[OPINION] The G7 and the Framework for Peace

KENOSHA -- Government leaders of the influential Group of Seven (G7) met in Japan during May 19-21. Last June, they gathered at the elegant Schloss Elmau, in picturesque Bavari

May 24, 2023

S. Korea postpones launch of homemade rocket due to technical problems

SEOUL -- South Korea has postponed the launch of Korea Space Launch Vehicle-II, nicknamed "Nuri," due to technical problems found about two and a half hours before launch. The science ministry said that a communication problem occurred between a computer that controls the low-temperature helium supply valves and its counterpart computer installed at the launch facility. The first Nuri carrying a dummy satellite was fired into space in October 2021 but it failed to put the

May 24, 2023

Researchers find dramatic weight change could increase mortality risk for middle-aged and older people

SEOUL -- Researchers have found that dramatic weight change could increase the risk of death for people aged 40 and older. The research team said those experiencing such changes of more than three percent of their total weight during a two-year period without any clear reasons are required to visit a doctor and thoroughly check their body. A joint research team consisting of endocrinologists at Samsung Medical Center and Daegu Catholic University Medical Center has confirmed the re

May 24, 2023

EU loosens regulation over exports of S. Korean instant noodles

SEOUL -- The European Union has decided to loosen regulations over imported instant noodle products, including South Korean instant noodles called "Ramyeon," by simplifying the safety verification process. Previously, the EU requested test papers that certify imported instant noodles do not contain residues of ethylene oxide and its metabolite 2-chloroethanol which could be found in soup powders of some products. Ethylene oxide (EO) is widely used as a fumigating agent fo

May 24, 2023

Seoul to use sewage gas to generate electricity

SEOUL -- Seoul will establish a 20-megawatt-hour fuel cell facility at a sewage treatment center to use biogas generated during the sewage treatment process for fuel cells' energy. The city will work with private companies to produce electricity capable of powering about 420,000 households every year. The facility will be installed at Jungnang Sewage Treatment Center in eastern Seoul by 2024, the capital city said, adding that the city has partnered with three companies -- Kore

May 23, 2023

Rookie K-pop girl band Fifty Fifty tops Billboard Global Excl. US chart with dance song Cupid

SEOUL -- Rookie girl band Fifty Fifty has topped Billboard's global chart through "Cupid," a disco song released in February 2023. The four-member band is the third South Korean group to top Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, after BTS and BLACKPINK. The single with relaxing vibes showcases the four members' strong feelings toward their crush. As of May 23, the music video for Cupid has garnered more than 65 million views on YouTube. Earlier this month, the grou

May 23, 2023

Domestic OTT service operator Wavve recapitalizes to accelerate global business operation

SEOUL -- In a bid to find a solution to expand the company's business operations to overseas countries, South Korea's domestic over-the-top service Wavve has attracted an investment of about 25 billion won ($19 million) from SK Square's American subsidiary through recapitalization. According to South Korea's fair trade watchdog, the domestic over-the-top (OTT) service market, estimated to stand at $1.9 billion in 2022, was led by Netflix, the world's largest OTT

May 23, 2023

Samsung Electro-Mechanics suffers inventory accumulation despite production cut

SEOUL -- Sales data showed that Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the electrical component maker in South Korea, was stricken by inventory accumulation despite the fact that the company made a bold decision in late 2022 to cut production. Samsung Electro-Mechanics mainly focuses on multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), printed circuit boards, and camera modules. The company is one of the top players in the global electric component market. The electric component maker's products are

May 23, 2023

Kolon Industries to develop food waste-based degradable plastic material technology

SEOUL -- Kolon Industries, a chemical and textile manufacturing company affiliated with South Korea's Kolon Group, will work with Paques Biomaterials, a Netherlands-based eco-friendly material startup, for the development of technology to mass produce food waste-based degradable plastic materials called "polyhydroxyalkanoates." Kolon Industries aims to secure resources and technology to produce eco-friendly materials in South Korea. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are pr

May 23, 2023

VR-based visual field impairment treatment solution designated as innovative medical device

SEOUL -- A virtual reality device capable of providing cognitive therapies for those with visual field defects caused by brain damage was selected as an innovative medical device by South Korea's public health watchdog. The solution called "VIVID Brain" increases the scope of vision by upgrading the brain's function to adapt depending on the external environment or experience. Patients with visual field loss are unable to see some areas of their visual space even

May 22, 2023