News

Nintendo Switch 2 poised to exceed sales forecasts in 'biggest console launch of all time'

2025/06/05 10:00

Finally, Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 gaming console is poised to exceed initial sales forecasts as it prepares for its global release on June 5. The company projects sales of 15 million units by March 2026, but analysts suggest the number will exceed that. Pre-orders have sold out rapidly worldwide, with Japan alone receiving over 2.2 million applications. Despite the 449.99 U.S. dollar price point, consumers are enthusiastic about the Switch 2's enhanced features, including a larger LCD screen and improved processing power.

KAI signs $700 million deal to supply 12 additional FA-50 jets to Philippines

2025/06/04 20:00

Korea Aerospace Industries has signed a 700-million-dollar deal to provide an additional 12 fighter jets to the Philippines. According to the KAI, it struck a deal on Tuesday to provide the country with 12 more FA-50s through 2030. The country previously purchased 12 FA-50 jets in March 2014, and the customized version is currently considered a core asset of the Philippines Air Force. The latest FA-50 exports mark the first such deal in about two years, since a contract signed in May 2023 to supply 18 planes to Malaysia.

K-Correspondent_Korea's smart farm technology popularity on the grow in Middle East

2025/06/04 14:00

K-pop and K-dramas have gained significant popularity in the Middle East. But it's not only the interest in Korean culture, but also the interest in K-technology, including K-smart farm technology, that's been on the rise in this region. Let's find out more with today's "K-Correspondent" Kim Doehyung , researcher at the KOREATECH Technology Transfer Institute in Egypt. Hello Doehyung/ Mr. Kim! Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and what brought you to Egypt? Q2. How do you perceive the popularity of the Korean wave in Egypt right now? Q3. Apart from hallyu contents like K-pop and K-drama, we hear that there has been a quiet but steady growth in sectors like IT, construction and Korean food products. Tell us about the strengths in these less obvious areas. Q3-1. How are Korean companies being assessed? Apart from the superiority in technology, are there any other factors that result in positive perception of Korean brands in Egypt? Q4. We've heard that there's a lot of interest in K-smart farms in the Middle East. Smart farms may still be a little new to some people. Please tell us what they exactly are. Q5. How is K-smart farm technology being utilized locally right now? Are products being actually grown and sold? Q6. Are K-smart farms bringing more attention to Korean food culture and lifestyle? Do you see the potential in any changes in food trends stemming from these smart farms? Q7. Do you think smart farms could also play a role in promoting the overall image of Korea? Thank you Mr. Kim / Doehyung for connecting with us today. Thank you Walter as always. We'll see you back next week.

S. Korea's southern Jeju Island seeks to draw in digital nomads

2025/05/29 17:00

In other news. On the sidelines of the annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity a panel session was held on Wednesday to discuss ways for the southern island to better appeal to digital nomads. The session touched upon the experience of Estonia given its launch of a digital nomad visa back in 2020 to encourage remote workers to live in Estonia while working for foreign employers. Likewise Jeju is hoping to emerge as a productive digital nomad location here in Asia.

