Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Safety must come before profits in deploying humanoids

The question facing Korean society is not when to introduce humanoids but how to control them safely. The foundation is not technological optimism but trust — public confidence that the technology can be safely managed.

2026-02-13

In observance of Serbian Statehood Day and Korean relations

Serbia’s emergence as the host of EXPO 2027 reflects our nation’s confidence, hospitality and readiness to contribute meaningfully to global conversations on culture, education, sport and human development.

2026-02-13

Takaichi’s ‘strong Japan’ and the changes it may bring

Korea has often viewed Japan as a model no longer worth following. That perception may need reconsideration. As Japan moves to redefine its industrial and security strategy, Korea may need to reassess its own priorities.

2026-02-13

The ‘giant wheel’ and a startup audition

Calling for “creative destruction” while tightening regulatory controls sends mixed signals. Rather than focusing on promotional events, policymakers may need to prioritize rebuilding the broader startup ecosystem.

2026-02-13

The key to AI policy is national absorptive capacity

To translate rapid technological progress into economywide productivity gains, structural reform is as urgent as investment in AI itself. This includes building stronger social safety nets and redesigning fiscal frameworks to support transition.

2026-02-13

Opposition leader misses chance to confront president directly

The episode highlights the widening gap between calls for cooperation and the realities of partisan confrontation. For the public, expectations that the ruling and opposition parties might use the meeting to seek bipartisan solutions have gone unmet.

2026-02-13

Chief justice’s warning on judicial reform deserves careful attention

Judicial reform is not a matter that can be approached from the perspective of political advantage or party strategy. It concerns the constitutional framework and the principle of separation of powers.

2026-02-13

Sharing tteokguk for Lunar New Year

Volunteers serve tteokguk, a traditional rice cake soup eaten during Seollal, the Lunar New Year, at a free meal center.

2026-02-12

In the AI era, ‘how’ fades and ‘why’ takes center stage

Organizations focused only on execution risk falling behind. Those that provide judgment, trust and value will endure. In this period of disruption, the winners will be those who design strategy, purpose and meaning.

2026-02-12

Four years into Russia-Ukraine war, drones and North Korea reshape the battlefield

In a contingency, South Korea must establish a joint air defense system capable of early detection, denial and interception of North Korean drone incursions, as well as immediate neutralization.

2026-02-12