Bridge Collapse in South Korea Claims Two Lives, Search Underway for Missing Workers

South Korea is grappling with its worst wildfire crisis on record, with at least 27 fatalities and extensive destruction reported in the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang. According to officials, the fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds, have burned over 36,000 hectares, displacing around 37,000 residents. The country's disaster chief, Lee Han-kyung, declared the event a stark reminder of the severe realities posed by climate change. The wildfires, originating in Uiseong county, have outpaced previous fire disasters, exceeding the 23,913 hectares scorched in the 2020 wildfire. Responding to the emergency, the military has deployed resources to support firefighting efforts, with over 9,000 personnel and approximately 120 helicopters mobilized. The situation remains critical, with several historical sites, including two UNESCO World Heritage locations, under threat. Experts attribute the rapid spread to a combination of extremely low rainfall and climate change, which has intensified the region's dry conditions. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that last year was the hottest on record, further contributing to the wildfire risks faced by the country.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a self-learning memristor that could enhance neuromorphic computing and aid in replicating human brain functions. This chip, which can learn from errors, may allow artificial intelligence (AI) systems to perform tasks locally with improved energy efficiency and privacy, as revealed in a study published in Nature Electronics. Historically conceptualized by American engineer Leon Chua in 1971, memristors function as "memory resistors" and simulate synaptic activity in the brain. KAIST's recent advancement enables the chip to separate moving images from backgrounds and become more proficient over time. Researchers Hakcheon Jeong and Seungjae Han emphasized that this technology mimics the brain's efficient processing, likening it to a streamlined workspace. In tandem with its memristor innovations, KAIST has also unveiled its first AI superconductor chip, capable of high-speed processing while consuming minimal power. While these developments inch closer to creating a brain-on-a-chip, experts caution that such advancements do not equate to machines achieving comprehensive human-like intelligence.

Han Jong-hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, passed away on March 25 at the age of 63 due to cardiac arrest. His death was confirmed by a company spokesperson, who stated that he was hospitalized at the time. Han led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division, while co-CEO Jun Young-hyun managed their chip business. Having joined Samsung nearly 40 years ago, Han had a significant impact on the company, especially in the TV sector. He became vice-chair and CEO in 2022. Recently, however, the company has struggled with declining earnings and market share, particularly in advanced memory chips and smartphone sales, currently trailing behind competitors like Apple. According to reports, shareholders expressed concerns over Samsung's performance during a recent meeting, especially in light of the booming demand for AI-related products. Han was expected to participate in Samsung's upcoming launch event for new home appliances the day after his passing. A successor for his position has not been announced.