Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | In a unique competition where AI developed by university and graduate students piloted virtual F-16 fighter jets in aerial combat, a joint team named "Churak-Dorak-ida"—comprising students from Ajou University, Seoul National University, and POSTECH—was crowned the first "AI Pilot Top Gun" award. The Korea Aerospace University (KAU) held the finals for the "1st Korea Aerospace University President’s Cup 2026 AI Pilot Top Gun Challenge" on September 17 at the University's Electronics Building auditorium. The winning team, "Churak-Dorak-ida," received the Ministe
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced on February 13, 2026, that Korea’s information and communication technology (ICT ) exports in January totaled USD 29.1 billion, up 78.5 percent year-on-year. Imports rose 20.0 percent year-on-year to $14.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $15.0 billion. In January 2026, ICT exports posted the highest January total and year-on-year growth on record. The increase reflected expanding global demand for AI infrastructure and the ongoing shift toward higher-specification ICT devices. IC