device from reaching the users face.Choi expressed confidence that engineers have worked tirelessly to reduce weight to within 0.1 grams, asserting that these will be the lightest AI glasses available. While the actual weight has not been disclosed, he repeatedly emphasized that they are lighter than competing products from companies like Meta.Quality assurance standards exceed those of existing smartphones. Samsung has conducted tests for high temperature and humidity, human safety, durability specific to eyewear, and even repeated applications of sunscreen. This is due to the need for the glasses to maintain performance in everyday conditions, including exposure to sunscreen, sweat, and UV rays. The glasses can be used for up to nine hours on a single charge and come with a case that allows for more than seven additional charges.Rather than replacing smartphones, the focus is on expanding the AI experience. The Intelligent Eyewear includes a camera, sensors, microphone, and open speakers, enabling users to check messages, receive real-time translations, get directions, and take photos using only their voice. Notably, it incorporates Googles latest Gemini Live technology, allowing the AI to understand the users surroundings in real time.The core technology is split computing, where heavy AI processing is handled by a Galaxy smartphone while the glasses perform only necessary functions. This structure allows for a thin and lightweight design while maintaining AI performance. Choi explained, High-performance processing is handled by the smartphone, while the glasses serve to expand the experience, adding that the goal is to naturally extend mobile AI experiences beyond the screen rather than replace smartphones. He expressed pride in being the first major mobile brand to introduce glasses, highlighting the technological possibilities they can explore.The integration with the Galaxy ecosystem is also a significant advantage. Users can immediately view recorded videos in the smartphones Now Bar and gallery, and control calls and music using gestures from a Galaxy Watch. Existing mobile apps like Samsung Notes, translation services, and Google Maps can be used seamlessly without additional setup. Basic compatibility with both Android and iOS ensures broad usability.Samsung has also focused on privacy protection, a key concern for the adoption of AI glasses. An LED indicator lights up during recording, and the camera is designed to operate only when worn on the face. There is also a feature that disables recording if the LED is covered or taped over. User voice data and video will not be used for AI model training.Samsung views this product as the starting point for the AI glasses market. Choi stated, Rather than incorporating all technologies at once, we will gradually expand necessary features based on consumer feedback, adding, Just as Samsung set new standards for form factors, we will create new benchmarks in the AI glasses market.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:16
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President Yoon Proposes U.S.-Korea Startup Alliance, Signs MOU with Six VCs President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed expanding U.S.-Korea cooperation beyond security to include technology, innovation, and startups during a meeting with prominent venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. The National Pension Service (NPS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with six major U.S. VCs to establish a framework for supporting domestic startups in attracting overseas investment and entering the U.S. market.Speaking at the Silicon Valley Venture Investment Meetup on July 25, Yoon stated, Korea and the U.S. should broaden our cooperation from a long-standing security alliance to a technology, innovation, and startup alliance.Following meetings with global tech CEOs the previous day, Yoon discussed strategies for increasing investment in Korean startups with leading Silicon Valley investors known for identifying early-stage tech companies.On that day, the NPS signed MOUs with six VCs: Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, and Khosla Ventures.The total assets under management of the participating VCs amount to $313 billion, approximately 458 trillion won.Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung noted in a written briefing that the gathering of the NPS, one of the worlds top three pension funds with assets of 1,690 trillion won, and major Silicon Valley investors to discuss U.S.-Korea startup investment cooperation is significant.These VCs are recognized as key players in identifying the growth potential of innovative companies. Sequoia Capital has made early investments in Apple, NVIDIA, and Google, while Andreessen Horowitz has invested in Meta, Instagram, and defense startup Anduril. Khosla Ventures also made early investments in OpenAI in 2019.Andreessen Horowitz has recently opened an office in Korea, demonstrating its commitment to venture investment in the country. The NPS and the six VCs aim to expand strategic cooperation with Koreas innovation ecosystem and establish a long-term partnership to jointly discover promising innovative companies and global investment opportunities.Yoon emphasized, Korea is an irreplaceable hub of innovation that can offer new growth opportunities to global investors, and we will create the best environment for investment and entrepreneurship in the world.He added, The U.S. has top-tier venture investment capabilities and a global network, while Korea possesses excellent technology, manufacturing competitiveness, and a dynamic startup ecosystem. If we combine our strengths, we can create the next generation of leading companies like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and Naver that will lead the world in innovation.Yoon also highlighted the role of venture capitalists, stating, They are not just providers of funds but partners in innovation who discover technological potential and connect strategies and networks to help startups leap into the global market.He noted that when promising Korean startups meet global investment capabilities, investors gain new growth opportunities, and startups can establish a foothold in the global market, creating a successful innovation model where investors and companies grow together.The government plans to improve visa regulations that hinder the influx of overseas entrepreneurial talent and expand collaborative foundations connecting domestic and international companies, research institutions, and investment organizations. The government will also integrate funds from the Korean Growth Fund, the National Pension Service, and private capital to comprehensively support promising startups in their growth into global companies.During a subsequent roundtable, participants shared trends in global venture investment and investment cases related to Korean companies, discussing challenges in improving Koreas investment environment and cooperation between the U.S. and Korean venture ecosystems.Global VC representatives identified a culture that allows for recovery from failure and appropriate investment as essential elements for the success of startups in Korea.In response, Yoon expressed appreciation for the insightful suggestions, stating, I will work on policies to create a society that provides entrepreneurial opportunities for all citizens, including the youth.He also mentioned that he gained much inspiration from the proposals to improve Koreas investment environment and inquired with Chief Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom and First Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups Roh Yong-seok about more feasible ways to connect universities and investors, urging them to review specific policies.Yoon concluded by urging, Let the worlds talent, technology, and capital gather in Korea to create growth opportunities for the next 30 years, and be a strong partner for an irreplaceable Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:16
