News

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

2025/02/06 10:00

South Korea is joining the global wave of tightening restrictions on the Chinese AI service, DeepSeek, over data security concerns. Government ministries and firms alike are moving to ban the service. Our Moon Hye-ryeon reports. South Korean government agencies have restricted access to DeepSeek – a Chinese AI service accused of excessive data collection. Multiple government sources confirmed on Wednesday that the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy have all restricted access to DeepSeek on government computers connected to external networks. 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. The move comes just a day 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.

OpenAI's Sam Altman meets with conglomerate heads to expand market presence in S. Korea

2025/02/04 20:00

Open AI founder Sam Altman is here in Seoul for a number of events and meetings aimed at advancing AI collaboration. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin covers his agenda here. ChatGPT developer OpenAI is looking to expand its presence in the South Korean market, as Chinese start-up DeepSeek poses a challenge to its position in the tech industry. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during a closed-door workshop held in Seoul on Tuesday said that with its robust semiconductor and energy industries, Korea is a country that is actively adopting artificial intelligence. This marks Altman's third visit to South Korea and the first time an official OpenAI event took place in the country. As part of its efforts to stay competitive, OpenAI announced that it has entered into a joint strategic partnership with South Korea's leading messaging app operator Kakao. "I think we have a shared vision for what AI can do. We are particularly interested in AI in messaging. I think there is a really rich thing to explore there that can improve the experience a lot for users." Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a said on Tuesday, that upcoming key Kakao services such as Kanana, an AI-integrated messenger app, will utilize Open AI's latest AI technology APIs,.. application programming interfaces that allow developers to integrate OpenAI's language models such as ChatGPT into their own apps. But Kakao isn't the only Korean company OpenAI is planning to work more closely with as Altman also met with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won immediately after the workshop on Tuesday. Chey and Altman reportedly discussed potential areas of collaboration between OpenAI and SK Group, such as the supply of high-bandwidth memory from SK hynix and the construction of an AI data center by SK Telecom. And in the afternoon, Altman met with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who flew in from Japan in the morning to attend the meeting,.. which lasted for two hours. This comes after SoftBank and OpenAI on Monday agreed to set up a joint venture in Japan, with SoftBank also committing to investing 3 billion U.S. dollars annually to utilize OpenAI's technology. The three discussed ways to expand AI collaboration, namely Samsung Electronics' potential participation in the Stargate Project, a 500 billion dollar AI infrastructure initiative supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Samsung's latest Galaxy S25 smartphone breaks domestic pre-sales record

2025/02/04 17:00

Pre-sales of Samsung's Galaxy S25 series here in Korea have soared past an earlier record. According to Samsung officials today 1-point-3 million units of their latest smartphone series were sold in less than two weeks. Now the previous record was set last year with over 1-point-2 million units of the Galaxy S24 series. The newest S25 lineup has been applauded for its advanced AI features offered at the same price range as its S24 counterpart.

OpenAI's Sam Altman meets with conglomerate heads to expand market presence in S. Korea

2025/02/04 17:00

In other news. Open AI founder Sam Altman is here in Seoul for a number of events and meetings aimed at advancing AI collaboration. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin covers his agenda here. ChatGPT developer OpenAI is looking to expand its presence in the South Korean market, as Chinese start-up DeepSeek poses a challenge to its position in the tech industry. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during a closed-door workshop held in Seoul on Tuesday said that with its robust semiconductor and energy industries, Korea is a country that is actively adopting artificial intelligence. This marks Altman's third visit to South Korea and the first time an official OpenAI event took place in the country. As part of its efforts to stay competitive, OpenAI announced that it has entered into a joint strategic partnership with South Korea's leading messaging app operator Kakao. Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a said on Tuesday, that upcoming key Kakao services such as Kanana, an AI-integrated messenger app, will utilize Open AI's latest AI technology APIs,.. application programming interfaces that allow developers to integrate OpenAI's language models such as ChatGPT into their own apps. But Kakao isn't the only Korean company OpenAI is planning to work more closely with as Altman also met with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won immediately after the workshop on Tuesday. Chey and Altman reportedly discussed potential areas of collaboration between OpenAI and SK Group, such as the supply of high-bandwidth memory from SK hynix and the construction of an AI data center by SK Telecom. And in the afternoon, Altman met with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, who flew in from Japan in the morning to attend the meeting. This comes after SoftBank and OpenAI on Monday agreed to set up a joint venture in Japan, with SoftBank also committing to investing 3 billion U.S. dollars annually to utilize OpenAI's technology. The three are expected to discuss ways to expand AI collaboration, namely Samsung Electronics' potential participation in the Stargate Project, a 500 billion dollar AI infrastructure initiative supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

