News

Samsung tops global TV market for 19th straight year, LG dominates OLED segment

2025/02/18 17:00

Samsung Electronics is holding on to its lead in the global TV market for 19 years in a row. According to global market research firm Omdia on Tuesday Samsung last year also accounted for the greatest share of the global TV market with 28-point-3-percent. The company dominated the premium sector securing almost half of the market with its OLED TV sales surging to 1-point-4 million units UP 42 percent on year. However LG Electronics remained the leader in the OLED TV market for the twelfth straight year with a market share of over 50 percent.

S. Korean data privacy regulator confirms user data leak from DeepSeek to ByteDance

2025/02/18 17:00

In other news. Relevant authorities here say Chinese application DeepSeek has indeed transferred user data to a third party. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has details. South Korean data privacy regulators have confirmed that DeepSeek – the Chinese artificial intelligence startup facing controversy over data collection – has shared user data with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance. The Personal Information Protection Commission said on Tuesday that although they were able to confirm the transmission of user data, it has yet to determine the exact nature and amount of data transferred. The PIPC launched an independent investigation into DeepSeek's data collection and processing methods after requesting clarification on the matter from the firm last month, finding that DeepSeek's privacy policy fell short of the requirements listed for service providers in the country's Personal Information Protection Act. "Under South Korean law, transferring personal data overseas or moving it from one country to another requires a legal basis. In this case, while ByteDance does have a headquarters in the U.S., when the PIPC says that user data was sent to ByteDance, it means there was an international data transfer. So the concern is whether DeepSeek complied with South Korea's regulations on cross-border data transfers." The firm acknowledged that it had not fully considered South Korean data protection laws when launching its global service, and took the recommendation of the PIPC to temporarily suspend services in South Korea while necessary modifications are made. This means that no new users can download the app across any domestic app markets such as Apple's App Store and Google Play, but existing users can continue to use it for the time being as the PIPC considers further measures to protect existing users. During the suspension period, the PIPC plans to continue its thorough review of DeepSeek's handling practices. Legislative efforts are also underway to amend the Personal Information Protection Act to reflect AI innovation with this latest development – strengthening enforcement measures for foreign service providers. Experts say that it will be necessary to consider other AI services for legislative changes not just DeepSeek. "Clear discussions on what standards should apply to all the new AI systems that will come out in the future are needed. AI is only going to become more widespread, and for it to provide more personalized services, it's going to need access to more of our personal information." The PIPC also plans to seek stronger international cooperation on AI-related data privacy regulations at the Global Privacy Assembly in Seoul this September. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

DeepSeek suspends services in S. Korea as regulator seeks modifications to data privacy terms

2025/02/17 20:00

The Chinese AI app, DeepSeek, accused of excessive data collection has been temporarily suspended in South Korea as regulators push for stronger privacy protections. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. DeepSeek – the Chinese artificial intelligence startup facing controversy over excessive data collection – has temporarily suspended its services in South Korea. On Monday, the Personal Information Protection Commission announced that DeepSeek was suspended as of 6 PM on Saturday, and services will resume once modifications are made in line with South Korea's Personal Information Protection Act. This means that no new users can download the app across any domestic app markets such as Apple's App Store and Google Play, but existing users can continue to use it for the time being. The data privacy regulator urged caution when using the application, and stated that it is considering further measures to protect existing users. The suspension comes after DeepSeek accepted the PIPC's recommendation to halt services while corrective measures are being implemented. Last month, the commission sent an official inquiry to the firm's headquarters seeking clarification on concerns about data collection and processing methods. An initial review by the PIPC confirmed some of the concerns raised by local and international media, including insufficient disclosure of third-party data sharing and the excessive collection of personal information. The PIPC plans to conduct a thorough review of DeepSeek's handling practices during the suspension period. Legislative efforts are also underway to amend the Personal Information Protection Act to reflect AI innovation – strengthening enforcement measures for foreign service providers. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

[Econ & Biz] DeepSeek's impact on AI market: what is it and what does it mean?