MADEX 2025 exhibition offers peek at the latest maritime defense technologies

2025/05/29 17:00

Busan is playing host to a trade show that has on display the latest technological advances to ensure maritime security. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung was there. A place to have a peek at South Korea's latest maritime defense technologies. The 14th edition of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition, dubbed "MADEX", kicked off Wednesday in the southeastern port city of Busan. Gathered were around two-hundred companies from 14 countries, as well as representatives from the naval forces of 29 nations. "I believe the innovative technologies showcased at this event will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of our Navy and greatly contribute to the expansion of K-Defense exports overseas." "One of the most interesting features of the four-day exhibition is the direct rivalry between South Korea's leading shipbuilders—HD Hyundai and Hanwha—whose booths are positioned directly across from each other." This, is a reminder of the fierce competition between two defense heavyweights, vying for Korea's next-generation destroyer, or KDDX, program. Aside from showcasing their own visions for the project to build six 6000-ton-class next-gen Aegis destroyers, the two giants offered more to enjoy. Hanwha's three defense affiliates established a joint booth together for the first time, presenting a way for the future when it comes to naval platforms, incorporating manned-unmanned integrated systems, and next-generation submarines targeting the global market. "In response to varying requirements from different countries—such as the exclusion of VLS or AIP systems—we are independently developing submarines equipped with lithium battery systems, enabling them to operate underwater for over seven days." HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also premiered a high-performance 6,500-ton-class frigate, to secure competitiveness in the global market, especially to meet the needs of advanced navies that primarily conduct anti-ship operations. "The frigates we are currently delivering domestically are smaller --at 3,600 tons. That is why we have independently researched and developed a new 6,500-ton class frigate capable of anti-ship operations." LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems, contenders for next year's naval combat USV development program, are also showcasing their own tech. The four-day event continues through Saturday, offering a glimpse into the future of maritime defense. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Busan.

MADEX 2025 exhibition offers peek at the latest maritime defense technologies

2025/05/28 20:00

A major event showcasing Korea's new maritime defense technologies has kicked off its four-day trade show in the city of Busan, where a rivalry between the country's leading shipbuilders caught the attention. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung has the highlights. A place to have a peek at South Korea's latest maritime defense technologies. The 14th edition of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition, dubbed "MADEX", kicked off Wednesday in the southeastern port city of Busan. Gathered were around two-hundred companies from 14 countries, as well as representatives from the naval forces of 29 nations. "I believe the innovative technologies showcased at this event will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of our Navy and greatly contribute to the expansion of K-Defense exports overseas." "One of the most interesting features of the four-day exhibition is the direct rivalry between South Korea's leading shipbuilders—HD Hyundai and Hanwha—whose booths are positioned directly across from each other." This, is a reminder of the fierce competition between two defense heavyweights, vying for Korea's next-generation destroyer, or KDDX, program. Aside from showcasing their own visions for the project to build six 6000-ton-class next-gen Aegis destroyers, the two giants offered more to enjoy. Hanwha's three defense affiliates established a joint booth together for the first time, presenting a way for the future when it comes to naval platforms, incorporating manned-unmanned integrated systems, and next-generation submarines targeting the global market. "In response to varying requirements from different countries—such as the exclusion of VLS or AIP systems—we are independently developing submarines equipped with lithium battery systems, enabling them to operate underwater for over seven days." HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also premiered a high-performance 6,500-ton-class frigate, to secure competitiveness in the global market, especially to meet the needs of advanced navies that primarily conduct anti-ship operations. "The frigates we are currently delivering domestically are smaller at 3,600 tons. That is why we have independently researched and developed a new 6,500-ton class frigate capable of anti-ship operations." LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems, contenders for next year's naval combat USV development program, are also showcasing their own tech. The four-day event continues through Saturday, offering a glimpse into the future of maritime defense. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Busan.

Increase in domestic mushroom varieties decreases royalties paid overseas

2025/05/27 17:00

A state-run agency has been committed to developing mushroom varieties here at home to ease the burden of royalties and to expand Korea's list of export items. Cha Yun-kyung has details. The Korean mushroom variety, Aram, which has recently begun to be exported to Southeast Asia, has a golden cap with a crisp texture. Even after it is fully grown, the mushroom cap does not spread and remains small, making harvesting and packaging easy. Rural Development Administration developed Aram in 2018, targeting markets in Asia. This contains more than twice as many antioxidants called polyphenols, 그리고 GABA, an amino acid which helps regulate nerve activity and relieves stress, similar to the white enoki mushroom. "We did pilot exports of Aram to Vietnam and Hong Kong, and we received lots of favorable comments, especially for its texture." The Seolwon variety, which is also called the King Oyster Mushroom, is also a domestic type that is getting attention with its chewy texture. It also has a bigger cap than regular Oyster mushrooms, so it is popular as a high-end cooking ingredient. So far, the number of mushrooms developed by the Rural Development Administration amounts to 53 varieties of Enoki, Button and Oyster mushrooms. Thanks to this, the localization rate of mushrooms rose 28-point-1 percentage points over 15 years from 35 percent in 2009 to 63-point-1 percent last year. The royalties paid in foreign countries have thus decreased by more than one-third. "As the varieties we've developed become available to farmers, they can now cut production costs. We can also save royalties paid overseas on a national level." The Rural Development Administration is planning to develop more high-quality mushrooms in the near future. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

