South Korea

실험실 벗어나 CES 장악한 ‘휴머노이드’…초기 주도권은 ‘중국’이 잡았다

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The global humanoid robot market entered a full-scale commercialization phase in 2025, with around 16,000 units installed worldwide. China accounted for over 80% of these installations, driven by rapid adoption in logistics, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. The top five manufacturers—AGIBOT, Unitree, UBTECH, Leju, and Tesla—dominated 73% of the market.

Shanghai-based AGIBOT, founded in 2023, emerged as the market leader with a 31% share by shipping over 5,000 units in 2025. Its success is attributed to high-quality manipulation datasets, an open-source strategy, and rapid product development, with deployments spanning hotels, entertainment, manufacturing, and logistics. Unitree secured second place with 27%, known for its dynamic motion control and self-balancing technology, highlighted at CES 2026 with its "G1" robot. UBTECH, third with over 5%, advances inter-robot collaboration using AI platforms, while Tesla entered the top five for the first time with about a 5% share, preparing for mass production of its Gen 3 model in 2026.

CES 2026 showcased multipurpose humanoid robots, signaling accelerated commercialization and capacity expansion focused in China. Products priced under $1,600 are boosting expectations for service-robot market growth, with some Chinese companies targeting consumer home models emphasizing affordability and human-friendly interaction. The Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, led by Unitree and AGIBOT, is rapidly spreading, improving maintenance and operational efficiency, and lowering the total cost of ownership to ease robot adoption.

The cumulative installations of humanoid robots are projected to exceed 100,000 units by 2027, with logistics, manufacturing, and automotive sectors comprising over 70% of annual installations. As production costs decline and technology matures, the humanoid robot industry is expected to make a significant leap forward after 2026.

환율 다시 1480원 눈앞…'약발 안 먹히는' 환율 정책, 실물경제 경고등

Newsis | Local Language | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

The won-dollar exchange rate is once again nearing the 1,480 won level despite government interventions, signaling diminishing effectiveness of current exchange rate policies. Since late last year, authorities have implemented various stabilization measures such as dollar sales from reserves, loosening financial regulations, strengthening market monitoring, and providing tax incentives to ease foreign currency demand. However, these efforts have not halted the upward trend of the exchange rate, which has rebounded after temporary declines following interventions.

Sustained high exchange rates pose significant risks to the real economy, including increased import costs that lead to higher consumer prices and rising operational expenses for companies heavily reliant on foreign currency payments. This situation is expected to strain ordinary households through increased costs for imports, overseas travel, education, and remittances. Economists suggest the ideal exchange rate to support economic stability lies around 1,300 won, far below current levels.

The government maintains that it is too early to evaluate the full impact of its measures, noting some initiatives are ongoing or phased and emphasizing a cautious, gradual approach. Officials also indicated potential use of macroprudential tools, such as stricter controls on foreign currency transactions by financial institutions, if instability persists. Experts, however, highlight the need for structural reforms that boost growth potential and industrial competitiveness to restore market confidence and achieve sustainable exchange rate stability. Without these medium- to long-term reforms, the won may remain vulnerable to future fluctuations.

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

President Lee Jae-myung's recent visits to Japan and China at the start of 2026 have received warm welcomes, underscoring South Korea's increasing geopolitical importance. His engagements included striking drums with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and taking a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, signaling strengthened diplomatic ties. These visits contrast sharply with those of former President Moon Jae-in, whose travels to China and Japan were marked by cold diplomatic receptions and limited engagement.

During his state visit to China from January 4th to 7th, President Lee was treated with high-level hospitality, including dining with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and meeting Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress. This stands in contrast to former President Moon’s visit nine years ago amid the THAAD conflict, which was marred by protocol issues, assaults on journalists, and a low-level official delegation. Moon’s visit was perceived as “humiliating diplomacy” due to these challenges and China's minimal showing of respect.

President Lee’s visit to Japan is also being compared to Moon’s brief 10-hour trip in May 2018. While Moon’s visit was mainly limited to attending a trilateral summit and included no additional engagements, Lee’s visit in 2026 was met with more substantial diplomatic and public interactions. Moon’s reluctance to deepen engagement with Japan, partly due to ongoing tensions following a Supreme Court ruling on forced labor compensation, contrasts with Lee’s proactive diplomacy.

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s extended visit to Japan in May 2018 is also highlighted as a point of comparison, emphasizing the deeper level of engagement with Japan seen in China’s approach compared to Moon’s brief visit. President Lee’s recent visits are viewed as part of a strategic effort to strengthen South Korea’s position amidst Sino-Japanese tensions, receiving what is described as “strategic hospitality” from both countries.