OpenAI founder Altman in S. Korea for AI event, collaboration with Kakao

2025/02/04 10:00

Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of U.S. AI company OpenAI, is in South Korea where he's expected to announce a collaboration with South Korea's dominant mobile platform Kakao. Altman is scheduled to attend a closed-door "Builder Lab" workshop on Tuesday, where local companies and startups put their heads together on the intensifying global AI race. His trip also includes signing a collaboration with Kakao and expanding joint business ventures, especially in the Asian market. Kakao introduced its conversational AI service, Kanana last year. Watchers predict the company could integrate OpenAI's model into its AI platform.

OpenAI founder Altman to visit Korea for AI event, collaboration with Kakao

2025/02/03 20:00

Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of U.S. artificial intelligence company OpenAI, will visit South Korea this week to attend an event with local developers. The "Builder Lab" event brings local companies and startups together amid the intensifying global AI race. Altman is expected to announce a collaboration with South Korea's dominant mobile platform Kakao and to expand joint business ventures, especially in the Asian market. Kakao introduced its conversational AI service, Kanana last year. Watchers predict the company could integrate OpenAI's model into its AI platform.

Global reaction to how Chinese start-up 'DeepSeek' is shaping the AI market landscape

2025/01/31 20:00

A Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, is challenging industry giants with its cost-effective AI model, sending shockwaves through the tech industry. Moon Hye-ryeon explains. "I don't feel threatened by DeepSeek or any other AI model. In fact, competition and innovation in AI development push all models (including me) to improve and offer better responses." This is the response that OpenAI's ChatGPT gives when asked about its new up-and-coming Chinese "competition" – DeepSeek. And while ChatGPT may not feel threatened, the Chinese startup is attracting a wealth of attention in the AI market for users and investors alike as it claimed its new V3 model could be trained at a fraction of the cost required for the computing power from Nvidia's chips. With its assertion that the model is not only cheap but rivals OpenAI and Meta's most advanced counterparts, the need to invest billions of dollars in AI technology from the United States is being put under question. Its newest AI assistant has overtaken ChatGPT as the most downloaded free application in Apple's App Store in the U.S. Global firms, leaders and investors are showing mixed reactions. "The release of DeepSeek A. from a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win." U.S. President Donald Trump's comments came as traders dumped big tech stocks – including a record one-day loss for Nvidia – resulting in American tech companies losing roughly a trillion dollars in market value. His nominee to lead the Commerce Department, however, accused DeepSeek of leveraging "stolen" U.S. technology. DeepSeek used parts of Meta's technology that was given away by the U.S. firm to be freely available online, but OpenAI said in a statement that they are currently reviewing indications that DeepSeek may have used the American tech giant's models to train its own. Outside of the U.S., European countries showed concern over data security. Italy's data protection authority has banned DeepSeek in a move to protect Italian user data, stating that the firm gave "insufficient" information on personal data usage, while France's privacy regulator is analyzing the tool to assess privacy risks. As for South Korea, the focus is on how its semiconductor firms could be affected by potential changes in the AI landscape. SK hynix is currently supplying memory chips to Nvidia, and now, Samsung Electronics has been reportedly approved to do so too – meaning that Nvidia's standing in the AI market will affect domestic chip firms in turn. Samsung Electronics issued a statement on Friday saying that they are currently monitoring the market, but it is too early to judge with the limited information currently available. There are also mounting concerns that tensions between Washington and Beijing will intensify with this competition in advanced technology, prompting Trump to strengthen regulations on China in the high-tech industry. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Global reaction to how Chinese start-up 'DeepSeek' is shaping the AI market landscape

