As the logistics environment in the Middle East rapidly worsens due to the aftermath of military clashes between the United States and Iran, warning signs have appeared for South Korea’s K-food export strategy.In particular, as the Strait of Hormuz—often called the “artery of global logistics”—has been blocked, concerns are growing about rising oil prices and maritime shipping costs. In response, Korean food companies are preparing countermeasures such as changing transportation routes or seeking ways to reduce costs.According to industry sources on the 5th, the international maritime transport environment has become unstable as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun controlling the Strait of Hormuz. With rising global oil prices and fluctuations in the Korean won–U.S. dollar exchange rate occurring simultaneously, there are concerns that the profitability of Korean food companies’ exports may face greater pressure.Samyang Foods, which has gained global popularity with its Buldak Spicy Noodles, is considering a detour shipping method that passes through the nearby country of Oman instead of the existing sea transport route. A combined logistics approach that integrates sea and land transportation is also being discussed as an alternative.Samyang Foods has previously responded to logistics disruptions in the Middle East. In 2023, when tensions in the Red Sea made passage through the Suez Canal difficult, the company continued exports by using a detour route around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. A company official expressed concern, saying, “If Middle Eastern shipping routes are halted due to the war’s aftermath, there is a possibility that European routes could also be affected.”Samyang Foods currently exports products to around 10 Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and last year its sales in the region amounted to approximately 66 billion won.Other food companies are also preparing countermeasures. Dongwon Group is considering reducing other costs, such as production and distribution expenses, to prepare for rising logistics costs. A company official explained, “There is a possibility that both fuel costs and domestic and international logistics costs could rise simultaneously, making cost management very important.”Daesang is also closely monitoring the situation, believing that if instability in the Middle East continues for a prolonged period, adjustments to its global business strategy may become inevitable. The company stated, “Rising oil prices and logistics costs are somewhat expected trends,” adding that it will determine its response after observing future market conditions.Nongshim and Ottogi, which are pushing to expand in the Middle Eastern market, are also preparing response strategies for different scenarios. Nongshim plans to expand both online and offline marketing this year to target the Middle Eastern market, and recently held a Shin Ramyun snack pop-up event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, the company explained, “We will flexibly adjust our response strategy depending on variables such as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz or sharp increases in oil prices.”Ottogi, which is still in the early stages of entering the Middle Eastern market, flexibly review its future export expansion strategy in line with regional conditions.▶원문 기사: 호르무즈 막히자 K푸드도 흔들…중동 수출길 ‘빨간불’ ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

Chinese electric vehicles are increasingly disrupting the Korean market, led by BYD. The company recently launched its fourth electric vehicle model in Korea), the compact hatchback Dolphin, priced in the 20-million-won range, significantly lowering the entry barrier to EV ownership and effectively reigniting a price war in the sector.BYD’s strategy extends beyond a single product release. BYD Korea has set a target of surpassing 10,000 units in annual sales while simultaneously pursuing price reductions, lineup expansion, and the construction of sales and service infrastructure. Industry observers note that BYD is emerging not merely as a low-cost import brand, but as a variable capable of reshaping the structure of Korea’s EV market itself.Challenging the Perception That EVs Are ExpensiveBYD is attempting to overturn the long-held perception that electric vehicles are inherently expensive by centering its sales strategy on value for money.The company’s Korean lineup is organized across multiple price segments. The first model introduced domestically was the compact electric SUV Atto 3, starting at 31.5 million won, placing it in direct competition with entry-level domestic EVs.Its primary rivals include Hyundai Motor’s Kona Electric and Casper Electric, as well as