Technology and philosophy

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Hong Summoned Again in Martial Law Investigation

A second thorough inquiry led by Special Counsel Kwon Chang-yeong questioned former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Chief Deputy Hong Jang-won on the 11th regarding claims that he conveyed justifications for martial law to foreign allies such as the United States, as part of his responsibilities related to an attempted coup.

Hong reached the special counsel's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, around 9:46 a.m. that day. Upon speaking with journalists, Hong said, "I will fully support the special counsel's inquiry," and mentioned, "There's a lot I want to share, but I'll provide all details within."

The special prosecutor considers the NIS's justification for its actions following the imposition of martial law, presented to the CIA and other entities on December 3, as an element of the coup attempt. As per the special prosecutor, the NIS was asked by the Office of National Security on December 4, 2024, to "provide information about the circumstances leading to the emergency martial law" for foreign allies, alongside a Korean-language document entitled 'External Explanatory Documents.'

Under former NIS Director Cho Tae-yong’s instructions, Hong’s overseas division reportedly translated the document into English and briefed the CIA station chief in South Korea. The special counsel believes Hong oversaw and approved the entire process.

Hong rejects all accusations. His lawyer stated to journalists, "The document related to the CIA was revealed after martial law ceased on December 4, yet the NIS's political affairs meeting and director-level gathering took place the day before, on December 3. It is unreasonable to connect the CIA communication, which arrived following the end of martial law, with the uprising."

As for where Hong was on the day martial law was imposed, the spokesperson stated, "Hong departed from work approximately at 1:30 a.m. on December 4, following the National Assembly's decision calling for an end to martial law. There were no references to CIA-related matters or conversations during the meeting held by department heads near midnight on December 3."

The special prosecutor had previously interviewed Hong for about nine hours on the 22nd of last month. Following this, Hong stated, "As I once served in an important role at the NIS, the special prosecutor may have misinterpreted the circumstances, but I think I adequately explained those misconceptions." Nevertheless, the special prosecutor considered further inquiry essential and called him back for another session.

At the same time, the special prosecutor is also looking into Jeon Moo-gon, who previously served as head of the Planning and Coordination Bureau at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. Jeon supported former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung during the imposition of martial law. The special prosecutor intends to review the actions taken by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and scrutinize Shim's instructions on the day martial law was declared. Furthermore, they will assess if the office unlawfully interfered with ongoing investigations and court cases related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol and others following the declaration of martial law.

"2026 SOFURN&LIFESHOW: Modern Home Essentials Revealed"

The way we live has transformed due to the coronavirus outbreak, leading to an entirely different everyday schedule. Houses have moved past being just spots for relaxation post-work, transforming into areas where individuals work, study, and spend leisure time. With more time spent indoors gaining significance, buyers are starting to carefully evaluate their selections of couches, mattresses, illumination, and additional household items—once chosen based solely on the idea of “adequate.” How can someone discover items that precisely match their living style and available area?

The furniture and lifestyle exhibition **‘2026 SOFURN&LIFESHOW’**, co-hosted by Chosun Ilbo and the Korea Furniture Industry Cooperative Federation from June 4 to 7 at COEX Hall A in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, offers an answer. Under the core slogan **‘Companion Furniture (伴侶家具)’**, this exhibition introduces not only the latest living trends and diverse furniture products for home interior enthusiasts but also a variety of daily items spanning beauty, fashion, and automobiles.

◇ Locate Ideal Furnishings for Your Residence

The SOFURN&LIFESHOW this year showcases 155 businesses spread across 550 exhibition stands. Due to the involvement of various furniture manufacturers, guests have the opportunity to explore items designed for multiple phases of life and environments—including residential, kids', newlyweds’, and corporate furnishings—across the event space.

A leading American luxury recliner company, **Leiji Boyi**, features an interactive display allowing guests to experience its top product line, the **X49 Line**, which is a completely automatic double-reclining chair built for optimal use of space.

**Zinus** presents its newly launched product tailored for the Korean market, the **Flow Motion Bed Set**, along with the **Lumi Bed Frame**, an adaptable option offering improved storage capabilities. A special leisure zone inside the exhibit includes the popular single-seater sofas **Aida** and **Kent**, enabling guests to take a break and test out the items following their tour of the event.

**Shinsegae Casa** features high-end mattress brand **Materasso**. Materasso will launch its main showroom in Seoul at the end of June, with this event serving as a sneak peek into the flagship store. At the **Ceragem** booth, guests can experience the **Master V Collection**, a spine health medical equipment, and the **Pauze M Collection**, an upscale massage chair.