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SK hynix Reinvents Cheongju's Role in HBM Production SK hynix is positioning its Cheongju production site as a key hub for artificial intelligence (AI) memorys front-end and back-end processes. Once primarily focused on NAND production, Cheongju is being transformed into a center for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) with the introduction of M15X and P&T7. This investment marks a clearer strategy for SK hynixs production facilities.According to industry sources on July 23, SK hynixs board of directors approved a facility investment of 7.931 trillion won for the construction of P&T7. This amount represents 5.88% of the companys equity. P&T7 will handle packaging and testing, making it the companys seventh packaging and testing plant, which broke ground in April.Analysts emphasize the timing of the investment rather than its size. The company stated, This announcement reflects an accelerated investment schedule, leading to an increase in the boards resolution amount. The previously announced total investment of 19 trillion won remains unchanged. The decision to expedite funding is aimed at responding to increased production demands and shortening cleanroom operational timelines.This investment further clarifies SK hynixs production landscape. Icheon is established as the center for DRAM production and technology development, while Yongin will serve as a long-term hub for mass production of next-generation DRAM. Cheongju has emerged as a key AI memory hub, managing both the front-end processes of M15X and the back-end processes of P&T7. Meanwhile, Indiana in the U.S. will focus on responding to North American big tech clients and conducting research and development for next-generation HBM packaging.Historically, Cheongju has been heavily associated with NAND production, housing M11, M12, and M15 facilities. With the addition of M15X, it will expand its capabilities for next-generation DRAM and HBM production. Once P&T7 is operational, Cheongju will transform into a comprehensive production site with both front-end and back-end processes.This restructuring is seen as a response to the evolving nature of HBM competition. While traditional DRAM competition was based on fine processing and wafer production capacity, HBM requires stacking and connecting multiple DRAM chips produced in the front-end process, followed by verification. Industry experts explain that packaging yield and testing capacity directly influence actual supply volumes.The investment in P&T7 is interpreted as targeting this bottleneck. Even if front-end production capacity increases, without corresponding back-end processes, the volume delivered to clients will not rise. To supply HBM in line with AI semiconductor clients roadmaps, it is essential to secure both packaging and testing capabilities.An industry insider noted, HBM does not simply increase supply by producing more wafers. The back-end capabilities for stacking, connecting, and verifying must keep pace to enhance the supply capacity perceived by clients.There are observations that SK hynixs focus on Cheongju is driven by this need. With M15X and P&T7 located in the same area, the speed of connection between front-end and back-end processes can be improved. It is also expected that yield improvements and quality verification feedback during mass production will accelerate.SK hynix CEO Kwak No-jung has also formalized the expansion of Cheongjus role. During the announcement of investment plans for the Chungcheong region this month, he stated, We plan to invest 100 trillion won in Cheongju, including 80 trillion won for M17, which will produce NAND, and 20 trillion won for enhancing advanced packaging with P&T7. He added, We will reposition Cheongju as a core hub driving the competitiveness of South Koreas memory semiconductor industry.Industry reactions suggest that this decision shifts the competition for HBM leadership from product technology to production system competition. For clients, the performance of HBM and the reliability of timely deliveries are becoming increasingly important.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:00
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Hyundai Group Chairwoman emphasizes communication and trust at new employee ceremony Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun attended a new employee training completion ceremony, emphasizing the importance of communication and trust among colleagues while encouraging the new managers who will lead the groups future.On July 24, Hyundai Group held the completion ceremony for the 2026 First Half Group New Manager Orientation Training at the H-Stadium in its headquarters in Yeonji-dong, Seoul, as announced on July 26.The ceremony featured presentations by new managers on their training projects conducted over the two-week program, along with awards for outstanding trainees, encouraging remarks, and the issuance of certificates.During the event, Chairwoman Hyun highlighted the value of experience sharing between colleagues, stating, Let us open the path for everyone at Hyundai Group to grow together.She added, In this rapidly changing era, the essence of learning begins with people rather than technology. The driving force for growth lies in gathering each others thoughts and sharing experiences to find better paths.This orientation program focused on enhancing the AI job utilization capabilities of new managers while facilitating experience sharing with senior employees to help them naturally learn the core values and culture of Hyundai Group.Hyun also remarked, The beginning and end of everything is determined by trust with people, urging the new managers to add their unique perspectives and challenges on the foundation of trust built by their senior colleagues, and to dream continuously and act boldly.Hyun has consistently expressed her belief that the core competency of the company in the era of AI transformation lies in the insight and judgment of employees. In her New Year’s address this year, she mentioned sense-making—the ability to connect information to insights—while presenting the creative thinking, proactive decision-making, and active execution that represent Hyundais DNA.Hyundai Group stated, The new manager training program, which continues for a year through orientation, buddy systems, mentoring, and global trips (overseas site visits), is being well established, and added that it plans to continue discovering and actively incorporating training that allows for shared experiences among colleagues.Additionally, Hyun previously encouraged new managers at the completion ceremony on July 1, saying, Act proactively and challenge boldly.* This article has been translated by AI. July 26, 2026 10:00
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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