S. Korea marks 1st Aerospace Day, Acting Pres. Lee Ju-ho pledges support for strategic tech

2025/05/27 17:00

South Korea marked its first Aerospace Day on this Tuesday as it seeks to make significant strides in space exploration. And amid the auspicious occasion acting President Lee Ju-ho attended a ceremony at the Korea AeroSpace Administration in Sacheon Gyeongsangnam-do Province to commemorate the first anniversary of the agency's founding. There he pledged full support for the development of reusable launch vehicles and ultra-high-resolution satellites while stressing the importance of public-private collaboration on the final frontier. Lee was also at the Korea Aerospace Industries today for talks with related experts.

Increase in domestic mushroom varieties decreases royalties paid overseas

2025/05/27 10:00

Up until around 10 years ago, South Korea relied on imports for a variety of mushrooms. However, Korea has now successfully localized mushroom production, even cultivating new varieties, and further reducing the burden of royalties paid overseas. Cha Yun-kyung tells us more. The Korean mushroom variety, Aram, which has recently begun to be exported to Southeast Asia, has a golden cap with a crisp texture. Even after it is fully grown, the mushroom cap does not spread and remains small, making harvesting and packaging easy. Rural Development Administration developed Aram in 2018, targeting markets in Asia. This contains more than twice as many antioxidants called polyphenols, 그리고 GABA, an amino acid which helps regulate nerve activity and relieves stress, similar to the white enoki mushroom. "We did pilot exports of Aram to Vietnam and Hong Kong, and we received lots of favorable comments, especially for its texture." The Seolwon variety, which is also called the King Oyster Mushroom, is also a domestic type that is getting attention with its chewy texture. It also has a bigger cap than regular Oyster mushrooms, so it is popular as a high-end cooking ingredient. So far, the number of mushrooms developed by the Rural Development Administration amounts to 53 varieties of Enoki, Button and Oyster mushrooms. Thanks to this, the localization rate of mushrooms rose 28-point-1 percentage points over 15 years from 35 percent in 2009 to 63-point-1 percent last year. The royalties paid in foreign countries have thus decreased by more than one-third. "As the varieties we've developed become available to farmers, they can now cut production costs. We can also save royalties paid overseas on a national level." The Rural Development Administration is planning to develop more high-quality mushrooms in the near future. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Starbucks to implement first kiosks in S. Korea and Japan

2025/05/26 10:00

Starbucks announced on Monday a plan to implement the coffee franchise's first self-order kiosks in select stores across tourist-heavy areas in South Korea and Japan. The kiosks are aimed at enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining the ordering process. In South Korea, the kiosks will debut at the Starbucks Korea branch in Myeong-dong, one of Seoul's most crowded shopping districts, visited by international tourists. Customers are expected to be able to use the machines as early as next month. Starbucks Japan is also set to implement kiosks at around the same time. Unlike Starbucks' traditional service model that emphasizes human connection, the technology aims to make ordering easier, while also appealing to 최소한의 상호 작용을 선호하는 고객들에게도 어필하는 것을 목표로 합니다.