2025/01/31 17:00

A Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, is challenging industry giants with its cost-effective AI model, sending shockwaves through the tech industry and raising questions about AI development. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details. "I don't feel threatened by DeepSeek or any other AI model. In fact, competition and innovation in AI development push all models (including me) to improve and offer better responses." This is the response that OpenAI's ChatGPT gives when asked about its new up-and-coming Chinese "competition" – DeepSeek. And while ChatGPT may not feel threatened, the Chinese startup is attracting a wealth of attention in the AI market for users and investors alike as it claimed its new V3 model could be trained at a fraction of the cost required for the computing power from Nvidia's chips. With its assertion that the model is not only cheap but rivals OpenAI and Meta's most advanced counterparts, the need to invest billions of dollars in AI technology from the United States is being put under question. Its newest AI assistant has overtaken ChatGPT as the most downloaded free application in Apple's App Store in the U.S. Global firms, leaders and investors are showing mixed reactions. "The release of DeepSeek A. from a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win." U.S. President Donald Trump's comments came as traders dumped big tech stocks – including a record one-day loss for Nvidia – resulting in American tech companies losing roughly a trillion dollars in market value. His nominee to lead the Commerce Department, however, accused DeepSeek of leveraging "stolen" U.S. technology. DeepSeek used parts of Meta's technology that was given away by the U.S. firm to be freely available online, but OpenAI said in a statement that they are currently reviewing indications that DeepSeek may have used the American tech giant's models to train its own. Outside of the U.S., European countries showed concern over data security. Italy's data protection authority has banned DeepSeek in a move to protect Italian user data, stating that the firm gave "insufficient" information on personal data usage, while France's privacy regulator is analyzing the tool to assess privacy risks. As for South Korea, the focus is on how its semiconductor firms could be affected by potential changes in the AI landscape. SK hynix is currently supplying memory chips to Nvidia, and now, Samsung Electronics has been reportedly approved to do so too – meaning that Nvidia's standing in the AI market will affect domestic chip firms in turn. Samsung Electronics issued a statement on Friday saying that they are currently monitoring the market, but it is too early to judge with the limited information currently available. There are also mounting concerns that tensions between Washington and Beijing will intensify with this competition in advanced technology, prompting Trump to strengthen regulations on China in the high-tech industry. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

S. Korean and French authorities to conduct joint investigation into Air Busan aircraft fire

2025/01/31 17:00

South Korean and French authorities will conduct a joint onsite investigation into Tuesday night's Air Busan aircraft fire, at Gimhae International Airport. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Friday that the investigation will start next Monday. Its Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board will conduct the investigation in collaboration with the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety. This follows a joint safety assessment of the aircraft conducted earlier today. France is joining the investigation in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization rules, as the aircraft was manufactured in France.

NASA's returned asteroid samples hold the ingredients to life plus salts from an ancient water world

2025/01/31 10:00

In the U.S., scientists reported on Wednesday that NASA's OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft has returned approximately 122 grams of material from near-Earth asteroid Bennu, providing insights into the early solar system. Preliminary analysis revealed that the sample contains ammonia, suggesting that the material likely formed in a cold region of the solar system beyond Jupiter's orbit. Scientists have also identified 11 minerals that likely existed in a saltwater environment, suggesting the presence of liquid water in its history. The findings provide a better understanding of water in the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth.

Transport Ministry launches investigation to determine cause of Air Busan plane fire

2025/01/29 18:00

Turning to the latest on the investigation into Tuesday night's Air Busan aircraft fire at Gimhae International Airport. South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport confirmed on Wednesday that neither the plane's wings nor its engine were damaged, which indicates that the fire was not caused by a fuselage issue. Passengers who were on board told Yonhap News they saw smoke and flames emerging from an overhead bin at the rear of the aircraft, with some speculating that a battery pack or another electric device may have been the source. Acting President Choi Sang-mok earlier in the day called for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent similar incidents. All 1-hundred-69 passengers and seven crew members on the flight to Hong Kong were safely evacuated using emergency slides, though seven sustained minor injuries.

Preliminary report reveals Jeju Air black box stopped recording 2km from runway

2025/01/27 18:00

The black box of the Jeju Air plane that crashed last month, was found to have stopped recording, approximately two kilometers before the plane reached the runway. This is according to a preliminary report released by the Transportation Ministry on Monday. The report shows that the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, stopped recording after a bird strike, and about four minutes later, the aircraft crashed into an embankment containing localizers at Muan International Airport. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board has submitted the report to the International Civil Aviation Organization, and aviation authorities in the U.S., France, and and Thailand.