Kia’s Niro EV and EV3. Because these vehicles share similar segments and overlap in effective purchase price after subsidies, they are frequently compared by consumers. Relative to competitors, the Atto 3 is widely considered to have strong price competitiveness.For comparison, the Kona Electric starts in the low-40-million-won range, the Niro EV in the high-40-million-won range, and the EV3 in the high-30-million-won range. Although grouped in the same compact electric SUV category, the Atto 3 maintains a relative pricing advantage.Expanding the Lineup: Sedan and Midsize SUVBYD next introduced the midsize electric sedan Seal, priced from 39.9 million won. After testing market response with a compact SUV, the company broadened its lineup, indicating a recognition that a single segment would limit brand expansion.Major competitors include Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq 6, priced around 50 million won, and Tesla’s Model 3, starting at 41.99 million won. The Seal is therefore positioned at a comparatively lower price point.The subsequent launch of the midsize electric SUV Sea Lion 7, starting at 44.9 million won, effectively completed BYD’s core lineup in Korea. Competing models include Tesla’s Model Y, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, and Kia’s EV6. Its starting price is lower than the Model Y and Ioniq 5 and similar to the EV6.Aiming for the “10,000-Unit Club”The model expected to drive BYD’s entry into the 10,000-unit sales benchmark is the Dolphin. As brand recognition ultimately depends on visibility and sales volume, a mass-market model is essential.Among BYD vehicles, the Dolphin most aggressively emphasizes price competitiveness. Rather than targeting a niche segment, the compact hatchback focuses on lowering the barrier to EV adoption itself.At its 20-million-won price level, industry analysts expect it to attract first-time EV buyers, urban commuters, second-vehicle purchasers, and downsizing consumers. Achieving the 10,000-unit goal will require generating high transaction volume in mainstream price ranges. Rapid Infrastructure ExpansionBYD is also accelerating infrastructure development. Within one year of entering Korea, the company has established 32 showrooms and 16 service centers. By year’s end, it plans to expand to 35 showrooms and 26 service centers.The strategy aims to build the image of an easily accessible brand nationwide. Service center expansion is also a preemptive response to potential issues commonly faced by new imported EV brands, such as long repair wait times and parts supply delays.Beyond Low Price: Building Service CredibilityBYD emphasizes that infrastructure expansion is not merely quantitative but qualitative. The company provides specialized training in high-voltage systems, battery management, and software updates, while adopting diagnostic equipment and service manuals identical to those used at headquarters. The goal is to ensure consistent service quality nationwide.Customer support will include consultation, test drives, financing guidance, periodic inspections, software updates, accident repairs, warranty extensions, roadside assistance, and used-vehicle value management.Industry analysts interpret the strategy as an effort to establish BYD not simply as a low-priced EV maker, but as a trusted value-oriented brand.An industry official stated, “BYD appears focused on building recognition as a high-value electric vehicle brand rather than a ‘Chinese car’ brand. By significantly lowering the price barrier, it aims to become a leading force driving EV demand in the Korean market.”▶원문 기사: 가격 문턱 낮추는 BYD…첫 전기차 수요 정조준 ① ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

As a Nipah virus case with a fatality rate of up to 75% has been reported in India, nearby Asian countries are strengthening the quarantine alert. As it has been noticed that Korea will designate Nipah virus as Class 1 legal communicable disease, related stocks are rising. According to foreign press, it has been confirmed that two healthcare workers have been infected with the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India. Following that, nearby countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are strengthening border quarantine and inspection. Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease originating from bats and can infect both humans and animals. It was first found in 1988 at a pig farm, so it is named after the region where it was found. The known infection routes are: direct contact with infected bat or pig, consumption of contaminated date palm sap from bodily fluid of bats, and close touch with patients. The incubation period ranges from 4 days to up to 3 weeks, after the primary symptoms like fever, headache, or muscle pain, it could be deteriorated as neurological symptoms or encephalitis. There is no confirmed treatment or vaccine until now. However, the foreign press assessed that although the Nipah virus is highly fatal, the spread between humans is limited, so it has low opportunity to become a large-scale pandemic like Covid19. They analyzed that besides the region that primary infection takes place in, the danger of general public infection is relatively low. In Korea, Nipah virus is going to be designated as a class 1 legal communicable disease. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has approved the agenda to designate Nipah virus as a class 1 legal communicable disease, after deliberation in the disease control and prevention committee. After the discussion with related agencies, this will be applied from the upcoming July. In response to the news, stocks related to testing kits and vaccines surged. According to Korea Exchange, stocks like Sugentech, GeneOne Life Science, LabGenomics, GeneMatrix, Seegen, and Access Bio were recently getting popular, even some of them recorded to reach the upper price limit. However, volatility seems to be increasing as profit-taking sales emerges, because of the short-term surge. The market expects the symptoms of re-spread of Covid19 starting from China and Hong Kong and the designation of Nipah virus as class 1 legal communicable disease have stimulated the investment sentiment. ▶원문 기사: '코로나보다 강력' 치사율 75% '방역 비상'…진단키트·백신株 '들썩' ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

Coca Cola had announced their quarterly results, which did not meet the expectations due to the spread of health trend, and the weakened customer consumption. While the demand for sweetened drinks had decreased, the sugar - free products had fastly grown, showing the change of customer spending patterns, clearly.Coca cola had announced on the 11th(local time), that fourth quarter - sales last year had increased by 2% compared to the same period a year before, reaching 11.82 billion dollarsSales have continued to increase, but the results had not achieved the market expectations. This result, that Coca cola hasn’t met the market expectation, was a first miss in about 5 years.The main reason for the weak sales is because of the decline in carbonated drinks’ demand. During the same time, total growth of sales had increased by 1%, and carbonated drink consumptions had shown overall weakness in major markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.Health policies and regulatory movements of the United States have also become a burden. Some states had begun to limit the purchase of carbonated drinks in food supporting programmes for low - income families, and concern over the health effects of sugar and corn syrup is growing. Mexico has also raised its sugar tax, strengthening the limitations of the consumptions.Analysis shows that spread of weight-loss drugs, inflation, tariffs, and other economic issues, have shrunk the traditional consumers of carbonated drinks. Coca Cola has introduced small sized products with lower prices, but this product also couldn’t increase the annual sales.However, drinks like zero sugar carbonated drinks, water, sports drinks, coffee, tea, have shown growth. In particular, Coca Cola zero has shown double - digit growth, showing that customers are more interested in products with a strong health image.In the market, this result of Coca Cola is seen as a change of customer consumption trend. Along with the strong health awareness, there are expectations that the competition of global drink market could be changed rapidly.▶원문 기사: "건강 바람에 탄산 흔들"…코카콜라, 5년 만에 실적 쇼크 ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

In the Ethiopian southwestern state, the international humanitarian medical aid organization, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has proposed a new emergency health project to ensure reliable emergency response as a consequence of several contagious diseases. A new emergency health project was started last year after identifying the lack of medical demand. In the Ethiopian southwestern state, more than 3 million people reside with frequent occurrences of malaria, measles, and cholera. Although main cities like Mizan in southwestern states are famous for forest, standing water often leads to increase in mosquito population and malaria. In addition to environmental factors, vulnerable medical accessibility enables regional society to be in health danger. With this project, MSF aims to establish proficient medical capacity and improve accessibility to free medical care by strengthening prevention of contagious diseases.Currently, MSF supports Jemu, Aday Ababa healthcare center, and Bachuma hospital. All