From access to excellence: Gaming powerhouse S. Korea’s esports future

2025/05/23 19:00

In other news. The strategy of Korea's e-sport industry is to lower barriers and raise opportunities for all players with potential via inclusive competitions and more. Our Lee Eun-hee explores those events. This group of people are university students in their everyday lives,. but for this moment, they are the stars of the stage as gamers. The 2025 Gyeonggi esports Festival has kicked off at KINTEX, bringing together a diverse range of participants. This annual event strives to reshape the perception of esports, and make it an integral part of everyday culture by making it more accessible. This year, the introduction of a tournament for disabled players adds greater meaning to the event. It shares the message that regardless of physical limitations, everyone can connect and enjoy the experience of gaming. "I have an intellectual disability, which makes it hard to express my emotions. I joined this tournament because it features a game I'm familiar with, so I felt confident. Whatever the result, I try to accept it and move forward." "Being here on the ground, we can clearly see just how much interest people of all ages in South Korea, a global gaming powerhouse, have in a wide variety of games. But beyond the popularity, what's truly striking is the growing effort to nurture new talent in the gaming industry." Debuting this year, the 2025 Korean Esports League kicked off with Eternal Return matches at the festival and continues with competitions across the country including PUBG Mobile and FC Mobile tournaments. Hosted by the Culture Ministry and co-organized by the Korea Esports Association alongside leading game developers including KRAFTON and Nexon Korea, the league aims to strengthen the foundation of the country's esports ecosystem. With teams from 14 regions participating, the league runs through October, providing a platform for the next generation of esports stars, the future 'Fakers' of Korea. Coming up in June, the Global Esports Forum hosted by the Korea Esports Association will bring together international experts to discuss global standards in esports, with Korea leading the conversation and paving the way for rising talents to take the global stage. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

From access to excellence: Gaming powerhouse S. Korea’s esports future

2025/05/23 17:00

The strategy of South Korea's e-sport industry is to lower barriers and raise opportunities for all players with potential via inclusive competitions and more. Our Lee Eun-hee files this report. This group of people are university students in their everyday lives,. but for this moment, they are the stars of the stage as gamers. The 2025 Gyeonggi esports Festival has kicked off at KINTEX, bringing together a diverse range of participants. This annual event strives to reshape the perception of esports, and make it an integral part of everyday culture by making it more accessible. This year, the introduction of a tournament for disabled players adds greater meaning to the event. It shares the message that regardless of physical limitations, everyone can connect and enjoy the experience of gaming. "I have an intellectual disability, which makes it hard to express my emotions. I joined this tournament because it features a game I'm familiar with, so I felt confident. Whatever the result, I try to accept it and move forward." "Being here on the ground, we can clearly see just how much interest people of all ages in South Korea, a global gaming powerhouse, have in a wide variety of games. But beyond the popularity, what's truly striking is the growing effort to nurture new talent in the gaming industry." Debuting this year, the 2025 Korean Esports League kicked off with Eternal Return matches at the festival and continues with competitions across the country including PUBG Mobile and FC Mobile tournaments. Hosted by the Culture Ministry and co-organized by the Korea Esports Association alongside leading game developers including KRAFTON and Nexon Korea, the league aims to strengthen the foundation of the country's esports ecosystem. With teams from 14 regions participating, the league runs through October, providing a platform for the next generation of esports stars, the future 'Fakers' of Korea. Coming up in June, the Global Esports Forum hosted by the Korea Esports Association will bring together international experts to discuss global standards in esports, with Korea leading the conversation and paving the way for rising talents to take the global stage. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

Kia's EV3 receives highest ranking in safety evaluation

2025/05/23 17:00

In other news. Kia's EV3 has secured the highest safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Program, an independent evaluation authority. According to the South Korean carmaker on this Friday its EV3 model was awarded five stars for safety following an extensive assessment in four categories. These included adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road users and "safety assist". Just last month Kia's EV3 also won the prestigious title of 2025 World Car of the Year.