2025/02/13 20:00

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek is making waves with what it says is a cost-efficient model. But with alleged data privacy risks, it has prompted global scrutiny, market upheaval, and government crackdowns. Our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon joins us in the studio with this topic. Hye-ryeon, can you explain the controversies surrounding DeepSeek? As you said, Jung-min, DeepSeek is currently under global scrutiny after claiming its new "R1" model can rival existing AI models in the market such as ChatGPT at just a fraction of the cost. With this news, its AI chatbot topped ChatGPT in app store downloads as users began to try this new model for themselves to test the claim. But as more and more users gathered, concerns over excessive data collection such as keyboard stroke patterns that could be used to identify specific users, have sparked privacy fears. "Collecting keystroke patterns to identify individuals doesn't necessarily mean a better service, so that's why it seems a bit excessive." And another issue with DeepSeek's data collection is that users can't opt out of having their data collected, unlike ChatGPT. Along with these fears regarding user data is speculation of third-party access, as the information is stored in servers in China something that South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed on Sunday, as it cited that Chinese advertisers are being given unlimited access to DeepSeek's user data. Reports of content censorship also raised questions about DeepSeek's AI chatbot failing to produce accurate information due to heavy reliance on China's official stance on certain subjects. With these controversies, how have investors and industry insiders been responding? With doubts surrounding DeepSeek's development process, Microsoft and OpenAI launched a probe into suspected data exfiltration by individuals that could be linked to the Chinese firm. Companies in non-AI-related sectors, such as those in South Korea, responded to data privacy concerns by restricting employee access to DeepSeek on work computers. However, global investors indicated their anticipation for DeepSeek by wiping billions of dollars off Nvidia's market value – resulting in the biggest market cap loss ever for a U.S. company. There are mixed views from experts and industry insiders on these reactions regarding whether this attention is warranted, with some saying that DeepSeek had the second-mover advantage. "When you have an amazing solution coming from OpenAI, you know that it can be done. Then the question changes a little bit – shifts towards, "How can we do that in a more efficient way." And with the current competition between the U.S. and China, how are global leaders and governments responding to this AI race? South Korea, Australia, and Japan's government ministries moved to also block DeepSeek access on computers connected to external networks, while Italy has blocked the app from app stores altogether, citing user data privacy. But some are saying that the reason why DeepSeek even came about in the first place is because of such restrictive regulations. Here's what an expert said. "I think that it symbolizes that the AI competition will be severe, and although one country will like to restrict the AI development of the other country, they will AI will always find innovative ways of how to develop." But global leaders and firms gathered in Paris amid calls for universal AI regulation where 60 countries signed a statement listing priorities such as transparency, safety, and sustainability for future AI development. The U.S. and the UK, however, refused to sign the statement. "The United States of America is the leader in AI, and our administration plans to keep it that way." U.S. Vice President Vance shared the view that too many regulations can "kill" a developing industry such as AI as it takes off and stated the Trump administration's plans to take full "advantage" of its position in the market. The U.S. recently billed "The Stargate Project" which aims to build AI infrastructure in the U.S. worth 500 billion U.S. dollars. As the AI race between Washington and Beijing heightens and countries seek to establish regulations to keep them in check in an increasingly complex technological landscape, eyes are on how the balance of innovation with security will play out. Thank you for the wrap-up, Hye-ryeon. Thank you for having me.

DeepSeek's impact on the AI market: what are they and what does it mean?