actions will be cooperated with the government, also contributing to permanent improvement in resilience of all medical systems. Main actions include: establishing an IPC committee for regular coordination meetings, providing hygienic products and personal protective products, and improving the water supply environment with an installation of a system based on solar power. In Bachuman hospital, six isolation wards were prepared to safely manage infections. To improve emergency health care capabilities, essential medicines, medical supplies, and biomedical equipment are provided free of charge. Increase in workers of the Ministry of Health, regular accumulation of health data, and improvement in regional hygiene will be carried out simultaneously. Sayeed Aleem, Ethiopian MSF emergency coordinator said that “With the new project, MSF aims to reinforce reliable medical actions by solving limited accessibility of medical care and repeated health crises. We will also coordinate with the government to strengthen medical response.”▶원문 기사: 국경없는의사회, 에티오피아 남서부 주 신규 ‘긴급 보건 프로젝트’ 개시 ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 현 사회현상에 대해 학생들 시선에서 ‘왜’라는 질문을 갖고 직접 취재해 작성한 기획기사입니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단의 기획기사는 영문과 국문, 두 형태로 게재합니다. Imagine you could cure a terminal disease by just cutting a sequence of DNA. As science and technology are significantly developing these days, there are new medical technologies that have been created that enable the treatment of incurable diseases. One of the most prominent technologies is gene editing technology. The Gene Editing Technology That Cured Rare Disease: ‘CRISPR’The most widely used gene editing technology is CRISPR(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). It grabbed attention as American researchers saved the life of a baby who was born with a rare inherited disease. CRISPR technology even got the Nobel Prize as a ‘technology of genetic scissors’ that can cut out the problematic gene. CRISPR is a technology that detects the desired part of the gene and cuts, fixes, and changes it. Guide RNA (Ribonucleic acid) plays an important role by indicating where the technology should act. When Guide RNA matches with a certain DNA, Cas9(CRISPR Associated protein 9) cuts it. When the DNA is cut, the cells repair the damaged DNA. There are two ways to repair the DNA. Once the cut has been made, the cell uses two ways to recover. One way is called non-homologous end joining, which trims both ends of the gene and rejoins them. In the process, small sequences can be inserted or lost, so the DNA might lose its function. The other way is called homology directed repair, which adds desired sequence of DNA to replace the cut DNA. However, this is not suitable for gene editing because it doesn’t work for the cells that do not split and has low efficiency of editing. The process of DNA repair allows the gene to be eliminated, changed, or added so that a certain role of the gene can go obsolete or a new role can be applied. This can change or eliminate a problematic gene, so it is highlighted for the potential of it to suggest a new branch in inherited disease curation, and cancer treatment research. The first case of real usage of CRISPR was treating severe CPS deficiency of a 10-month-old infant called KJ. Severe CPS deficiency is a disease that can damage various important organs due to accumulated Ammonia. It can be cured by liver transplantation, but KJ was born with this illness, he got the gene edited for faster treatment. After 6 months of research, the medical staff came up with base editing, which is based on CRISPR and edits only the base sequence of the DNA. KJ received the treatment 3 times over February, March, and April. He remained healthy after the treatment but he needs long-term monitoring. More observations and research are needed for commercialization of gene editing but in the case of KJ, we discovered that CRISPR can successfully cure crucial diseases. How Should We Deal With Ethical ProblemsGene editing can enable restoring of genetic diversity of endangered animals, and developing new efficient treatments for various diseases such as cancer and genetic diseases. However, it also brings large and drastic change to nature and humanity, so many ethical problems can follow. To maximize the effect of gene editing for treating diseasesgenes would need to be edited at the embryonic stage. The problem is that we cannot ignore the possibility of errors in the process of editing the gene and recovering the cut gene. Even more, if the gene is problematic, the gene will pass on to the next generation, the problems caused by gene editing are irreversible. In the situation that it is not able to prove the safety, experts