Europe posts record year for clean energy

2025/01/24 10:00

The proportion of renewable energy in total electricity production in the European Union reached an all-time high last year. According to London-based think tank Ember on Thursday, renewable energy production, including solar, wind, and hydropower last year in the European bloc reached 13-hundred terra watt hours, accounting for 47-point-4 percent of the total electricity production. The figure is an increase of 7-point-6 percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, the proportion of fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, used in EU electricity production stood at 28-point-9 percent, the lowest in 40 years.

[Econ & Biz] Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Personalized AI at the core of Samsung's S25 strategy

2025/01/23 20:00

Samsung Electronics' Unpacked conference took place on Wednesday, local time, in San Jose, California. There, the tech giant unveiled its latest flagship smartphones the Galaxy S25 series with AI technology taking center stage. For a closer look, our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon joins us here. Hye-ryeon, tell us more about what's new. Well, Jung-min, I went to take a look at the new phones for myself in Gangnam today, and here's what I saw. The Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are all equipped with new AI tools unseen in their predecessors unveiled as the firm's first AI smartphones a year ago. The new models will hit the shelves on February 7th in the same price range as the S24. They use Google's Gemini AI model alongside Samsung's in-house AI voice assistant Bixby, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips for on-device processing – meaning that you don't have to be connected to the internet to be able to use AI functions. And these AI functions provide a key element in the S25 user experience: personalization. "With the S25, users can enjoy a seamless experience where the AI agent and personalized AI features make life easier—just say what you need, and the phone will recommend and handle it for you." For example, "Now Brief" and "Now Bar" is a new service that provides a morning feed catering to your personal preferences based on user data, as well as giving you updates throughout the day — such as giving you directions to your next meeting, or giving you a breakdown of the latest sports games you've missed based on what teams you follow. And this is another reason why on-device processing is so crucial – because personal data used to tailor these functions will only be stored and processed on the phone. With many using mobile phones to search the web, Gemini's search tool enables users to look up information from their own images and even videos. While the new AI features are the main focal point of the new phones, the hardware also boasts some upgrades. The new Ultra line has a 50-megapixel sensor on its ultra-wide rear camera in contrast to the S24's 12-megapixel sensor for better quality images and videos and also features a new, hardier screen. The series overall has rounded corners with a reduced bezel for a bigger display, and there's an even thinner model to come – called the Galaxy S25 Edge. This model was briefly previewed at the end of the Unpacked event, setting up competition in the skinny smartphone market, with Apple's ultrathin model expected to come later this year. Are there any other new reveals from Samsung Electronics alongside their new phones? Well, Jung-min, there's actually a new monthly service that they're launching called the "New Galaxy Club." Subscribers can choose between a 12-month or 24-month plan, and effectively purchase the latest Galaxy smartphone at half the upfront cost. Last month, Samsung entered the appliance subscription market with its AI products by introducing the "AI Subscription Club" service. I asked an expert about why Samsung Electronics might feel the need to launch such a service like this alongside its newest model, and here's what he said. "As data builds up, they can provide a variety of services powered by tailored AI and large language models. In the long term, they can use the smartphone's AI chip to deliver personalized services in real-time, and apply AI in specific areas to their needs." You mentioned earlier that Samsung Electronics is entering the ultrathin smartphone market alongside Apple — with the S25 series in general, where do they stand in terms of the competition out there? The smartphone industry right now is extremely competitive — not just between Samsung Electronics and Apple with the biggest portions of the pie, but Chinese companies too. Both Apple and Samsung Electronics saw a decline in shipments last year, according to data from the International Data Corporation — while Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi experienced the fastest growth with a more than 15 percent increase. But Samsung stands out with its diverse lineup of devices, positioning it to integrate AI across phones, cars, and home appliances seamlessly. "This is the only company in the world that has it all. Looking ahead to the AI era, if collaboration across the board becomes the norm and personalized AI services based on data become a part of everyday life, I think Samsung is in an incredibly strong position." Thank you for your report, Hye-ryeon. Thank you for having me.

Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Samsung's Galaxy S25 series promises private, personalized user experiences with AI tools

2025/01/23 17:00

Samsung's Galaxy S25 series are out and they are pledging to change the way individuals interact with their smart phones thanks of course to AI. Our business correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon explains. Imagine a phone that knows what you need before you do — that's what Samsung's latest smartphones promise to make a reality. At its Unpacked conference on Wednesday in San Jose, California, Samsung Electronics announced its latest flagship Galaxy smartphones — the Galaxy S25 series. The Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are all equipped with new AI tools unseen in their predecessors unveiled as the firm's first AI smartphones a year ago. The new models will hit the shelves on February 7th in the same price range as the S24. They use Google's Gemini AI model alongside Samsung's in-house AI voice assistant Bixby, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips for on-device processing – meaning that you don't have to be connected to the internet to be able to use AI functions. And these AI functions provide a key element in the S25 user experience: personalization. "With the S25, users can enjoy a seamless experience where the AI agent and personalized AI features make life easier—just say what you need, and the phone will recommend and handle it for you." For example, "Now Brief" and "Now Bar" are new services that provide a morning feed catering to your personal preferences based on user data, as well as giving you updates throughout the day — such as giving you directions to your next meeting, or giving you a breakdown of the latest sports games you've missed based on what teams you follow. And this is another reason why on-device processing is so crucial – because personal data used to tailor these functions will only be stored and processed on the phone. With many using mobile phones to search the web, Gemini's search tool enables users to look up information from their own images and even videos. '"The S25 also makes everyday interactions easier, by simply being able to ask your phone to do things. Schedule the launch of the new S25 in my calendar. Schedule it for February 7th." While the new AI features are the main focal point of the new phones, the hardware also boasts some upgrades. The new Ultra line has a 50-megapixel sensor on its ultra-wide rear camera in contrast to the S24's 12-megapixels for better quality images and videos and also features a new, hardier screen. The series overall has rounded corners with a reduced bezel for a bigger display, and there's an even thinner model to come – called the Galaxy S25 Edge. This model was briefly previewed at the end of the Unpacked event, setting up competition in the skinny smartphone market, with Apple's ultrathin model expected to come later this year. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

Galaxy Unpacked 2025: Samsung's Galaxy S25 series promises private, personalized user experiences with AI tools

2025/01/23 10:00

Samsung Electronic's latest venture into integrating AI into smartphones promises smarter, faster, and more personalized experiences for users. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has the details on its next-generation Galaxy S25 series. Imagine a phone that knows what you need before you do — that's what Samsung's latest smartphones promise to make a reality. At its Unpacked conference on Wednesday in San Jose, California, Samsung Electronics announced its latest flagship Galaxy smartphones — the Galaxy S25 series. The Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are all equipped with new AI tools unseen in their predecessors unveiled as the firm's first AI smartphones a year ago. The new models will hit the shelves on February 7th in the same price range as the S24. The new phones use Google's Gemini AI model alongside Samsung's in-house AI voice assistant Bixby, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chips for on-device processing – meaning that you don't have to be connected to the internet to be able to use AI functions. And these AI functions provide a key element in the S25 user experience: personalization. "With the S25, users can enjoy a seamless experience where the AI agent and personalized AI features make life easier—just say what you need, and the phone will recommend and handle it for you." For example, "Now Brief" is a new service that provides a morning feed catering to your personal preferences based on user data – such as displaying your schedule for the day from your mobile calendar. "Now Bar" is something that leads on from the briefing, giving you timely updates throughout the day – such as giving you directions to your next meeting, or giving you a breakdown of the latest sports games you've missed based on what teams you follow. And this is another reason why on-device processing is so crucial – because personal data used to tailor these functions will only be stored and processed on the phone. While the new AI features are the main focal point of the new phones, the hardware also boasts some upgrades. The new Ultra line has a 50-megapixel sensor on its ultra-wide rear camera in contrast to the S24's 12-megapixel sensor for better quality images and videos and also features a new, hardier screen. The series overall has rounded corners with a reduced bezel for a bigger display, and there's an even thinner model to come – called the Galaxy S25 Edge. This model was briefly previewed at the end of the Unpacked event, setting up competition in the skinny smartphone market, with Apple's ultrathin model expected to come later this year. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