2025/02/13 17:00

Now with regard to the global race for AI dominance the emergence of Chinese application DeepSeek has indeed been making tangible waves as it touts cost-efficiency while its rivals fear data security. Our correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon reports. DeepSeek a Chinese AI start-up is under global scrutiny after claiming its new "R1" model can rival ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost. But concerns over excessive data collection and speculation of third-party access have sparked privacy fears. "Collecting keystroke patterns to identify individuals doesn't necessarily mean a better service, so that's why it seems a bit excessive." Reports of content censorship also raised questions about DeepSeek's AI chatbot failing to produce accurate information due to heavy reliance on China's official stance on certain subjects. With doubts surrounding DeepSeek's development process, Microsoft and OpenAI launched a probe into suspected data exfiltration by individuals that could be linked to the Chinese firm. Companies in non-AI-related sectors, such as those in South Korea, responded to data privacy concerns by restricting employee access to DeepSeek on work computers. South Korea, Australia, and Japan's government ministries moved to do the same, while Italy has blocked the app from app stores altogether. However, global investors indicated their anticipation for DeepSeek by wiping billions of dollars off Nvidia's market value – resulting in the biggest market cap loss ever for a U.S. company. There are mixed views from experts and industry insiders on these reactions regarding whether this attention is warranted, with some saying that DeepSeek had the second-mover advantage. "When you have an amazing solution coming from OpenAI, you know that it can be done. Then the question changes a little bit – shifts towards, "How can we do that in a more efficient way." Amid DeepSeek dominating headlines, global leaders in AI gathered in Paris, where a statement signed by 60 countries listed priorities such as transparency, safety, and sustainability for future AI development – but the U.S. and the UK refused to sign it. "The United States of America is the leader in AI, and our administration plans to keep it that way." U.S. Vice President Vance shared the view that too many regulations can "kill" a developing industry such as AI as it takes off and stated the Trump administration's plans to take full "advantage" of its position in the market. As the AI race between Washington and Beijing heightens and countries seek to establish regulations to keep them in check in an increasingly complex technological landscape, eyes are on how the balance of innovation with security will play out. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

[K-Wave] KOCCA to expand investment and support for indie game production

2025/02/13 14:00

Gaming has become one of the core industries of Korea's content exports, accounting for about 60 percent of that sector. Accordingly, the Korea Creative Content Agency will expand support in this field. Lee Eun-jin has the details of this plan. A post-apocalyptic near-future where 90 percent of humanity has been wiped out due to the resurrection of an ancient virus as a side effect of global warming. Survivors hide in an underground bunker to avoid mutant creatures, as they train agents with a training AI simulator named "VEDA" to regain ground. This is the narrative of the indie action game "VEDA" which was produced with the support of the Korea Creative Content Agency and swept various indie game awards last year. "VEDA" has raised expectations among gamers for its versatility, being both a PC and console game. To foster further development of such games, the Korea Creative Content Agency will invest 63-point-2-billion won, or roughly 43-point-5 million U.S. dollars in the gaming sector. That's an increase of nearly 1-point-4 million U.S. dollars from last year. Specifically, they plan to expand support for indie and console games. "We plan to uncover a variety of creative indie games, and support production and consulting costs. Console games have a long production period, so we've established a new three-year support program." In addition to the financial support, all-around support will be provided to gaming companies, which includes assistance with distribution contracts and promotion at overseas game shows. The Korea Creative Content Agency will also actively respond to the problems that exist in the registration of game disease codes that can cause great damage to the game industry. As of the first half of 2024, games accounted for about 60 percent of Korea's content industry exports, steadily becoming established as a core export asset. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

UK and U.S. refuse to sign international agreement on AI at global summit in Paris

2025/02/12 20:00

The third AI Action Summit held in Paris has closed after adopting a declaration on the "inclusive and sustainable" development of artificial intelligence. The statement, signed by 60 countries, stressed the need to ensure AI development was "transparent" and "safe" as well as "secure and trustworthy." They further agreed to cooperate to reduce digital divides by promoting AI accessibility to developing countries. Meanwhile, the U.S. and the UK refused to sign the declaration, giving priority to their own interests in the AI race. U.S. Vice President JD Vance had previously expressed the U.S.' determination to maintain its dominance in the surging industry in a speech at the summit on Tuesday.

