Seoul

Samsung Electronics reported a massive surge in its second-quarter chip profit, with its semiconductor division posting an operating profit of US$61.1 billion, representing a more than 250-fold increase year-over-year. The company attributed the strong performance to robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and expects this trend to continue, forecasting tight chip supply conditions through 2026. However, the surging chip prices negatively impacted Samsung's mobile division, which reported a loss of US$479.5 million. The results highlight the diverging fortunes within Samsung's business segments, driven by the global AI boom and its effect on semiconductor pricing and availability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 01:37 AM UTC

A comprehensive list of preseason friendly matches for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season has been compiled. Arsenal's schedule includes matches against Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, culminating in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16. Aston Villa's extensive preseason includes a 5-0 win over Walsall, matches in Indonesia and Hong Kong, and the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on August 12. Other clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United have fixtures in Australia, the US, Asia, and Europe. The schedule covers matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, with many games serving as preparation for the upcoming league campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:54 AM UTC

The article details the coordinated global announcement of South Korean footballer Kang-in Lee's signing with Atlético Madrid. The campaign, developed by creative agency Mr Red, used AI-assisted videos to show Kang-in in the Metropolitano stadium without him traveling to Spain. The announcement was synchronized across Seoul and Madrid, with the largest LED screen in South Korea (3,000 sq meters) displaying the news at 5 PM local time, matching the 10 AM release in Spain. Kang-in, 25, signed for five seasons until 2031 for €35 million plus variables, inheriting Griezmann's number 7. He previously played for Valencia, Mallorca, and PSG, where he won the Champions League in the last two seasons. The medical examination was conducted by Dr. José María Villalón who traveled to South Korea.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:42 PM UTC

Hyundai Motor reported a 21% decline in second-quarter operating profit to 2.9 trillion won (US$1.98 billion), missing analysts' estimates of 3.2 trillion won. Revenue rose 2% year-on-year to 49.2 trillion won. The weaker performance was attributed to weaker vehicle sales, production disruptions, and higher costs, partially offset by a weaker won. Hyundai, the world's third-largest automaking group by sales alongside affiliate Kia Corp, warned of persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and tougher industry competition. The results reflect broader challenges facing the auto industry, including rising energy and raw material costs, supply chain disruptions linked to US tariffs, and conflict in the Middle East. Shares of Hyundai Motor rose 2% following the earnings announcement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:13 AM UTC

Samsung Electronics unveiled a new passport-sized foldable phone on July 22, 2026, alongside price increases for two updated foldable models. The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is priced at US$2,099, the Galaxy Z Fold8 at US$1,899, and the Galaxy Z Flip8 at US$1,199. The price hikes are attributed to rising chip costs. The announcement was made in Seoul and reported by The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:20 PM UTC

According to Marca, Lee Kang-in's transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid is expected to be officially announced on Thursday. The transfer fee is €35 million fixed plus €5 million in add-ons. The South Korean midfielder has agreed to a five-season contract until at least 2031, becoming Griezmann's 'successor.' The deal was delayed due to unresolved details regarding Lee's contract termination with PSG, but obstacles have now been cleared. Atletico's team doctor completed Lee's medical examination in Seoul last week. Lee could make his debut as early as next week in preseason friendlies against Getafe and Manchester United. The club expects his Asian influence to be felt during their trip to South Korea for a match against Manchester City on August 9.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:58 PM UTC

A forum post on RedCafe.net compiles the preseason friendly schedules for Premier League clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. Key fixtures include Arsenal playing Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund, and Como, plus the Community Shield against Manchester City. Aston Villa faces Porto, Bayern Munich, and PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea and Tottenham tour Australia and Asia, playing each other in Sydney. Liverpool and Manchester United have matches in the US and Europe. The schedule covers over 20 clubs, with matches from mid-July to mid-August 2026, across multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:53 PM UTC

Samsung Electronics created a Robotics eXperience (RX) division, consolidating its robotics efforts under CEO TM Roh. The unit will focus on humanoid robots and physical AI, with plans for research hubs in the US, China, and Japan. Samsung also announced a 60 trillion won investment in the Yeongnam region, including 19 trillion won for humanoid robot manufacturing in Gumi. The company increased its stake in Rainbow Robotics and appointed a former Hyundai Motor executive to lead the strategy team. Samsung shares rose 6.76% on the news.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:31 PM UTC

