[SelectUSA] South Korean AI Security Startup StealCut Wins Top Honor at SelectUSA 2026

South Korean AI Security Startup StealCut Wins Top Honor at SelectUSA 2026

Dr. Han Ko Participates as Judge and Speaker at Major Global Investment Summit in Washington, D.C.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit, one of the world’s largest investment and startup conferences hosted by the United States Department of Commerce, was successfully held once again this year in Washington, D.C., drawing significant attention from global innovators, investors, and business leaders.

The summit brought together innovative startups, investment firms, economic development organizations, and government officials from around the world to discuss the future of advanced industries and international investment cooperation. Various programs focused on strengthening global business networks and promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) were held throughout the event.

In particular, Han Ko, President of USAKO Group, was officially invited to participate in the 2026 summit as both a Judge and Speaker. Dr. Han Ko evaluated and engaged with promising entrepreneurs and innovative companies selected from around the world, expressing strong optimism regarding the rapid growth potential and future vision of the global startup ecosystem.

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s summit was the top award won by South Korean company StealCut. Dr. Han Ko personally participated in the judging process and witnessed StealCut’s winning moment firsthand. Following the award ceremony, he conducted an interview with Lee Jung-hoon and praised the global competitiveness and innovation capabilities of Korean technology companies.

StealCut is an AI-based cybersecurity company developing advanced solutions designed to detect and protect users from the growing global threat of deepfake-related crimes and digital manipulation. The company specializes in real-time analysis and detection of manipulated images and videos, helping prevent cybercrime, misinformation, financial fraud, identity abuse, and other digital security threats.

During the interview, Lee Jung-hoon stated, “Deepfake technology is advancing rapidly, but at the same time, the social risks and potential for misuse are also increasing. StealCut is focused on providing trust-based AI security technologies that allow people to safely utilize digital content.” He also emphasized his desire to demonstrate the global competitiveness of Korean AI security technologies in the international market.

StealCut’s top award victory is being recognized as a strong example of how Korean companies’ technological capabilities and execution power are highly competitive in the global marketplace.

One of the core missions of the SelectUSA Investment Summit is to connect global innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders while supporting the growth of high-tech industries and international business expansion in the United States. During the summit, active investment discussions and global partnership meetings took place across various future-focused sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, and smart mobility.

Meanwhile, USAKO Group continues to play an active role in international investment and economic development while supporting Korean companies seeking expansion into the North American market and broader global partnerships.