Infinite variance of snakes from medication to robots

2025/02/12 17:00

Also according to the lunar calendar 2025 is the year of the snake. That being said in this next report we take a look at the intriguing medical contributions of these reptiles. Cha Yun-kyung reports. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common chronic diseases in South Korea. The ACE protein in the human body is the cause as it raises blood pressure by contracting blood vessels. Scientists in the U.S. have discovered substances in snake venom that suppress this protein, and have developed them as treatments for hypertension. One of those was captopril, the first medication based on venom, which was approved by the FDA in 1981. "There are various kinds of proteins in snake venom and scientists are developing them as treatments after finding out their therapeutic effects through research. There are actually numerous kinds of them. What I have found was in cobra toxin " New research has found that snake venom proteins are not only effective for hypertension but also for cancer, and scientists are trying to develop new types of cancer treatment. Brazilian researchers back in 2023 also found that proteins derived from snake venom induce cell death in melanoma, a skin cancer. The researchers are expecting a more dramatic therapeutic effect if the newly found substances are used in combination therapy. In addition to medical uses, robots are being developed in the shape of snakes for exploration and rescue work. These developed robotic snakes can move easily on snow, and pass through narrow holes. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the U.S. has developed this kind of robot to observe the subterranean ocean on Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. This robot is designed to move by itself and create maps after sensing the surrounding environment autonomously. In 2021, the Korea Institute of Robotics & Technology Convergence showcased snake-shaped robots, that can find survivors in disaster sites by crawling around and through the rubble. They can also provide water and drugs to survivors. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

OpenAI's Altman rejects Musk's offer, saying 'We are not for sale'

2025/02/12 10:00

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he has rejected Elon Musk's offer to acquire the firm behind ChatGPT, intensifying the ongoing rift between the two figures. On Tuesday, a consortium of investors led by Elon Musk proposed to buy the non-profit that runs OpenAI for approximately 97.4 billion U.S. dollars in an attempt to take control of its research and strategic decisions. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declined the offer, saying it was "ridiculous" and that it was "not for sale." Instead, he suggested buying the social platform X, which is owned by Musk. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, left the organization in 2018 and has since been highly critical of its direction. His ongoing legal battle with OpenAI claims that the company abandoned its founding mission by partnering with Microsoft and is shifting toward a for-profit model.

UK and U.S. refuse to sign international AI declaration

2025/02/12 10:00

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, And this, is The World Now. At the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, the United States and the United Kingdom declined to sign a declaration, aimed at promoting "open" and "inclusive" artificial intelligence, setting them apart from 60 other nations. On Tuesday, the U.S. and the UK chose not to join the list of signatories of the "Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence." The statement had received support from countries including France, France, China, and India. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed concerns that strict regulations might hinder innovation, stressing the nation's preference for "pro-growth AI policies." The UK government cited concerns about national security and "global governance" as the reasons for not signing the declaration. Contrastingly, French President Emmanuel Macron said, "We need these rules for AI to move forward."

DeepSeek launches AI revolution: Impact on Korea's IT industry

2025/02/11 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The global AI landscape is undergoing a seismic shift with the emergence of DeepSeek's groundbreaking generative AI model, R1, which has sent shockwaves across the tech industry. Developed by China-based startup "DeepSeek," R1 is being hailed as a formidable competitor to OpenAI's models, showcasing unprecedented performance despite being built with just a fraction of the budget typically required for such large-scale AI projects. What sets DeepSeek apart is its "open-source approach" and the use of cost-effective, older-generation hardware—a strategy that challenges the traditional AI development model and opens new doors for innovation. In today's Within The Frame, we explore the impact of DeepSeek R1 on the global AI market and its implications for the future of the AI industry. For this, we invite Sung Soo Eric Kim, Adjunct Professor at Yonsei Graduate School of Business. Welcome, Professor. Also joining us via Skype is Ashique KhudaBukhsh, Assistant Professor of Software Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. Great to have you with us. 1. (KhudaBukhsh) Let's begin with Professor KhudaBukhsh, The Chinese open-source AI model "DeepSeek R1" was released on January 20th, and its low-cost, high-performance technology has shocked the global AI market. As an AI expert, how do you assess the performance of DeepSeek and China's AI capabilities? 2. (KhudaBukhsh)The most noteworthy part is that DeepSeek R1 was reportedly developed in just two months with 10 percent of the research funds of big tech companies. Unlike the closed AI models developed by American big tech companies such as OpenAI, DeepSeek has adopted an open-source approach. Professor, What is the significance of this difference? 3. (Kim) Now to Professor Kim, what impact will the competition between "open-source" and "closed-source" AI development approaches have on the AI industry? Also, will the spread of open-source methods be an opportunity for South Korean companies, who are later entrants in the generative AI field? 4. (Kim) Despite U.S. restrictions on the export of high-performance AI chips, China's AI technology development continues to accelerate. Does this mean the U.S. sanctions have not been effective? What is your outlook on the future of the U.S.-China power struggle? 5. (KhudaBukhsh) Meanwhile, governments around the world, including that of South Korea, are ramping up efforts to block the use of DeepSeek. Professor KhudaBukhsh The ongoing debate about data leakage with generative AI is a concern, but why have countries only taken action against DeepSeek specifically? 6. (KhudaBukhsh) Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pushing forward with a 500 billion-dollar AI infrastructure investment project called "Stargate." Professor, what impact will the emergence of DeepSeek have on Trump's AI policy direction, including Stargate? 7. (Kim) Then Professor Kim, amidst the strong competition from China, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visited South Korea last week and made it clear that the company plans to expand its presence in the Korean market. Why is Sam Altman focusing on South Korean companies? 8. (Kim) In particular, the meeting between Sam Altman, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son has garnered attention. It is reported that the main topic was "Stargate." If Samsung participates, what role will it play? Also, will it be an opportunity for Samsung to make a comeback? 9. (KhudaBukhsh) The global AI industry is facing a dramatic shift due to DeepSeek from China. Prof. KhudaBukhsh, How do you foresee the future of the AI power struggle? Also, what direction should South Korea's AI-related technologies take? 10. (Kim) South Korea is set to implement the AI Basic Act, which will support the development of the AI industry starting next year. What are the challenges South Korea must address to enhance its AI industry competitiveness Prof.Kim ?