A Reuters report highlights the dangers of high-leverage margin trading in South Korea, focusing on 24-year-old university student Lee Seung-ho, who saw a 300 million won fortune built on 500% leverage evaporate in weeks due to market swings. The Kospi index, after doubling in six months, experienced violent plunges, triggering forced liquidations. Margin loan balances hit a record 38.63 trillion won in June 2026. Young South Koreans, locked out of the housing market by high apartment prices, turn to leveraged stock trading as a perceived equalizer. Despite his losses, Lee plans to borrow again to buy a Seoul apartment. Regulators are alarmed by the risky trading frenzy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:18 PM UTC

HYBE's new label ABD (A Bold Dream) will debut a seven-member girl group called TUIDE (pronounced 'TIDE') in the second half of 2026. The group, whose name is inspired by 'Tune the Tide,' aims to bring fresh energy to global K-pop. ABD launched in May 2026 under President Jiwon No, with creative production led by Sung Soo Han (Master Professional), known for work with SEVENTEEN and IZ*ONE. TUIDE's signature sound is 'Soultronic,' blending soul and electronic music. The members are SEOHEE, SEOYEON, ELENA, JIA, SAKI, SEAH, and YI HANI. A pre-debut event, 'TUIDE Exclusive Preview [Playground],' will be held August 1-2 in Seoul, featuring immersive zones and the group's first public performance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:03 PM UTC

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang publicly urged investors to buy the dip during a June 2026 tech stock sell-off that wiped $1.3 trillion from AI and chip stocks. Speaking in Seoul, Huang called the downturn a 'discount' buying opportunity, asserting that the AI boom is 'just beginning.' He reinforced this by announcing a multi-year partnership with SK Hynix for next-generation AI memory chips. The article details Nvidia's strong financial performance, including Q4 fiscal 2026 revenue of $68.1 billion (up 73% YoY) and $215.9 billion in full-year revenue. Huang predicts Nvidia's AI processors will generate $1 trillion in sales through 2027, while CFO Colette Kress noted hyperscaler capex could exceed $1 trillion in 2027 alone. The analysis positions Nvidia stock as a proxy for the entire AI trade, noting it briefly became the world's first $4 trillion company in July 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:17 PM UTC

The article promotes Seoul as Asia's coolest city break, highlighting a surge in UK visitor numbers (up 17% between 2024 and 2025) and Virgin Atlantic's new daily direct flight from Heathrow. It describes key attractions: Joseon Dynasty palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung), Bukchon Hanok Village, shopping districts Hongdae and Myeong-dong, Gangnam's upscale stores and Bongeunsa Temple, and a day trip to the DMZ including the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Food recommendations include 7-Eleven quick meals and chimaek (chicken and beer) shops. The article also notes cherry blossom season in late March to early April and cultural trends like K-pop and color analysis.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:51 AM UTC

The article presents Seoul as Asia's coolest city break, highlighting a surge in UK visitor numbers (up 17% between 2024 and 2025) and Virgin Atlantic's new daily direct flight from Heathrow. It describes key attractions: Joseon Dynasty palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, trendy shopping districts Hongdae and Myeong-dong, upscale Gangnam with its temple and 'Gangnam Style' statue, and a sobering day trip to the DMZ including the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Food recommendations include convenience store meals and chimaek (chicken and beer). The piece emphasizes Seoul's mix of skyscrapers, temples, neon-lit streets, mountains, and fantastic food, positioning it as a top city-break destination.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:51 AM UTC

The article promotes Seoul as Asia's coolest city break, highlighting a 17% increase in UK visitors between 2024 and 2025 and new daily direct flights from Heathrow by Virgin Atlantic. It describes key attractions: Joseon Dynasty palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung), Bukchon Hanok Village, shopping districts Hongdae and Myeong-dong, Gangnam's upscale stores and Bongeunsa Temple, and a day trip to the DMZ including the Third Infiltration Tunnel and Dora Observatory. Food recommendations include 7-Eleven quick meals and chimaek (chicken and beer) shops. The piece also references K-pop and Korean cultural trends driving tourism.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:51 AM UTC

In late June 2026, South Korea’s Kospi index suffered a series of steep declines, including a 9.99% single-day drop on June 23, triggered by regulatory warnings on leveraged ETFs. Subsequent trading halts occurred on June 25 and 26 as chipmaker-led selloffs erased gains amid fears that AI-driven profits were peaking. The index fell as much as 9% intraday, with circuit breakers activated multiple times. The volatility spread from US tech stock weakness, highlighting South Korea’s vulnerability to global semiconductor demand shifts.