Korean SMEs showcase defense innovations at LIMA 2025

2025/05/22 20:00

In other news. Korea's defense companies, though smaller in scale, are presenting ambitious strategic solutions to bolstering security, from digital aircraft twins to anti-drone systems, at an ongoing regional showcase in Malaysia. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung reports. A Boeing 737's 3-dimensional landing gear appears, just by wearing a mixed reality headset. This, is one of many innovative products Korea's small and medium-sized companies have brought to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, LIMA, Southeast Asia's largest exhibition of this type. Situated within the booth of the integrated "Korean Pavilion" Augmented Knowledge offers a digital twin of aircraft by integrating AI-based paper manuals with 3D models. Currently being used by several institutions, the cloud service is already helping students learn aircraft maintenance more efficiently. With the innovation that makes paper manuals a legacy of the past, the company aims to open up new opportunities at LIMA 2025. "Malaysia offers relatively low labor costs and has a well-developed MRO industry. We're in contact with both companies like GE Aerospace and local schools, aiming to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia." Optical communications company FOSTEC, which is showcasing expanded beam connectors that are reliable for field use, is already producing cables used for Korean missile defense systems like "Cheongung." It now aims to explore more chances in the global market. "Our products are about 1/5 the cost compared to Amphenol and Glenair, with delivery times reduced by about half, while maintaining equal or superior quality standards." Also eyeing the Southeast Asian market is an anti-drone manufacturer, producing a system that integrates multiple functions into one. It can detect, operate jamming methods, disrupt the signals and spoofing, 그리고 send false GPS signals to mislead the drone to move to a different direction. "I've heard that many key officials from important agencies such as the Malaysian Air Force and police will be attending, so we hope there will be an opportunity to participate in bids with the Malaysian government." With strong government support behind them, Korean defense SMEs are taking a big leap into the global market. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.

Korean SMEs showcase defense innovations at LIMA 2025

2025/05/22 17:00

In other news. Korea's small and mid-sized defense companies are seeking to share their strategic solutions to bolstering security at an ongoing regional showcase in Malaysia. Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung reports. A Boeing 737's 3-dimensional landing gear appears, just by wearing a mixed reality headset. This, is one of many innovative products Korea's small and medium-sized companies have brought to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, LIMA, Southeast Asia's largest exhibition of this type. Situated within the booth of the integrated "Korean Pavilion" Augmented Knowledge offers a digital twin of aircraft by integrating AI-based paper manuals with 3D models. Currently being used by several institutions, the cloud service is already helping students learn aircraft maintenance more efficiently. With the innovation that makes paper manuals a legacy of the past, the company aims to open up new opportunities at LIMA 2025. "Malaysia offers relatively low labor costs and has a well-developed MRO industry. We're in contact with both companies like GE Aerospace and local schools, aiming to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia." Optical communications company FOSTEC, which is showcasing expanded beam connectors that are reliable for field use, is already producing cables used for Korean missile defense systems like "Cheongung." It now aims to explore more chances in the global market. "Our products are about 1/5 the cost compared to Amphenol and Glenair, with delivery times reduced by about half, while maintaining equal or superior quality standards." Also eyeing the Southeast Asian market is an anti-drone manufacturer, producing a system that integrates multiple functions into one. It can detect, operate jamming methods, disrupt the signals and spoofing, and send false GPS signals to mislead the drone to move to a different direction. "I've heard that many key officials from important agencies such as the Malaysian Air Force and police will be attending, so we hope there will be an opportunity to participate in bids with the Malaysian government." With strong government support behind them, Korean defense SMEs are taking a big leap into the global market. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.