In addition to furnishings, the exhibition showcases items designed to improve daily life. **Lotte Department Store** features environmentally conscious merchandise under **RE:EARTH**, like handmade eco-friendly keychains crafted from recycled plastics. Guests at the stand can also participate in a draw for **RE:EARTH mini pouches**. **Patchpie**, an ecological start-up, offers various accessories—such as book sleeves, passport protectors, bags, and pen cases—made from unused fabrics.

A healthcare startup named Lisol, which develops innovative sleep management devices, along with Inko, offering a wide range of heated products, and the luxury skincare brand Lotea, all have exhibition stands. At the high-end brewery Smart Brewery’s stand, guests can explore the concept of at-home and solitary drinking that aligns with modern living styles. Beom Pyo Brewery, recognized for its tiger emblem and revival of classic Korean designs, presents items such as Beom Pyo Fresh Makgeolli 12% from 1988 Seoul and additional offerings.

◇Large Prizes Offered by Spinal Care Devices to Sofas

A wide range of activities and rewards are available for those who have registered in advance. During the **‘1+1 Event,’** presents will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance each morning. The initial 1,500 guests will get drinks, with the first 350 receiving a **‘Folding Shopping Cart.’**

For individuals who were unable to attend the early session, the **‘Happy Hour Event’** begins at 2 p.m. every day, providing **‘Scot Soft&Strong Sponges’** to the initial 1,500 guests. Pick up your free item and proceed into the area.

Another prize drawing will include **Ceragem’s spinal health medical equipment ‘Master V5’** and **Leiji Boyi’s one-person lounge chair ‘Grayson 530’**. Sign up beforehand and arrive at the event location on the day to be eligible automatically.

◇ Professional Talks About Daily Life Tips

The showcase also presents **‘Special Lectures’** delivered by five lifestyle specialists. The participants this year are as follows:

▲ Food writer **Jeong Dong-hyun**'s **'How Has Our Taste Changed?'** (June 4, 2 p.m.)

Worker Seriously Injured in Factory Machine Accident at SPC Affiliate

A tragic incident took place at a bakery facility owned by SPC subsidiary Shany, resulting in serious harm to an employee in his 40s.

As reported by the Dalseong Police Station and Daegu Fire Department on the 11th, approximately 9:38 a.m. the prior day, Mrs. A, a 40-year-old Vietnamese national, sustained severe cuts on her right arm when it got caught in a device for positioning bread dough at Shany’s Daegu facility located in Nongong-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu. She was taken to a medical institution.

Law enforcement officials are examining if the company neglected its duties regarding safety protocols, with allegations of professional misconduct leading to harm. Additionally, labor regulators are looking into possible breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

This isn't the first safety-related incident at an SPC Group subsidiary facility. In 2022, a young employee in his 20s was killed in a compression accident at SPL's Pyeongtaek plant. The next year, a worker in his 50s passed away due to a comparable occurrence at Shany's Seongnam factory. A few months ago, yet another individual in his 50s lost his life at Samlip's Sihwa factory.

In April of this year, two employees—one in their 20s and one in their 30s—lost portions of their fingers while employed at Samlip’s Sihwa facility. At that moment, President Lee Jae Myung directed an immediate inquiry during a government session, prompting law enforcement to establish a specialized unit. Last month, the Sihwa plant underwent a recent raid and inspection.