Why do global entrepreneurs choose S. Korea as a destination for their startup?

2025/02/11 20:00

In other news. Young entrepreneurs from overseas are opting to start their business ventures here in South Korea. Our Ahn Sung-jin tells us why. Eight years ago, former Samsung employee Pankaj Agarwal started his own business here in South Korea. Now, that business has dozens of employees across two countries. "My journey started with Samsung in Korea and in Samsung there is a program called C-lab that gave me a chance to spin off my company and very naturally from an employee at Samsung we became an individual company." He choose Seoul as the base for his edu-tech startup. "Then what are some of the opportunities that a lot of foreign entrepreneurs see in Korea whether it be perks or what are some of the characteristics or reasons as to why foreign entrepreneurs would find Korea as an attractive destination?" "I think Korea is very unique in that there are a lot of support programs. The government makes sure that startups have a lot of opportunities because startups are always afraid that they will die for us our first office was sponsored by the government." Pankaj says basing his business in Korea has helped in other ways too. "What I benefit the most from Korea is the brand, you know there is Kpop, K-drama and I say why not K-education. I want to create a successful venture that can help showcase Korea's image in the world that a foreign entrepreneur can really build up a business in Korea." U.S. consultancy Startup Genome has ranked Seoul's startup ecosystem 9th out of 300 cities around the world. And to help start-ups get off the ground, the Ministry of SMEs provides special programs to help foreign entrepreneurs settle and grow their businesses, including assistance with visa process, business development funds and other support. "So far we've mostly focused on helping Korean startups expand, but in order to foster a startup ecosystem in Korea, we figured its also important to host foreign entrepreneurs and startups and garner talents from abroad to Korea." More global entrepreneurs are choosing Korea as a place to start their business, and this global startup center also facilitates market entry for these companies through patent and administrative support or corporate partnership matching. "Korea was the one offering the biggest ecosystem, the most developed infrastructure and the best opportunities as well. I would say that the visa process was actually very smooth." "Being able to always ask other entrepreneurs how they're managing their startup entrepreneur life in Korea so we can accelerate our business here much faster." The beginning of a start-up involves struggles such as finding resources and investment. That's why efforts from the government and other stakeholders could be the catalyst for attracting global entrepreneurs and sustaining a healthy startup ecosystem for Korea. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Why do global entrepreneurs choose S. Korea as a destination for their startup?

