LG Chem secures $18.8 bln deal to supply EV battery electrode material to General Motors

SEOUL -- South Korea's major chemical company LG Chem secured a nine-year deal worth 25 trillion won ($18.8 billion) to supply key materials for electric vehicle batteries to General Motors. The global automaker will receive more than 500,000 tons of cathode materials, enough for over five million electric vehicles with a range of 500 kilometers (310.7 miles) on a single charge. Along with anodes, cathodes are used to help the conduction of electricity through electrolyte mate

February 7, 2024

S. Korea smothers world with unique spicy 'K-sauce'

SEOUL -- "K-sauce," primarily renowned for traditional Korean condiments such as the spicy and sweet chili sauce "Gochujang," the spicy and salty bean paste "Ssamjang," and Korean sweet and a variety of spicy fried chicken sauces, is captivating food enthusiasts worldwide. This surge in interest can be attributed to the growing popularity of Korean cuisine, fueled by the global fascination with K-dramas and K-pop. According to customs data, South Kore

February 7, 2024

Pulmuone's plant-based protein snack 'Tofu Bar' garners explosive popularity in Japan

SEOUL -- South Korea's food company Pulmuone has recorded 2.16 billion yen ($14.6 million) in sales of plant-based protein snack "Tofu Bar" in Japan in 2023, marking a 241 percent increase from 2021. An average of 80,000 units of the high-protein food are sold daily at some 30,000 convenience stores in Japan including 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. The plant-based snack, which provides 10 grams (0.02 pounds) of protein per bar, was released in Japan in November 2020, throu

February 7, 2024

S. Korea succeeds in development of 155 mm extended-range artillery shell technology

SEOUL -- South Korea has succeeded in the development of a 155-millimeter diameter extended-range cannon artillery system. The technology, developed by domestic ammunition producer Poonsgsan, can increase the range of current projectiles by 30 percent or more. To extend the range, the 155 mm range extension project incorporated base bleed technology, designed for drag reduction of shells, and a rocket-assisted projectile. According to Poongsan, the existing range of about 40 kilom

February 6, 2024

Samik THK to commercialize muscle-assistive wearable robot 'Moonwalk-Omni'

SEOUL -- South Korea's state-run science and technology research institute has transferred technology for "Moonwalk-Omni," a wearable robot designed to increase the strength of elderly people's hip joints, to a domestic factory automation solution provider Samik THK. Starting in 2026, the company will mass-produce the robot targeting the healthcare market. The strength-assistance device weighing about two kilograms (4.4 pounds) can be easily put on by the elderly

February 6, 2024

Naver's streaming platform CHZZK to inject $3.7 mln to attract more content creators

SEOUL -- CHZZK, a video content streaming platform operated by South Korea's web service giant Naver, is preparing to open its purse to attract more content creators to its service. The new livestreaming platform's move is aimed at filling the gap created in South Korea's $4-million games livestreaming market, caused by the recent exit of Twitch, Amazon's video live-streaming service, from the domestic market. Game livestreaming services can be easily explained as

February 6, 2024

AI developer Upstage to provide on-device AI technology for LG Electronics' laptop

SEOUL -- South Korean artificial intelligence technology developer Upstage will cooperate with LG Electronics in on-device generative artificial intelligence solution that processes and computes information locally within the device, without relying on external cloud resources. Upstage aims to provide service for the conglomerate's signature ultra-lightweight laptop brand "LG Gram." An on-device software integrates AI functions into devices, removing the need for a s

February 6, 2024

Education ministry to help multicultural families and N. Korean defectors adapt to S. Korea through mentorship programs

SEOUL -- South Korea's education ministry will assist children with a foreign parent or young North Korean defectors in adapting to South Korean society through a special mentorship program involving university students. According to data released by the South Korean government, there are at least 1.1 million families with at least one parent from foreign background. Children from these families, also known as "multicultural families," sometimes find it challenging t

February 6, 2024

Le Sserafim's agency to seek new girl band through auditions in S. Korea

SEOUL -- BTS agency's record label Source Music will hold auditions to form a sister band of the label's multinational girl group, Le Sserafim. Regardless of nationality, females born after 2007 can apply for the audition, which seeks talented members in vocals, rap, dance, and other areas. The "2024 Source Music Audition" will take place in six cities in South Korea next month, starting in Seoul on March 2. The other five cities include the southern port city of

February 6, 2024

Samsung's leader Jay Y. Lee acquitted of 2015 merger case

SEOUL -- The leader of South Korea’s top conglomerate, Samsung, was acquitted in a merger case of Samsung C&T, a Samsung Group unit involved in trade, and Cheil Industries, the apparel and resort unit. The prosecution has claimed that the group's chairman conducted the 2015 merger for a stable succession of management rights. The Seoul Central District Court ruled on February 5 that there is no evidence to prove Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee's charges. The prosecut

February 5, 2024