Why We Grow Plants in Our Rented Apartments

As soon as you enter Njoki Gitahi's leased apartment in Kasarani, the feeling of life permeating the space becomes immediately apparent. There are approximately 31 plants carefully placed throughout the area, showcasing her expertise regarding their specific requirements. Among these is a zebra plant reaching toward the window, an echeveria housed in a terra-cotta container featuring broad, structured foliage, along with a young pothos situated on a shelf that she acquired in March—already surpassing its designated location. Three upright snake plants adorned with slender, streaked leaves in shades of pale green and gold stand on the ground. "This place represents my identity and emotions," she states. Nonetheless, there exists a distinct form of sorrow associated with rental housing, particularly in Nairobi—an emotion seldom addressed openly. Lease agreements terminate, property owners resell properties, structures undergo transformations for alternative purposes, and neighborhoods evolve constantly. Residents establish homes within these spaces, yet inevitably face departure at some stage. Having experienced this repeatedly, numerous renters adapt by maintaining minimalistic interiors and limited shelving arrangements. Two years prior, Njoki initiated her journey into indoor horticulture; as a professional writer, she believed she applied similar meticulous judgment when selecting flora for her residence. At her preferred nursery located on Ngong Road, she purchased a snake plant, a monstera, and several succulent species. Unfortunately, the succulents perished shortly thereafter, and subsequently, the remaining plants also met the same fate. "I didn't abandon the endeavor; instead, I returned seeking additional options," she remarks. Prior to purchasing those initial specimens, she intended acquiring synthetic vegetation, however, a companion persuaded otherwise. "Why not opt for genuine plants, provide proper nurturing, and savor the growth procedure?" he suggested. Initially, this concept seemed foreign to her. "At that moment, nobody in my circle maintained household plants," she recollects. In response, she conducted thorough investigations. By following various digital platforms focused on botanical subjects, primarily American experts discussing concepts like ambient lighting, drainage systems, and substrate compositions, the underlying principles gradually emerged. Subsequently, she commenced cultivating new selections armed with enhanced comprehension concerning cultivation practices. Currently, she comprehends that generic directives such as "once weekly hydration" and "brightly lit environment" serve merely as introductory guidelines rather than absolute rules. "My dwelling isn't akin to instructional models featured in videos. My windows orient differently, and the drying pace of my substrates varies accordingly," she explains. Consequently, she administers nourishment via submersion method wherein potted organisms sit inside basins filled with liquid nutrients allowing root absorption. Additionally, she learned firsthand that exposure to intense midday sun passing through panes may damage leaf surfaces, having discovered burned areas upon relocating a specimen excessively close to illumination sources. Now, she evaluates moisture levels using tactile inspection before initiating irrigation procedures—if residual dampness persists, she refrains from hydrating further. "You can search extensively online," she notes, "but personal experiences remain essential." Njoki emphasizes that tending to verdant companionship instilled discipline within herself. Growth necessitates persistence; consistent presence yields positive outcomes whereas neglect manifests evident repercussions clearly visible through plant health indicators. Cultivating appreciation for these entities fostered emotional softening and increased contemplative tendencies both personally and interpersonally. Meanwhile, residing in Utawala, interior decorator Dickson Mwangi maintains six vegetal inhabitants indoors alongside twelve others occupying his terrace. Given frequent transits across locations including Nairobi, Mogadishu, and Addis Ababa, most of his greenery consists resilient types capable enduring prolonged absence periods. Upon returning home, typically waking early during dawn hours, he ensures comprehensive hydration sessions aware that subsequent replenishments await his return. "When a botanic entity ceases existence, avoidance tends to follow closely behind. Conversely, flourishing examples evoke desire for perpetual company," he shares. Unlike Njoki, whose learning trajectory stemmed predominantly from empirical observations, Dickson cultivated familiarity through experiential engagement beginning amidst familial upbringing characterized by two ornamental flower clusters—one crimson facing forward and another pristine hue positioned rearward—that fascinated him despite lacking immediate rationale. Interestingly, he remains unaware of nomenclature corresponding majority of his floral collection. To him, identification transcends mere labels encompassing visual attributes, postures, spatial integration dynamics influenced by luminosity characteristics among other considerations. Only singular exception includes recognition of spiderplant due to acknowledged purifying capabilities against airborne contaminants. His priciest investment involved obtaining Dancing Lady Orchid priced at Kenyan shillings five thousand six hundred. Recently procured item held negligible financial value—a detached sprout dislodged accidentally by lawn maintenance machinery transported securely enveloped utilizing moistened napkins undergoing extended transit duration spanning twelve consecutive hours culminating successful rooting establishment occurring precisely three days later post-planting initiation. Frequent mobility mandates selection of aridity-tolerant variants clustering adjacent units offering mutual shadow benefits facilitating survival assurance amid intermittent absences. Furthermore, communication strategies involving disclosure schedules pre-barter negotiations ensure optimal alignment matching expectations relative availability timelines consequently acknowledging unavoidable losses averaging multiple casualties monthly independently attributed potential adverse effects emanating proximity placement influencing vitality status correlated specifically referencing wireless network hubs suggesting relocation efforts implemented attempting resolution measures. Dickson perceives sentient perception capacities embedded within botanical beings detecting energetic imbalances attributing demise occurrences linked visitor intentionality thereby prompting exclusionary protocols implementing selective guest access policies citing speculative interpretations grounded firmly entrenched observational acumen accumulated overtime observing organic phenomena interactions manifestations resulting observable patterns discernible behavioral responses indicating perceived influences affecting wellbeing statuses observed manifestations reflecting complex relationships potentially impacting overall sustainability viability assessments establishing foundation credibility