say it is immoral to edit the gene of embryos even with the prospective parents. Even if it is safe to edit the gene of embryos, it will cause even severe social problems. The rich will be able to choose the best gene of them and give it to their offspring, so the offspring can have the best appearance and intelligence possible. However, most of the people, who are financially not enough to afford the technology, will not even get the chance to choose the technology or not. Therefore, a specific group of people will overwhelm the others as they are born, and that will overturn the common belief that humans are born equally. The Need for Precise and Proper Regulation and AgreementsClear regulation and international agreement are needed to use gene editing technology safely and ideally. International conferences with scientists, ethicists, and other experts would be strongly helpful for the most executable, sustainable, and ideal guidelines. It is not simple to make the absolute rule that everyone agrees and sustain it. Nevertheless, ethics are the social norm that keeps human being true human, so it is important to apply them to science in order to keep the peace and handle the technologies in the fast-developing modern era. It is obvious that gene editing technology will bring humanity massive benefits. We just need countermeasures for the ethical conflicts it can cause and for the countermeasures, we need choice and focus to give up on the parts that are unethical and difficult to execute. I am looking forward to the great development in the medical system that correct usage of gene editing technology will bring.

◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 현 사회현상에 대해 학생들 시선에서 ‘왜’라는 질문을 갖고 직접 취재해 작성한 기획기사입니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단의 기획기사는 영문과 국문, 두 형태로 게재합니다. 만약 당신의 DNA를 조작해서 불치병을 고칠 수 있다면 어떤 선택을 할 것인가? 과거에는 치료가 불가능 했던 불치병들도 완치시킬 수 있는 의술들이 개발되고 있다. 그 중 각광받고 있는 의술 중 하나는 유전자 편집 기술이다.희귀병 치료한 유전자 편집기술 ‘CRISPR’현재 가장 널리 사용되고 있는 유전자 편집 기술은 CRISPR(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats·크리스퍼)이다. 지난해 미국 연구진이 이 기술을 통해 희소 유전질환을 갖고 태어난 아기의 생명을 구해 화제를 일으켰다. CRISPR 기술은 결함이 있는 유전자를 잘라낼 수 있는 ‘유전자 가위 기술’로 2020년 노벨상을 받기도 했다. CRISPR은 한마디로 유전자의 원하는 부분만 골라서 자르고, 고치고, 바꾸는 기술이다. CRISPR기술에서 어디를 자를지 알려주는 역할을 하는 것은 가이드RNA(리보핵산, ribonucleic acid)다. 가이드RNA가 특정 DNA의 위치를 찾으면 Cas9단백질이 그 지점의 DNA를 잘라낸다.Cas9단백질이 실제로 DNA를 자르는 가위역할을 하는 것이다. DNA가 잘리면 세포는 손상된 DNA를 복구하려고 한다. 세포가 DNA를 복구시키는 방식은 2가지로 나뉜다. 첫번째 방식은 잘린 DNA의 양 끝을 다듬어 이어붙이는 비상동말단연결이다. 이 과정에서 주변에 작은 서열이 삽입되거나 결실되어 유전자가 기능을 잃을 수 있다. 두번째 방식은 동형방식수선으로 원하는 서열의 DNA를 붙여 잘린 DNA를 대체하는 방식이다. 이 방식은 분열하지 않는 세포에는 작용하지 않고 유전자 교정 효율이 낮다. 이렇게 DNA복구 과정에서 유전자를 삭제, 수정하거나 새로운 유전자를 삽입해 특정 유전자의 기능을 제거하거나 원하는 유전자를 도입할 수 있다. 문제가 있는 유전자를 없애거나 새로운 유전자로 바꿀 수 있기 때문에 유전병 치료, 암 치료 연구에 획기적인 도움을 줄 수 있는 기술로 각광받고 있다. CRISPR 기술을 사용한 첫 사례는 2025년, 미국 펜실베니아주에서 KJ 멀둔이라는 10개월 영아의 중증 CPS 결핍증을 치료한 것이다. ‘중증 CPS 결핍증'은 암모니아가 체내에 축적돼 주요 장기를 훼손할 위험이 있는 치명적인 병이다. 태어날 때부터 이 질환을 가지고 태어난 멀둔은 간이식을 통해서도 치료할 수 있지만 결국 유전자 치료를 선택했다. 의료진들은 6개월간의 연구 끝에 CRISPR를 바탕으로 한 DNA의 염기서열을 집어 교정하는 염기 편집 기법을 사용했다. 2025년 2월, 3월, 4월 총 3차례에 걸쳐 약을 투여받은 멀둔은 건강한 상태다. 하지만 의료진들은 장기적인 모니터링이 필요하다고 전했다. 유전자 치료가 상용화되기까지는 아직 관찰이 더 필요하지만 이 사례를 통해 CRISPR가 성공적으로 치명적인 병까지 치료할 수 있다는 걸 확인할 수 있다.윤리적, 도덕적 문제… 어떻게 풀어나가야 하나유전자 편집은 멸종 위기에 처한 동물의 유전적 다양성을 복원하고 유전병이나 암같은 다양한 질병의 새롭고 더 효과적인 치료법을 개발하는데 큰 도움이 될 것이다. 그러나 유전자를 편집하면 인류와 자연에 광범위하고 중대한 변화를 일으킬 수 있기 때문에 여러 윤리적, 도덕적 문제가 따를 수 밖에 없다. 우선 유전자 편집의 주 목적인 병 치료의 효과를 극대화하기 위해서는 배아 상태에서 유전자를 편집해야한다. 그런데 이 부분에서 윤리적 문제가 발생한다. CRISPR로 목표한 유전자 부위만을 자른다고 하지만, 편집의 오류를 배제할 순 없다. 편집 후 잘린 부분을 수정하는 과정에서의 오류도 생길 수 있다. 때문에 배아 세포 편집의 안전성을 입증할 수 없다. 또한 문제가 생긴 유전자는 계속해서 유전될 것이기 때문에 되돌릴 방법이 없다. 이러한 상황에서 예비 부모만의 동의로 유전자 편집이 진행되는 것은 윤리적으로 어긋난다는 것이 전문가들의 지적이다. 만일 배아상태에서의 편집이 가능해진다하더라도 이는 더욱 큰 사회적 문제를 낳을 것이다. 부를 가진 사람들은 자신의 자식들의 유전자를 편집해서 가장 좋은 유전자만을 물려줄 것이다. 한마디로 부자들의 자녀들은 가능한 한 가장 완벽한 외모와 지능을 갖게 되는 것이다. 그러나 경제적 형편이 되지 않는 사람들에게는 이런 선택의 기회조차 오지 않을 것이다. 그렇다면 특정 집단은 날 때부터 다른 이들을 압도하게 될 것이고, 이는 인간은 모두 평등하게 태어난다는 통념을 송두리째 바꿔놓을 것이다.명확하고 올바른 국제적 협약, 규제 필요유전자 편집 기술을 안전하고 올바른 방향으로 사용하기 위해서는 국제적 협약과 명확한 규제가 필요하다. 가장 실행 가능하고 이상적인 가이드라인을 위해서는 각국의 과학자들과 윤리학자들, 또 여러 분야의 전문가들이 함께하는 깊고 실용적인 회의가 하루 빨리 이루어져야한다. 세계 여러 나라들이 저마다 다른 문화와 이념을 갖고 있기에 모두가 동의하는 정확한 선을 정하고 이를 지속하는 것이 쉽지 않을 것이다. 그럼에도 불구하고 윤리란 인간을 인간답게 하는 사회적 규범이기에 이를 과학에도 적용하기 위해 노력하는 것은 반드시 필요하다. 그것이 빠른 속도로 발전하는 현대 시대에 인류가 평화를 유지하고 기술들을 감당할 수 있는 길이라고 생각한다. 유전자 편집 기술은 우리에게 많은 득을 가져올 새로운 발명인 것은 확실하다. 하지만 이것이 불러올 윤리적 갈등에는 대책이 필요하다. 그 대책을 마련하기 위해서는 현실적으로 비윤리적부분은 포기하는 선택과 집중이 필요하다. 올바른 유전자 편집 기술이 가져다 줄 미래의 의학 시스템의 발전을 기대한다.