38 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 28, 11:12 AM UTC

Seoul-based robotics company WIRobotics has successfully secured approximately $68 million in Series B funding, led by JB Investment. This significant capital injection aims to accelerate the commercialization of the company's humanoid and wearable robot technologies. WIRobotics is currently engaged in strategic collaborations with major technology giants Nvidia and AWS, leveraging their advanced computing and cloud infrastructure capabilities to enhance its robotic systems. The funding round marks a crucial step in the company's growth trajectory, allowing it to scale operations and bring its innovative robotic solutions to market more rapidly. This development highlights the increasing investor interest in the humanoid robotics sector, particularly for companies demonstrating strong technical partnerships and clear commercialization pathways. The involvement of prominent investors and tech partners underscores the potential viability and market demand for WIRobotics' products in the evolving automation and AI landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources

South Korean real estate fund JR Global REIT has filed a complaint in the High Court in London against lenders Pimco and Legal & General (L&G). The fund, which recently sought creditor protection in Seoul due to an inability to repay short-term debts, alleges that the lenders exerted undue pressure to lower the valuation of its flagship asset, the Finance Tower in Brussels. Acquired for €1.2 billion in early 2020, the tower's value has reportedly been contested following the pandemic-induced slump in office real estate. JR Global REIT claims Pimco and L&G pressured initial valuer Knight Frank to reduce the estimate below €950 million, leading Knight Frank to withdraw. A subsequent valuation by JLL placed the property at approximately €920 million, a figure the fund deems unreasonably low. The lawsuit aims to prevent creditors from blocking rental income streams. This legal maneuver is part of broader financial distress involving €40 billion won in unpaid debts, with the fund blaming the Belgian asset's depreciation for its liquidity crisis. The accused parties have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent report by the Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) reveals a significant shift in the reasons for executions in North Korea under Kim Jong Un’s rule, particularly following the COVID-19 border closure in January 2020. Analyzing 144 cases, the study found that executions and death sentences increased by over 116% after the border sealed. Crucially, the primary grounds for these punishments have moved away from ordinary violent crimes like murder toward the consumption of outside information, South Korean culture, religion, and political dissent. Cases involving foreign media and ideology rose by 250%, indicating the regime’s heightened fear of its population accessing external worldviews. While North Korea projects military strength externally, internally it uses extreme coercion to prevent citizens from comparing their lives with the outside world. The border closure served not just as a health measure but as a tool to intensify ideological control, transforming physical isolation into a barrier against information flow and social discontent.

1 reports · 1 sources

South Korea has officially opened the Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul, a new entertainment venue dedicated to robotics and artificial intelligence. Launched by Galaxy Corporation on May 5, 2026, the 16,500-square-meter facility is located in the Gangdong district. The park features a variety of interactive attractions, including humanoid boxing matches, choreographed K-pop dance performances by robots, and AI-driven activities designed for children and families. CEO Choi Yong-ho stated that the project aims to familiarize younger generations with robots as part of daily life, positioning the venue as a cultural space for human-robot interaction rather than just a technology exhibition. Before its official grand opening in August 2026, the park plans to host over 1,000 robot performances annually. The initiative reflects South Korea's significant investment in AI and entertainment technology. A soft launch event recently attended by around 100 children, including those with learning difficulties, highlighted the park's inclusive approach. Additionally, Galaxy Corporation, which represents K-pop star G-Dragon, is already discussing expansion projects in the United Arab Emirates, signaling potential global growth for this tech-entertainment hybrid model.

1 reports · 1 sources

Samsung Electronics faces a potential 18-day strike starting May 21, 2026, involving over 45,000 workers, marking the largest labor action in the conglomerate's history. The dispute centers on the distribution of bonuses derived from the global AI boom and memory chip shortage. While Samsung proposed significant bonuses for its 27,000 memory chip employees, the union argues that 23,000 workers in logic chip design and foundry businesses, who have faced recent losses, should receive comparable compensation. This internal division threatens global supply chains for AI data centers, smartphones, and laptops, causing concern among foreign investors and the South Korean government. JPMorgan estimates the strike could reduce operating profits by $14 billion to $20 billion. The conflict highlights tensions within Samsung's diversified semiconductor strategy, contrasting with specialized competitors like TSMC. Experts suggest the complex business structure contributes to valuation discounts and internal conflicts, urging the company to make its foundry business more self-reliant to prevent further talent drain and operational disruptions.