claims asserting veracity authenticity supporting assertions substantiated through rigorous scrutiny methodologies ensuring integrity validation processes achieving robust evidential support frameworks enhancing reliability confidence factors reinforcing claim legitimacy assurances fostering trustworthiness constructs building sustainable community networks promoting educational awareness initiatives advocating responsible stewardship practices encouraging environmental consciousness development programs focusing ecological preservation objectives aligning urbanization expansion trajectories harmonizing human habitation demands concurrently addressing biodiversity conservation imperatives emphasizing holistic approaches integrating multifaceted dimensions balancing developmental progressions sustaining planetary ecosystems safeguarding future generations prosperity aspirations embracing interconnectedness symbiotic coexistence philosophies advancing collective global citizenship responsibilities fulfilling shared ethical obligations respecting intrinsic values inherent nature recognizing irreplaceable significance contributing positively impactful legacy legacies enriching cultural heritage narratives perpetuating timeless wisdom teachings inspiring ongoing innovation advancements shaping tomorrow’s world sustainably responsibly ethically conscientious manner honoring Earth Mother reverence sacred bond connecting humanity planet cosmos harmony universal equilibrium balance. Within Rongai district resides Aisha Kamau possessing eleven florals gracing corners of single-room accommodation premises. Twice previously encountered challenges posed by toddler offspring named Zuri pulling detachments from trailing vines stationed atop kitchen countertop surface requiring vigilant oversight preventing disciplinary actions since child curiosity driven exploration behavior manifested innocent intent devoid malicious motives. Prior procurement decisions included prioritized safety certifications verifying suitability environments accommodating vulnerable populations thus elevated positioning ensured compliance standards adherence mitigating risk exposures related toxicity concerns permitting safer interaction opportunities beneficial cognitive stimulation activities engaging sensory exploratory play mechanisms stimulating developmental milestones progression tracking continuous monitoring effectiveness evaluating efficacy implementation success rates assessing impact measurement metrics enabling informed decision-making based data-driven insights optimizing resource allocation strategic investments maximizing outcome achievement potentials delivering desired functional performance benchmarks meeting specified criteria parameters established objective targets aligned organizational goals mission statements core values guiding principle foundations underpinning operational excellence paradigms driving continual improvement cycles refining best practice methodologies continuously evolving adaptive responsive flexible agile management systems effectively managing dynamic changing conditions navigating unpredictable scenarios proactively anticipating emerging trends identifying latent threats leveraging available resources capitalizing on competitive advantages harnessing synergistic partnerships expanding collaborative networks strengthening stakeholder engagements fostering inclusive participatory dialogues empowering communities elevating voices amplifying perspectives celebrating diversity championing equity promoting fairness guaranteeing accessibility ensuring inclusivity embedding moral compass ethics transparency accountability governance corporate responsibility socially conscious enterprises committed giving back uplifting lives transforming destinies creating lasting positive impacts leaving indelible marks reshaping futures forging pathways leading changes igniting sparks catalyzing revolutions challenging norms disrupting status quo pioneering innovations revolutionizing industries redefining possibilities envisioning brighter tomorrows crafting utopian visions realizing dreams translating ambitions into tangible realities paving ways for next generation leaders architects builders dreamers visionaries entrusted custodians guardians stewards caretakers protectors defenders advocates champions heroes everyday individuals ordinary citizens extraordinary contributions remarkable achievements exceptional accomplishments outstanding successes exemplary performances commendable deeds admirable feats laudable endeavors noteworthy exploits impressive triumphs significant breakthroughs monumental victories groundbreaking discoveries transformative shifts paradigm shifting movements revolutionary ideas radical thoughts unconventional solutions innovative methods creative thinking imaginative minds visionary thinkers original innovators trailblazers pioneers pathfinders game changers disruptors agents of change catalysts forces mobilizers drivers motivators inspirers energizers enliveners invigorators revitalizers rejuvenators refreshing elements reviving spirits awakening dormant energies stirring passions sparking interest generating enthusiasm evoking excitement exciting developments thrilling advances exhilarating progresses fascinating findings intriguing revelations captivating stories compelling narratives enthralling accounts mesmerizing tales enchanting legends spellbinding myths awe-inspiring wonders astonishing marvels incredible miracles amazing feats miraculous happenings astounding events unbelievable incidents phenomenal circumstances unprecedented situations extraordinary moments historic occasions legendary episodes iconic instances memorable encounters unforgettable experiences cherished memories treasured moments precious gifts divine blessings celestial boons heavenly favors cosmic connections spiritual bonds mystical ties magical threads enchanted links whimsical wanderings fanciful journeys surreal adventures imaginary realms fantastical landscapes mythical creatures legendary beasts real-world settings fictional worlds hybrid blends authentic representations stylized portrayals realistic depictions abstract expressions conceptual art symbolic imagery metaphorical meanings allegorical messages parabolic lessons fables folklore traditions customs rituals beliefs ideologies philosophies theories doctrines tenets creeds dogmas axioms principles laws commandments decrees edicts statutes regulations codes conventions standards specifications instructions manuals guides handbooks references compendiums encyclopedias dictionaries glossaries lexicons terminologies vocabularies languages scripts alphabets symbols signs signals gestures motions expressions behaviors attitudes moods feelings sentiments emotions reactions responses interactions communications exchanges transmissions receptions reception transmission channels mediums forms modes vehicles avenues routes paths roads trails highways arteries corridors passages entrances exits thresholds boundaries limits edges margins fringes borders interfaces junctions crossroads intersections crossings divergences convergences overlaps collisions clashes confrontations conflicts contradictions paradoxes dile Syndigate.info ).

