Demonstration center for autonomous boast starts operation in southern port city

SEOUL -- A demonstration center for autonomous vessels was placed into operation in the southern port city of Ulsan, serving as South Korea's main intellectual hub for acquiring core self-saling technologies. Thanks to the development of artificial intelligence and super-fast processor chips, the global autonomous vessel market is estimated to reach $3.9 billion by the end of 2022. The market for self-sailing ships will grow at an annual average growth rate of 9.6 percent to re

November 3, 2022

BTS agency posts 7.6 percent drop in Q3 operating profit despite brisk sales

SEOUL -- Hybe posted a 7.6 percent drop in operating profit in the third quarter of 2022 amid predictions that next year's earnings rate will be worse due to the enlistment of BTS members who accounted for up to 65 percent of sales. The multi-label agency anticipates better earnings in 2024 thanks to the good performance of rookies and other artists. Hybe's consolidated third-quarter sales were estimated at 445.5 billion won ($313.9 million), up 30.6 percent from a year ago,

November 3, 2022

Researchers discover method to quickly cultivate microalgal strain for biofuel production

SEOUL -- A state-run research body in South Korea has discovered a method to quickly cultivate a microalgal strain from cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae, that can produce twice as much biofuel as other microorganisms due to rapid proliferation. The study opened the way for researchers to commercialize cyanobacteria-based carbon-neutral fuels. Biofuel can be produced from plants or from agricultural and industrial biowaste. The two most common types of biofuel are bioethano

November 3, 2022

WeMade attracts new investment from Microsoft and domestic investors

SEOUL -- WeMade, an online game developer that created "The Legend of Mir," a free-to-play fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game, has attracted strategic investment from Microsoft and two other domestic investors, shaking off skepticism among individual investors over its aggressive push for the establishment of a digital economy platform. WeMade said it has secured a fund of 66 billion won ($46 million) from Shinhan Asset Management, Kiwoom Securities and

November 3, 2022

Researchers develop AI voice recognition tech capable of understanding 24 languages

SEOUL -- South Korean researchers have developed a conversational artificial intelligence technology that can understand up to 24 languages including Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. The AI can recognize voices in different languages and convert conversations into texts. The technology can be used for AI assistants, AI tutors, and other AI-based services. Voice recognition technology led by global tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, is widely used. Smart te

November 3, 2022

Doosan Enerbility's subsidiary in Vietnam to supply substructure for Orsted's offshore windfarms

SEOUL -- Doosan Vina, the Vietnamese subsidiary of Doosan Enerbility, a power plant equipment manufacturer in South Korea, will supply a substructure for offshore windfarms to Orsted, a Danish power company involved in major offshore wind power projects in the world. Monopiles will be supplied for Orsted's offshore wind power projects in Southeast Asia and Europe. Doosan Enerbility said that a business agreement was signed between Doosan Vina and Orsted on the sidelines of a sus

November 3, 2022

Researchers develop mouthpiece-type LED oral cleaning device capable of alleviating gum inflammation

SEOUL -- Researchers developed a mouthguard-like light-emitting diode-based oral care device to provide personalized care services depending on the oral structure. The smart care device is capable of controlling the amount of light required to remove harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the inflammation of gums caused by bacterial infection. It is difficult to completely remove germs just by using a toothbrush. Excessive toothbrushing can also generate side effects such as gum

November 2, 2022

Hanwha Systems clinches contract to provide thermal optic aiming devices for K15 light machine guns

SEOUL -- Hanwha Systems, a key defense contractor affiliated with South Korea's Hanwha Group, has clinched an arms contract worth about 160 billion won ($113 million) to provide thermal optic aiming devices for K15 light machine guns. It is equipped with telescope sight so that users can quickly aim and shoot day and night. Under a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a state arms procurement body controlled by the defense ministry, Hanwha Systems

November 2, 2022

Naver Cloud builds real-time subway train monitoring platform in southern port city

SEOUL -- Naver Cloud, a cloud computing service wing of South Korea's top web portal operator, commercialized a smart inspection platform for subway trains in the southern port city of Busan. The platform collects operation data and stores it in a cloud environment to predict possible malfunctions and take proper action. The condition-based maintenance (CBM) platform for the real-time monitoring of trains' operation data can communicate with drivers and make quick decisions

November 2, 2022

Two Koreas locked in unprecedented exchange of intimidating missile shots

SEOUL -- An unprecedented exchange of intimidating missile shots into imaginary targets near territorial waters ratcheted up cross-border tensions on the Korean peninsula, with both sides flexing their muscle with pledges of strong retaliatory action that could lead to a limited conflict at any time like North Korea's artillery attack on South Korea's front-line island in 2020. South Korean fighter jets fired three air-to-surface missiles into high seas north of the eastern

November 2, 2022