Seoul National University left 41.4% of its science and engineering graduate programs under-filled over five years, while HD Hyundai expands into AI data center engines. AI drew 48 applicants for 11 seats while basic science programs struggled, as students weigh quick corporate pay against long doctorates.

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai's first-half operating profit rose 187.0% on record results, driven by engines for AI data center power. Separately, the startup minister backed Daejeon as a model startup city, and the president asked for a productive public jobs program.

Sources: - Even Seoul National University Avoids Basic Science: 4 of 10 Graduate Programs Under-Subscribed — Seoul Economic Daily, Oct 15, 2026 - Beyond Shipbuilding to AI Data Centers and Nuclear: HD Hyundai Widens Its Growth Axes — Seoul Economic Daily, Oct 15, 2026 - Startup Minister Lee: "We Will Make Daejeon a Startup City Success Story" — Seoul Economic Daily, Oct 15, 2026 - U.S. Humanoid Leader Agility Robotics Is Coming: Will Robot Stocks Brighten? — Seoul Economic Daily, Oct 15, 2026 - President Lee Orders Review of Productive Public Jobs to Address Job Losses and Polarization — Seoul Economic Daily, Oct 15, 2026 About AI PRISM: AI PRISM is Seoul Economic Daily's WAN-IFRA award-winning newsroom AI series, delivering Korean economic news adapted for global audiences.

Episodes are produced with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor. Tags: #GraduateSchool #HDHyundai #StartupCities #HumanoidRobots #KoreaJobs #KOSPI #AIPRISM #SeoulEconomicDaily #WANIFRA