U.S. to reassess environmental permit for Hyundai's Georgia EV plant: report

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - The U.S. federal agency Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to reevaluate the environmental permit for Hyundai Motor's 10 trillion won ($7.6 billion) electric vehicle (EV) plant in Georgia, following concerns raised by environmental activists, AP News reported on Monday. The decision comes after the Army Corps initially deemed the plant's water usage impact as "negligible." The reassessment was prompted by a proposal from Georgia envi

August 27, 2024

OPINION: How US military planning has shifted away from fighting terrorism to readying for tensions and conflict with China and Russia

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - President Joe Biden's recent approval of a major shift in U.S. nuclear weapons strategy highlights the attention the country's national security officials are paying to Chinese ambitions for influence in the world. As changes emerge in the types of threats facing the U.S., the American military adjusts its strategic focus, budgets and planning. For instance, after 9/11, the U.S. military refocused away from its Cold War emphasis on preparing fo

August 27, 2024

PHOTOS: New craft art awards launched in Seoul

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - The inaugural Seoul Yoolizzy Craft Award, honoring pioneering Korean contemporary craft artist Yoolizzy, was held Monday at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Kang Suk-ken won the grand prize with "Language of the Earth” in the ceremony attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and other dignitaries. The works of the 20 finalists will be on display in a commemorative exhibition from Aug. 27 to Oct. 3 at the museum.

August 26, 2024

Probe finds two Samsung workers exposed to high levels of radiation

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) – Two Samsung Electronics employees were exposed to radiation levels up to 188 times the annual safety limit during an incident at the company's plant in May, the nuclear safety authorities said Monday. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) unveiled the interim results of its investigation into the incident during a session of the parliamentary science and technology committee. The incident occurred on May 27 at Samsung's Gih

August 26, 2024

Korea enhances security reviews for foreign investments

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - The Korean government will tighten control over foreign investments deemed to pose national security risks and involve cutting-edge domestic technologies, officials said Monday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that a revised enforcement ordinance of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act will take effect Tuesday to better protect national security and domestic tech companies. Under the new rule, authorities can conduct ex officio

August 26, 2024

HD Hydrogen acquires Finnish fuel cell tech firm Convion

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE) said Monday its subsidiary, HD Hydrogen, has acquired Finnish fuel cell specialist Convion Oy for about 72 million euros ($80 million). Helsinki-based Convion, established in 2012, is a leading provider of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) technologies, which are considered crucial for hydrogen energy production and utilization. HD KSOE said the acqu

August 26, 2024

PHOTOS: K-Pet Fair held in Seoul

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - The K-Pet Fair 2024, a companion animal industry exhibition, wrapped up its three-day run at COEX in Seoul on Sunday. The event featured 245 booths operated by 150 companies, showcasing pet food, treats and supplies. It also offered visitors the opportunity to experience various activities designed for pets.

August 26, 2024

Kim Jong-un inspects test of new drones amid ongoing South Korea-US joint drill

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched a test of new drones and vowed to develop more such weapons to boost the isolated country's war readiness, state media reported Monday. "It is necessary to develop and produce more suicide drones of various types to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones," Kim was quoted as saying by Pyongyang's state-run Kore

August 26, 2024

Korea to require EV makers to disclose battery suppliers

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) – The Korean government will require all electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and importers to disclose their battery suppliers, and introduce an EV battery certification system in October, earlier than scheduled. The measures were announced following Sunday's meeting among high-level officials from the presidential office, relevant government branches and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to address growing safety concerns after a fire involv

August 26, 2024

Samsung enhances AI appliances with advanced voice control

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Samsung Electronics has upgraded its artificial intelligence voice assistant Bixby for its Bespoke AI appliances, enabling more intuitive voice commands. The new system can understand multi-intent instructions, maintain context across conversations and provide detailed product information through voice queries, the company said Monday. With the appliances comprehending and executing multiple tasks simultaneously, users can now issue complex commands li

August 26, 2024