1 reports · 1 sources

This article explores ten contemporary cities that possess such advanced architectural and technological features they resemble science fiction movie sets, creating a sense of temporal dislocation for visitors. The author argues that these urban centers are not actually from the future but are present-day constructions shaped by capital, ambition, and aesthetic convictions influenced by speculative fiction. Notably, Tokyo is excluded as it represents a preserved 1980s vision of the future rather than the current leading edge. The list highlights Shenzhen for its digital-first infrastructure and autonomous technologies; Dubai for its climate-controlled, skyscraper-dominated desert environment; Seoul for its sophisticated, invisible digital integration and quiet competence; Singapore for its efficient, landscaped authoritarian futurism exemplified by the Supertree Grove; and Chongqing for its surreal, CGI-like topography. The piece serves as a cultural and urban analysis, suggesting that these cities have been built to match the futuristic visuals popularized by cinema, effectively becoming real-world manifestations of speculative narratives. It emphasizes how modern urban configuration has shifted away from older models to create environments that feel distinctly post-physical and technologically immersive.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Mundo Pixar Experience exhibition has arrived in Tokyo, drawing significant crowds to the Crevia Base Tokyo venue in the Toyosu neighborhood. Having already attracted over 3.5 million visitors globally in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Seoul, and London, the exhibition transforms animated nostalgia into a tactile reality by recreating full-scale environments from beloved Pixar films. Due to its popularity, the Tokyo run has been extended through October 12, surpassing its original May 31 end date. The event holds particular cultural resonance in Japan, given the well-documented creative influence of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki on Pixar’s storytelling sensibilities. Executives have frequently cited Miyazaki’s work as inspiration, with direct nods appearing in films like the Totoro cameo in Toy Story 3. Consequently, the exhibition is perceived not merely as an imported attraction but as a symbolic homecoming, bridging the gap between Western animation and the Japanese traditions that helped shape the studio’s artistic identity. Visitors can now physically interact with life-sized characters, textures, and furniture, experiencing Pixar’s cinematic worlds beyond the screen.

1 reports · 1 sources

Samsung Electronics has dropped preconditions for negotiations with its largest union, the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), offering unconditional dialogue. However, the union has declined immediate talks, stating that negotiations will only resume on June 7, three days after their planned 18-day strike concludes on May 21. The labor dispute centers not on base pay, but on the structure of performance bonuses. The NSEU demands the removal of the 50% base salary cap on bonuses and a contractual profit-sharing scheme set at 15% of the chip division’s operating profit, citing a recent agreement by rival SK Hynix as a precedent. Samsung has offered a one-time payment and approximately 13% profit share but refuses permanent structural changes. The standoff has negatively impacted investor sentiment, causing Samsung shares to drop significantly. With semiconductors accounting for 37% of South Korea's exports, the government has expressed anxiety over the potential economic damage, estimating revenue losses between $2.9 billion and higher figures depending on the source. Despite government mediation attempts, the union remains firm on its strike timeline.

1 reports · 1 sources

Kim Jin Ill, the Bank of Korea’s newest board member, highlighted escalating inflation and financial stability risks in his inaugural remarks on Friday. A former Federal Reserve economist, Kim pointed to rising oil prices driven by the conflict in Iran, persistent household debt, and surging housing prices in Seoul as key concerns. He also warned that capital flow risks are growing as South Korea integrates further with global financial markets. His appointment replaces Shin Sung Hwan, the bank’s most dovish rate-setter, signaling a potential shift toward a more hawkish monetary policy stance. With consumer inflation exceeding the central bank’s 2% target and apartment prices in Seoul rising for the 67th consecutive week, economists have revised their expectations, now anticipating a rate hike by the end of 2026. This contrasts with previous projections of unchanged rates through 2028. Kim also noted economic polarization, where growth is concentrated in the technology sector while other domestic areas remain weak. The Bank of Korea is scheduled to announce its next policy decision on May 28, under the leadership of new Governor Shin Hyun Song, alongside updated economic forecasts.

1 reports · 1 sources

Kim Jin-ill, the newly appointed board member of the Bank of Korea, stated on Friday that concerns regarding inflation are intensifying. He attributed this trend primarily to elevated oil prices resulting from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. While acknowledging that South Korea's economic conditions are improving, driven largely by the robust technology sector, Kim highlighted significant uncertainties surrounding global investments and persistent domestic inequality. Regarding financial stability, he expressed increasing caution over risks associated with capital flows. Furthermore, he noted that critical issues such as high household debt and volatile house prices remain unresolved challenges for the economy. Kim officially began his four-year term on the central bank's seven-seat policy board on May 15, 2026. His participation marks a new phase in monetary policy deliberations, with his first rate-setting meeting scheduled for May 28. His comments underscore the complex balance the central bank must strike between supporting economic growth and managing inflationary pressures amidst geopolitical instability and domestic financial vulnerabilities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Supertone, a prominent speech artificial intelligence company headquartered in Seoul, has officially released the third generation of its proprietary on-device text-to-speech (TTS) engine, known as Supertonic v3. This significant software update introduces a suite of advanced features designed to enhance user experience and technical performance. Key improvements include support for thirty-one distinct languages, representing a six-fold increase in language coverage compared to previous iterations. The new model also incorporates expressive tags, allowing for more nuanced and natural-sounding speech synthesis, alongside improved reading stability that significantly reduces failure rates during text processing. Notably, Supertone has maintained the same inference contract for existing integrations, ensuring that current clients can upgrade to the enhanced capabilities without needing to refactor their code or adjust their integration frameworks. This strategic move highlights the company's commitment to seamless scalability and developer convenience. The release underscores the rapid advancements in on-device AI processing, enabling high-quality speech generation directly on user hardware without relying heavily on cloud infrastructure. This development is particularly relevant for applications requiring low latency, offline functionality, and enhanced data privacy, positioning Supertone competitively in the growing market for embedded speech AI solutions.