2025/02/11 17:00

Young entrepreneurs from overseas are opting to start their business ventures here in South Korea. Our Ahn Sung-jin tells us why. Eight years ago, former Samsung employee Pankaj Agarwal started his own business here in South Korea. Now, that business has dozens of employees across two countries. "My journey started with Samsung in Korea and in Samsung there is a program called C-lab that gave me a chance to spin off my company and very naturally from an employee at Samsung we became an individual company." He choose Seoul as the base for his edu-tech startup. "Then what are some of the opportunities that a lot of foreign entrepreneurs see in Korea whether it be perks or what are some of the characteristics or reasons as to why foreign entrepreneurs would find Korea as an attractive destination?" "I think Korea is very unique in that there are a lot of support programs. The government makes sure that startups have a lot of opportunities because startups are always afraid that they will die for us our first office was sponsored by the government." Pankaj says basing his business in Korea has helped in other ways too. "What I benefit the most from Korea is the brand, you know there is Kpop, K-drama and I say why not K-education. I want to create a successful venture that can help showcase Korea's image in the world that a foreign entrepreneur can really build up a business in Korea." U.S. consultancy Startup Genome has ranked Seoul's startup ecosystem 9th out of 300 cities around the world. And to help start-ups get off the ground, the Ministry of SMEs provides special programs to help foreign entrepreneurs settle and grow their businesses, including assistance with visa process, business development funds and other support. "So far we've mostly focused on helping Korean startups expand, but in order to foster a startup ecosystem in Korea, we figured its also important to host foreign entrepreneurs and startups and garner talents from abroad to Korea." More global entrepreneurs are choosing Korea as a place to start their business, and this global startup center also facilitates market entry for these companies through patent and administrative support or corporate partnership matching. "Korea was the one offering the biggest ecosystem, the most developed infrastructure and the best opportunities as well. I would say that the visa process was actually very smooth." "Being able to always ask other entrepreneurs how they're managing their startup entrepreneur life in Korea so we can accelerate our business here much faster." The beginning of a start-up involves struggles such as finding resources and investment. That's why efforts from the government and other stakeholders could be the catalyst for attracting global entrepreneurs and sustaining a healthy startup ecosystem for Korea. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.

Samsung Electronics voted "most trusted" refrigerator brand in UK

2025/02/11 17:00

Refrigerators by Samsung Electronics have been voted the "most trusted" by consumers in the U.K. This is according to a survey conducted by Newsweek an American magazine that recently shared its list of most trusted brands for the year in the U.K. Regarding the reasons cited for their vote of confidence in Samsung's fridges consumers in the U.K. highlighted the Korean company's ethical values its reasonable price and customer service.

Eco-friendly system purifies air through water without waste

2025/02/10 20:00

In other news. Researchers here have developed an eco-friendly mechanism of purifying the air by using water without producing waste. Cha Yun-kyung explains. Worsening fine dust due to the cold weather has increased the use of air purifiers, however, the need to change filters and waste issues have become a problem. To solve these, researchers have developed an eco-friendly air purifying system that imitates the body's circulatory system. Once polluted air enters the system, microbubbles form in a water container as they pass through an elastic microprocessing filter. The small, even-textured micro bubbles capture fine dust and carbon dioxide, sending carbon dioxide outside and oxygen inside through the circulation of water. "We have developed an air-purifying system by imitating the human body's circulatory and respiratory system. We can circulate the air inside and outside through the system to dispense VOC and carbon dioxide outdoors. It can solve the issue of micro dust and 미세먼지 and carbon dioxide at the same time." In tests using a closed space with a mouse inside, the system decreased the level of carbon dioxide by 30-percent, which saw the mouse's activity increase 53-percent. Current systems' performance deteriorates as filters age and can cause odors. The new system does not require filter cleaning or changing as long as the water is renewed. "The system's driving principles and structures are quite simple and suitable to enlarge in scale, and they can replace pricy and complicated former air purifying systems." The research team expects that the system will be able to purify air of other pollutants, such as acetone or ethanol. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Eco-friendly system purifies air through water without waste