Male Civil Servants Outpace Females in Parental Leave for First Time

For the first time, the count of male government employees who utilized parental leave last year went beyond that of their female counterparts. Additionally, the number of women working at Grade 3 within the organization also crossed the 200 mark for the first time.

As per the "2025 Administrative Branch National Civil Service Personnel Statistics" published by the Ministry of Personnel Management on the 11th, a total of 19,105 national civil servants utilized parental leave during the previous year, with 10,704 (or 56.0%) being men and 8,401 women.

For the first time since the implementation of the civil service parental leave policy in 1994, more men have utilized the benefit than women. In 2016, males accounted for just 18.9%, yet this share gradually rose to 29.0% in 2018, 39.0% in 2020, 46.0% in 2022, and reached an equal percentage with females at 50.0% in 2024.

By the end of last year, there were 1,469 senior government officials, with 210 (or 14.3%) being women. In the following level, known as Grade 3, there were 913 employees, 205 of whom (22.5%) were female. This marks the initial instance where the count of women in Grade 3 surpassed 200. The percentage of women within both the higher-level administrative positions and Grade 3 continues to grow each year.

Last year, the overall count of national government employees reached 764,336, reflecting a rise of 872 (or 0.1%) compared to the prior year. This included 126 individuals holding appointed roles such as the President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, and deputy ministers; 183,778 regular public officials; and 580,016 personnel serving in specialized posts. Within these special categories, education-related staff formed the largest group with 364,106 members, followed by law enforcement officers with 144,547, firefighters comprising 67,071, diplomatic representatives totaling 2,194, and prosecutors amounting to 2,098.

Female employees made up 49.0% of the total number of national government workers, which amounts to 374,748 individuals. Between 2017 and 2019, the percentage of women surpassed 50%, but it decreased slightly to 47.9% in 2020 after firefighters—whose workforce typically includes more men—were transitioned into the category of national civil servants. Nevertheless, the share of females has risen each year thereafter.

Last year, 13,651 national government employees chose to retire voluntarily, encompassing both early retirees and those who resigned, marking a drop of 3,641 compared to 17,292 in the prior year. The Ministry of Personnel Management noted, "It is believed this outcome stems from collaborative initiatives aimed at improving workplace environments via better work-life integration and innovations in public sector culture, along with measures designed to boost compensation, like raising basic salaries and benefits for roles in practice, junior staff, and frontline officials."

Togaraseyi Projects: Crafting a Legacy of Excellence

Starting from modest origins, Togaraseyi Projects has grown into one of Zimbabwe's leading construction and design companies, consistently reinforcing its standing with outstanding craftsmanship, creativity, and top-tier professionalism.

Established in 2011 by business leader Christopher Tafadzwa Togaraseyi, the organization has gradually developed into a well-regarded entity within Zimbabwe's building industry, simultaneously extending its presence throughout neighboring regions and global areas.

Togaraseyi stated that the company's expansion has been fueled by a dedication to delivering high-quality services, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring client happiness even within a fiercely competitive sector.

"we didn't begin on a large scale, but we put in the effort to establish our place by offering dependable and high-quality services. By maintaining professional standards, focusing on details, and delivering projects excellently, we've created long-term connections with our customers and gained their confidence," he stated.