1 reports · 1 sources

South Korea's benchmark Kospi index surpassed the historic milestone of 8,000 points for the first time on May 15, 2026, driven by a robust surge in the artificial intelligence sector. This achievement marks a dramatic increase from the index's level of approximately 2,600 points just one year prior. The rally was primarily fueled by record-breaking performances from domestic tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which are critical global suppliers of high-performance chips and high-bandwidth memory essential for AI infrastructure. Both companies reported exceptional first-quarter earnings amidst soaring global demand for AI data centers. Consequently, Samsung Electronics shares rose by roughly 190 percent over six months, while SK hynix shares gained 220 percent during the same period. In response to this technological shift, the South Korean government announced plans to triple its AI spending this year, aiming to establish the nation as one of the top three AI powers alongside the United States and China. This event underscores the significant economic impact of the global AI frenzy on South Korea's semiconductor industry and broader financial markets.

1 reports · 1 sources

South Korea's Hana Bank has announced plans to acquire a significant stake in Dunamu, the operator of the country's largest cryptocurrency exchange, for approximately 1 trillion won ($700 million). This strategic move was confirmed through a regulatory filing submitted by the bank's holding company on Friday. The acquisition underscores the growing intersection between traditional financial institutions and the digital asset sector in South Korea. By investing in Dunamu, Hana Bank aims to strengthen its position in the fintech landscape and capitalize on the increasing demand for cryptocurrency services. The deal highlights the willingness of major banking entities to integrate blockchain-related businesses into their portfolios despite regulatory complexities. The exchange rate used for the conversion was cited as $1 equal to 1,492.59 won. This transaction represents a major development in the South Korean financial market, signaling increased institutional acceptance of cryptocurrency infrastructure providers. The news was reported by Reuters and published by Channel News Asia, indicating broad international interest in this corporate maneuver within the Asian tech and finance sectors.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Australian federal budget has allocated $50 million to duplicate Drake Brockman Drive in West Belconnen, with additional funds for Athllon Drive, William Hovell Drive, and planning for the Molonglo East-West Arterial road. While ACT Roads authorities argue these projects will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and accommodate population growth, transport experts warn of induced demand. Elliot Fishman from the Institute for Sensible Transport contends that expanding road capacity often encourages more peak-hour driving, ultimately eroding congestion benefits and increasing car dependence. He cites Seoul’s replacement of roads with green spaces as a successful alternative. In response, Tim Rampton of ACT Roads describes the situation as a balancing act, acknowledging induced demand but emphasizing the necessity of extra network capacity for a growing city. He highlights that duplication projects also improve intersections and provide new links for cyclists and pedestrians, aiming to support both motorists and active travel users. The government plans to stage works to minimize disruption, maintaining that safety improvements are a primary objective alongside capacity expansion.

1 reports · 1 sources

A recent study by UK thinktank ODI Global has identified Hong Kong International Airport as the sixth most polluting aviation hub worldwide and the second highest in the Asia-Pacific region regarding flight CO2 emissions. Based on 2023 data from the International Council on Clean Transportation, the report reveals that Hong Kong emitted 15.1 million tonnes of CO2 across 138,764 flights. Seoul ranked first in Asia-Pacific with 16.8 million tonnes, while Dubai led globally with 23.2 million tonnes. Additionally, Hong Kong ranked ninth worldwide for nitrogen oxide emissions, releasing 4,572 tonnes. The research highlights the aviation sector's significant environmental impact, noting it would be the fifth-largest emitter if considered a country. ODI Global cautioned against relying solely on sustainable aviation fuels due to high costs and supply constraints. The study projects that aviation could consume 15% of the remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.7ºC by 2050, driven by a predicted 3.3% annual increase in passenger demand. Local authorities have been contacted for comment on these findings.

1 reports · 1 sources