S. Korean companies-Westinghouse settle nuclear tech IP dispute; Green light for nuclear exports?

2025/01/17 17:00

Meanwhile in a rather promising development. A deal to end a nuclear technology dispute has been sealed between the Korea Electric Power as well as its nuclear power unit and the U.S.'s Westinghouse Electric. Park Kun-woo has details. A two-year-plus nuclear power dispute has come to an end. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation said on Friday that they have resolved their intellectual property dispute with the U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric Company. They added this will pave the way for stronger cooperation in the global nuclear energy market, while enhancing their competitiveness. The dispute began after Westinghouse filed a lawsuit in a U.S. court against KEPCO and KHNP in 2022, for "unauthorized" sharing of nuclear technology that it claimed to have the intellectual rights to. However, the South Korean companies maintained that there were no legal violations as they successfully reverse-engineered the technology. Details of the resolution between the two sides were not disclosed on Friday due to a mutual confidentiality agreement. But pundits say they may have agreed on collaborating in other regions such as Europe, where Westinghouse has traditionally operated, among others. They also expect the end of the dispute to provide a green light for Korea to secure a nuclear power project in the Czech Republic after it was selected as the preferred supplier last year. Also on Friday, Industry Minster Ahn Duk-geun welcomed the agreement, saying he looks forward to deeper cooperation with the U.S. This comes after a recent MOU on nuclear power exports and cooperation in related sectors between the two countries was signed last week. One expert also spoke about the significance of the agreement. "The two countries were in some sort of tangled relationship but started communicating and even signed the MOU. This means Korea can now negotiate with the Czech Republic more comfortably without any noise." He added that it will also be a chance to remove potential uncertainties when exporting and operating nuclear reactors in other regions in the future as well. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

KHNP, KEPCO resolve IP dispute with Westinghouse, paving way for stronger nuclear energy cooperation

2025/01/17 10:00

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation have resolved their intellectual property dispute with U.S.-based Westinghouse. The agreement, announced Friday, ends the legal dispute and paves the way for stronger cooperation in the global nuclear energy market. With KHNP the preferred bidder for a nuclear power project in the Czech Republic, the deal is expected to boost their chances of securing the project. KHNP said it aims to strengthen its position in the global market by forming a new strategic relationship with Westinghouse.

S. Korea's ICT exports reach new high in 2024 on record chip exports

2025/01/14 20:00

Korea's exports of information and communication technology products soared almost 26 percent on-year in 2024. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin covers this latest data. South Korea's tech shipments reached a new annual high in 2024, led by record chip exports. Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy showed that ICT exports last year came to 2-hundred-35 billion dollars, up nearly 26 percent compared to the same month the year before. This marks a fresh high on a yearly basis, surpassing the previous record set in 2022, as ICT exports have continued to see year-on-year rises for 14 straight months. The ministry attributed this mainly to outbound semiconductor shipments reaching an all-time annual high of 1-hundred-42 billion dollars in 2024, boosted by robust global demand for AI-related products. That's up a whopping 42-point-5 percent compared to the year before. Chip exports also surpassed the 10-billion dollar mark for the eighth consecutive month, as shipments of memory chips, including high-bandwidth memory semiconductors, showed significant growth. And a shift to a double-digit growth in mobile phones as well as large demand for solid-state drives also contributed to 2024's record-high tech exports. By country, exports to Vietnam and the United States, which showed a sluggish performance in 2023 due to a slump in the global economy, both recorded their highest-ever export value last year. China, South Korea's top export destination, accounted for over 40 percent of Korea's total ICT exports last year, on the back of strong chip demand. As for exports in December alone, shipments reached more than 22 billion dollars, up more than 24 percent year-on-year. But it wasn't just December that saw solid monthly exports, as shipments surpassed the 20 billion dollar mark for five straight months starting last August. And exports in the last month of the year were also bolstered by chip shipments, with both memory and system semiconductors showing significant increases compared to the previous year. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Hyundai, Kia's eco-friendly car exports record all-time high in 2024

2025/01/14 17:00

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have set a new record for exports of eco-friendly vehicles. According to the two automakers on this Tuesday they exported over 7-hundred-7-thousand eco-friendly cars last year UP three percent on year. This is the highest figure ever and includes EVs, hybrid EVs, and fuel cell EVs. According to company officials the latest surge was driven by a 44-point-6 percent on-year jump in exports of hybrid EVs as well as efforts to better respond to global market trends.