For many years, the company has subtly reshaped homes, businesses, factories, and public buildings, establishing itself as an offering of contemporary, long-lasting, and creative building options.

Their work has not escaped recognition.

The Togaraseyi Projects have been honored with over 25 regional and global accolades for their impact on construction, creativity, project execution, and sector benchmarks.

Lately, the firm's CEO, Christopher Togaraseyi, was honored with the Community Impact Construction and Design Innovation Prize during the Community Builders in Africa Awards taking place in Harare.

"Being an entirely homegrown company, we take pride in gaining acknowledgment at the local level, throughout Africa, and globally. These accolades signify outstanding performance, collaboration, and a well-defined plan for expansion," he stated.

The African Community Builders award followed quickly after Togaraseyi received recognition in the UK through a Global Excellence Outstanding Leadership in Infrastructure and Enterprise Award presented by the Leaders Without Borders Development Centre.

The organization was additionally acknowledged as an Up-and-Coming Multinational Enterprise due to its significant influence throughout Africa via superior project execution in architecture and building.

Additional acknowledgment was received at the Iconic Africa Awards, where Togaraseyi was recognized for remarkable accomplishment and distinguished leadership in contributing to Africa's economic growth and long-term sustainability.

"It was an honor to be acknowledged along with other African leaders driving meaningful progress for the continent. This kind of acknowledgment encourages us to keep improving quality and providing added value to our customers," he stated.

Currently, Togaraseyi Projects provides an extensive array of services, establishing itself as a full-service construction solution company.

The firm offers design and building services for homes, businesses, factories, and public facilities, providing options customized according to customers' financial constraints, daily living needs, and future expansion strategies.

Furthermore, the company delivers construction materials, offers machinery and transportation rental options, and provides earthworks services, land clearing, and supply of crushed stone.

Exclusive services involve building swimming pools, tennis and basketball facilities, water sealing, garden design, installation of ceilings, and contemporary interior decorations.

The company additionally offers consulting services including viability assessments, project development, financial estimation, and guidance during construction phases.

As the number of accolades increases and the range of projects expands, Togaraseyi Projects remains firmly established as one of Zimbabwe's top construction and design firms, guided by a mission to provide high-quality infrastructure and long-term benefits for its customers.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

SK Group Unveils AI Factory Plan in Japan

The SK Group intends to develop an advanced artificial intelligence-focused data center named 'AI Factory' in Japan. This represents the initial concrete plan of the SK Group to set up a cutting-edge AI data center abroad. The company aims to partner with NVIDIA to create top-tier AI systems within Japan, and at the same time, does not exclude Japan from being considered for further chip manufacturing plants.

During an interview with Nikkei in Tokyo on the 10th, SK Group CEO Chey Tae-won mentioned, "Our intention is to build an artificial intelligence-focused data center named 'AI Factory' in Japan, aiming for completion between 2028 and 2029."

The AI Factory denotes a data center specifically designed for artificial intelligence tasks, focusing on both model training and prediction using data. It leverages SK's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) along with NVIDIA's graphic processing units (GPUs) to deliver strong computing capabilities while reducing energy usage.

Earlier, SK had unveiled plans to establish the first AI factory in South Korea in 2027, aiming to scale up to the gigawatt (GW) level, and then broaden the operations across Asia. This interview indicated that Japan will serve as the initial international site.

As reported by Nikkei, the AI data center planned for construction in Japan will involve partnerships with domestic firms. Detailed talks are currently taking place with an aim to start functioning between 2028 and 2029.

Even though the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, the plant is anticipated to possess a power generation capability at the gigawatt level, comparable to the energy needs of a large urban center. SK is presently searching for potential locations that offer sufficient area and reliable electrical supply.

Chairman Chey stated that this data center will not merely assist Japanese businesses in boosting AI-driven efficiency but will also demonstrate SK's advanced chip technology.

In the meantime, Chairman Chey mentioned that the growth of the artificial intelligence sector is intensifying discrepancies between supply and demand for memory chips, referring to the chip scarcity as "a very critical issue."

He mentioned that SK is speeding up the increase in production capabilities. At present, the company is building the world's biggest semiconductor complex in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, aiming to finish the facility several years earlier than initially planned.

Chairman Chey also mentioned that should more expansion be required later, the firm might explore establishing manufacturing facilities abroad. On Japan, he noted, "It boasts a dense cluster of semiconductor equipment and materials firms, with all essential supporting systems available," describing it as a "highly promising location."