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the artificial intelligence company xAI are reported to have entered the final-stage of negotiations for a merger. If completed, the deal would create a large-scale technology company that combines the space industry and AI, raising the possibility that Musk’s vision of a space-based data center could begin in earnest.SpaceX and xAI are both conducting what have been described as “advanced talks” about a merger of the two companies, and have also informed some investors of the plan, Bloomberg reported on the 2nd (local time).The merger could be announced as early as this week, though there is a possibility of it being delayed or falling through depending on the outcome of discussions.Musk, who serves as CEO of both companies, appeared to acknowledge the merger rumors through a post on the social networking service X (a.k.a. Twitter).After Aaron Burnett, CEO of aerospace investment firm Mach33, cited Bloomberg’s report and posted a message placing a handshake emoji between SpaceX’s mission, “explore the universe,” and xAI’s mission, “understand the universe,” Musk replied briefly, “Yes.”This was interpreted as indirectly admitting the merger discussions while expressing expectations that the combination of the two companies would generate synergistic effects.Previously, there had been an observation that SpaceX might merge with either xAI or Tesla, the electric vehicle company also led by Musk.However, a merger with privately held xAI is expected to be procedurally simpler than one with publicly traded Tesla.If SpaceX and xAI become a single entity, it could provide an opportunity for Musk’s push to develop a space data center business.SpaceX recently applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to launch up to one million satellites as part of its space data center plan.At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, last month, Musk mentioned that building solar-powered data centers in space would be the most efficient approach, predicting that the vision could become reality within two to three years.SpaceX is currently valued at $800 billion, and its market capitalization is projected to exceed $1 trillion (about 1,450 trillion won) after an IPO. As of November last year, xAI was valued at $230 billion (about 330 trillion won).▶원문 기사: 머스크, 스페이스X–xAI 합병 초읽기…‘우주+AI’ 슈퍼기업 나오나 ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

Apple’s decision to adopt Google’s large language model (LLM) “Gemini” instead of its own in-house artificial intelligence (AI) model was reportedly led by Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi. According to the U.S. IT-focused media outlet The Information, reported on January 22 (local time), Vice President Federighi instructed Apple to begin evaluating external AI models early last year after receiving reports on the voice assistant Siri. This directive dealt a fatal blow to Apple’s foundation model development team. As a result, many key members of the team, including team leader Luo Ming-fang, left Apple in July and moved to Meta. Fedrighi, who oversees software including operating systems (OS), is the most publicly recognizable Apple executive after CEO Tim Cook . He is well known for his energetic presentations filled with humor and action-movie-style performances at Apple events such as the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and new product launches. However, in his actual work, he is known to take a very conservative and cautious approach to his duties. For example, after reviewing a proposal from the development team to use AI to modify the iPhone’s home screen, he rejected the idea due to concerns about potential users’ confusion. He is also reportedly negative toward the view that Apple should offer salaries higher than those of top executives in order to recruit outstanding AI talent amid intense competition. In addition, The Information reported that concerns are growing among AI-related staff that Federighi’s restrictions on business travel could reduce opportunities to attend industry conferences. As a result, Apple's cautious approach to AI, which it has maintained so far, is expected to continue. However, separate from adopting the Gemini model, Apple is likely to continue developing “on-device AI” models that run directly on Apple devices.Apple has faced criticism for being an “AI latecomer,” as companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft (MS) have poured massive budgets into AI development while Apple kept its AI spending limited. Apple also replaced its AI chief, John Giannadrea, early last year as AI features such as “Apple Intelligence” and Siri, announced in 2024, failed to meet market expectations or were delayed. On January 12, Apple officially announced that it had adopted Google’s Gemini as the foundation model for its AI system. ▶원문 기사: 애플, 자체 AI 접고 구글 '제미나이' 택했다…배후엔 페더리기 부사장 ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.