Korean SMEs showcase defense innovations at LIMA 2025

2025/05/22 10:00

At LIMA 2025 in Malaysia, not just major defense firms but also SMEs are presenting their innovative solutions from digital aircraft twins to anti-drone systems, aiming to expand their footprint in the global defense market. Our Kim Bo-kyoung tells us more. A Boeing 737's 3-dimensional landing gear appears, just by wearing a mixed reality headset. This, is one of many innovative products Korea's small and medium-sized companies have brought to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, Southeast Asia's largest exhibition of this type. Situated within the booth of the integrated "Korean Pavilion" Augmented Knowledge offers a digital twin of aircraft by integrating AI-based paper manuals with 3D models. Currently being used by several institutions, the cloud service is already helping students learn aircraft maintenance more efficiently. With the innovation that makes paper manuals a legacy of the past, the company aims to open up new opportunities at LIMA 2025. "Malaysia offers relatively low labor costs and has a well-developed MRO industry. We're in contact with both companies like GE Aerospace and local schools, aiming to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia." Optical communications company FOSTEC, which is showcasing expanded beam connectors that are reliable for field use, is already producing cables used for Korean missile defense systems like "Cheongung." It now aims to explore more chances in the global market. "Our products are about 1/5 the cost compared to Amphenol and Glenair, with delivery times reduced by about half, while maintaining equal or superior quality standards." Also eyeing the Southeast Asian market is an anti-drone manufacturer, producing a system that integrates multiple functions into one. It can detect, operate jamming methods, disrupt the signals and spoofing, and send false GPS signals to mislead the drone to move to a different direction. "I've heard that many key officials from important agencies such as the Malaysian Air Force and police will be attending, so we hope there will be an opportunity to participate in bids with the Malaysian government." With strong government support behind them, Korean defense SMEs are taking a big leap into the global market. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.

Humanoid robots prepare for boxing contest in Hangzhou

2025/05/21 10:00

Hangzhou, China, will host the world's first live-streamed humanoid robot boxing match this Sunday. The contest, titled "Iron Fist King," organized by Unitree Robotics, features two G1 humanoid robots, each 1.32 meters tall and weighing approximately 35 kilograms. These robots are equipped with advanced AI and motion control systems, enabling them to perform complex combat moves such as spinning kicks and rapid punches. Their design also allows for quick recovery from falls. The boxing event comes after the world's first half marathon with humanoid robots in Beijing last month, as part of a series of robot competitions sponsored by China Media Group.

S. Korea fines Temu 1.37 billion won for transferring personal data overseas

2025/05/15 20:00

South Korea's data protection authority has fined Chinese e-commerce platform Temu for transferring user data overseas without prior notification. The Personal Information Protection Commission fined Temu some 1-point-37 billion won, or about 980-thousand U.S. dollars, on Thursday. Temu shared personal information such as names, addresses, purchase histories, and customs codes required for customs clearance to companies in 10 countries, including China and Singapore. Under the Personal Information Protection Act, if a company needs to entrust or store personal information overseas to fulfill a contract, it must either disclose this in its privacy policy or notify the user by email.

SAMSUNG, GOOGLE AND MORE IN HEADLINES

2025/05/15 17:30

Welcome to yet another edition of Press Perspective. It's Thursday May 15th here in Seoul. I'm Min Sun-hee. It's that time of the week during which we discuss a DIVERSE COLLECTION of news stories related to South Korea. For more I have Fabian Kretschmer with German news agency dpa. Fabian it's good to have you here. I also have Kelly Kasulis Cho with American daily The Washington Post. Kelly as always thank you for being here. 1) Fabian, let's begin with the response to Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge that company officials hope will help them maintain their dominant presence in global smartphone market. 2) Kelly, staying with news related to technology. 3) Fabian, in related news. 4) Kelly, in other news. 5) Fabian, this competition has gained the attention of neighboring countries with Japan and Australia hosting their own space-out contests. 6) Kelly, today is Teachers's Day here in Korea. 7) Fabian, in recent times, Teachers' Day here in Korea has been linked to talk about the need to better protect the rights of teachers within the learning environment. 8) Kelly, the campaign for teachers' rights goes beyond borders. All right.

Samsung acquires German HVAC giant for US$ 1.7 bil.

2025/05/14 17:00

Samsung Electronics has sealed a deal to acquire Germany's FläktGroup for some 1-point-7 billion U.S. dollars. Founded in 1918 FläktGroup is a leading heating and cooling solutions provider. The acquisition comes amid growing calls for energy-efficient approaches to addressing indoor air temperature and quality in light of the global push for greener solutions. This is Samsung's biggest acquisition since its 8 billion dollar purchase of Harman International in 2017.