2025/02/10 17:00

In other news. Researchers here have developed an eco-friendly mechanism of purifying the air by using water without producing waste. Cha Yun-kyung explains. Worsening fine dust due to the cold weather has increased the use of air purifiers, however, the need to change filters and waste issues have become a problem. To solve these, researchers have developed an eco-friendly air purifying system that imitates the body's circulatory system. Once polluted air enters the system, microbubbles form in a water container as they pass through an elastic microprocessing filter. The small, even-textured micro bubbles capture fine dust and carbon dioxide, sending carbon dioxide outside and oxygen inside through the circulation of water. "We have developed an air-purifying system by imitating the human body's circulatory and respiratory system. We can circulate the air inside and outside through the system to dispense VOC and carbon dioxide outdoors. It can solve the issue of micro dust and 미세먼지 and carbon dioxide at the same time." In tests using a closed space with a mouse inside, the system decreased the level of carbon dioxide by 30-percent, which saw the mouse's activity increase 53-percent. Current systems' performance deteriorates as filters age and can cause odors. The new system does not require filter cleaning or changing as long as the water is renewed. "The system's driving principles and structures are quite simple and suitable to enlarge in scale, and they can replace pricy and complicated former air purifying systems." The research team expects that the system will be able to purify air of other pollutants, such as acetone or ethanol. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

World leaders, tech executives to discuss AI-related risks at AI Action Summit 2025

2025/02/10 17:00

Meanwhile over in Paris on this Monday. The two-day Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence begins with world leaders industry heavyweights and related scholars poised to take part in the latest gathering. The event seeks to set up standards and solutions for more sustainable ethical AI advances for universal progress and broader public interest. It also follows the first such meeting at Bletchley Park back in November 2023 and here in Seoul earlier in May last year.

Samsung Electronics launches latest Galaxy S25 series on Fri.

2025/02/07 17:00

Samsung Electronics' latest Galaxy S25 series are hitting stores worldwide in phases starting today. The Korean market as well as that in the U.S. in the U.K India and Thailand will be among the early sellers before these Samsung smartphones are made available in over one-hundred-20 countries. This latest lineup also offers Google's AI Gemini in 46 languages. The new series was unpacked in California last month.

Leaders of S. Korean tech giants to attend AI summit in Paris

2025/02/06 20:00

Leaders of South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics, LG and Naver, among others, will participate in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit next week. This year's summit will be hosted in Paris on February 10th and 11th. Among those expected to attend are U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The summit, now in its third time after London and Seoul, is gaining attention amid rising concerns over China's DeepSeek, sparking talks of an AI alliance.

S. Korean government ministries and tech firms move to ban DeepSeek

2025/02/06 20:00

Access to Chinese AI service DeepSeek is being restricted by government organizations and major companies here in Korea over data security concerns. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. South Korean government agencies have restricted access to DeepSeek – a Chinese AI service accused of excessive data collection. On Thursday, the Ministry of Environment revealed that it blocked DeepSeek on all online computers as of 9 AM, while the Ministry of Economy and Finance stated its plans to restrict access on computers connected to external networks. These measures come a day after the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that access to DeepSeek on computers connected to external networks had been banned. These ministries handle a significant amount of classified information related to diplomacy, national security, and trade. A Defense Ministry official told reporters that the decision was made due to widespread concerns about the AI platform. This comes after the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued an advisory to central government ministries and 17 metropolitan and provincial governments, urging officials to be cautious when using generative AI services like DeepSeek and ChatGPT. While the advisory did not explicitly call for a ban, it warned against entering sensitive or personal information into AI platforms, citing potential security risks. South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission sent an inquiry to DeepSeek's headquarters requesting details on its data collection and storage practices, but the company has yet to respond. The private sector is also taking action, with major Korean tech companies restricting the use of DeepSeek. Kakao, an official partner of OpenAI, recently banned its employees from using the service for work by citing security concerns. LG Uplus also issued a security notice banning employees from using DeepSeek for work on the company network, and advised employees to avoid using DeepSeek on personal devices. Samsung, SK, and LG Electronics have long prohibited unauthorized software on company devices, while Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power recently reinforced its AI security policies, banning DeepSeek on its internal network. DeepSeek has also been banned from government computers in Australia and Japan, while Italy has gone as far as banning the app entirely. In the U.S., the state of Texas, has blocked DeepSeek from government-owned devices. Meanwhile, the European Union and the UK are closely monitoring potential risks associated with Chinese AI platforms. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.