OpenAI will implement advertisements in ChatGPT in the U.S., within a few weeks. As Google and Entrophy’s competition intensifies, OpenAI plans to fund part of the massive investment needed for ChatGPT upgrades through advertising.Through official statement of OpenAI on 16th (KST), OpenAI revealed that they will start to test run ChatGPT advertisements in the USA first and will spread the range gradually.Based on OpenAI, the advertisement is separated from the ChatGPT’s reply, and is exposed with a clear advertisement label under the reply. For instance, if the user inquires about a New York travel plan, the same ChatGPT reply from the previous one will be given, and then the user can be exposed with the ad of related hotels together. The company emphasized that the advertisement has no effect on ChatGPT’s reply context.Open AI application CEO, Fidji Simo claimed in her blog announcing the ad implement, that “numerous users are depending on ChatGPT on private and important problems”, and that “even if the advertisement is implemented, it is important the most that it doesn’t damage ChatGPT’s value and reliance.”This advertisement will be primarily applied to logged-in free users and users using ‘Go’ plan. Go plan is a plan that is able to send more messages and generate images more than the ree version, and the service had started from the USA that day. On the other hand, there won’t be visible advertisements for Plus, Pro, and Enterprise subscribers. Open AI also revealed advertisement operation rules. The company doesn’t sell the user data, and ChatGPT and the users’ chat history to advertisers. The advertisers can’t check separate users’ age, location, their interest, etc, and can only receive collected performance indicators such as advertisement exposure and click numbers.The advertisement is shown based on the topic’s relatability, and some privatization datas may be used. However, the user can disable the data used for the advertisement, and in this case as well, ChatGPT’s other privatization features are kept unchanged. OpenAI explained that “the data used for advertisements can be deleted any time”.Advertisements related to sensitive topics such as politics, health, mental health, and more won’t be exposed. Moreover, in cases when the user is known as less than 18 years old, they won’t be shown.OpenAI suggested the possibility of developing the advertisement formation as well. Simo CEO said “chat-based interface can go over a simple message or link.” and “the method to ask needed questions after seeing the advertisement, to decide buying the product is being checked.”This advertisement implementation is explained as action for profit model diversification in sudden user number increase. ChatGPT consists of more than 800 million weekly users, but most of them don't pay for the plan. After the establishment, Open AI holded about 64 billion dollars of investment, and the pressure of monetization is increasing during competing services such as Google, Gemini, and more.In the past, Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, had a cautious opinion towards advertisement implementation, but recently, he had mentioned that he will “someday try the advertisement.” Nevertheless, he said that the advertisement isn’t going to be the core profit for the company.Open AI said that they will “keep improving the advertisement method based on the user feedback” and “the rule to consider the user trust and experience as the first priority won’t change.”▶원문 기사: 이용자 수만 8억명 '챗GPT'...수익성 위해 '광고' 넣는다 ◆이코노미스트가 글로벌 차세대 경제 리더, 청소년 기자단 영 저널리스트와 함께합니다. 영 저널리스트 기자단은 프리미엄 경제지 이코노미스트, 논술 전문 기관 Ni 에듀케이션과 함께 주요 시사 이슈를 팔로우업하고 직접 기획, 취재, 기사 작성 활동을 하며 사회적 문제를 고심하고 해결 방안을 제시하는 과정을 경험하게 됩니다. 이번 기사는 영 저널리스트 기자단이 이코노미스트 기사를 영문으로 번역하며 이슈를 팔로우업한 기사입니다. 차세대 글로벌 경제 리더, <영 저널리스트 with 이코노미스트> 영문 기사는 매주 연재됩니다.