News

Researchers develop respiratory screening test to detect early-stage lung cancer

2025/03/20 17:00

On the medical front. Researchers here are working on a screening program that can detect early-stage lung cancer simply by analyzing a person's breath. Cha Yun-kyung explains. The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, or ETRI, has come up with an artificial intelligence deep learning system to detect early-stage lung cancer. When a potential patient exhales into a vinyl mesh that acts as an initiator system sensor, it can determine if cancer cells are prevalent in 20 minutes by running the exhaled air through 70 primary sensors that can detect volatile organic compounds. The system is cheaper and less time-consuming compared to X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests. "The system is noninvasive, which allows us to detect cancer in an easier way than radiation exposure or blood sampling." ETRI has undertaken cooperative research over the past 10 years with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, confirming that the screening test is 95 percent accurate by analyzing data from 180 samples. "The meaning of this research is that it actively found biomarkers compared to other institutes. I believe that there should be more cooperative research with much more data." Researchers mentioned that they will undertake additional clinical trials of more than 1-thousand patients to collect more data. Also, they will secure reproducibility and reliability of the screening test through collaboration with national and international researchers. Researchers are also planning to apply the screening test system to other cancers, such as stomach and colorectal, through additional research. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

AI-powered humanoid robots are the newest workers at Mercedes-Benz's factory in Berlin

2025/03/20 10:00

Meanwhile, German automaker Mercedes-Benz is integrating AI-powered humanoid robots into its manufacturing processes at the Digital Factory Campus in Berlin. According to reports on Tuesday, the automaker is testing the 175 centimeters Apollo robot, in collaboration with U.S.-based robotics firm Apptronik, to handle tasks such as transporting components and transporting components and conducting quality inspections. Unlike traditional factory robots, Apollo isn't fixed and can move around. The aim is to enhance efficiency by automating repetitive and physically demanding activities and allowing human workers to focus on more complex tasks.

KARI develops 'solar sail' to power spacecraft using solar wind

2025/03/19 20:00

Solar sails are a method of propulsion for spacecraft using solar radiation and if they are well developed, experts believe they may serve as means of travel in space. Our Cha Yun-kyung covers Korea's related efforts. Korean researchers have developed an apparatus that can store solar sails and then deploy them once a spacecraft reaches space. The square-shaped solar sail with an area of 10 square meters obtains power by capturing photons emitted by the sun. "It seems like the wind pushing a sailboat but it's actually a photon engine that drives the craft. For this, when photons from the sun hit the sail, they move it forward. If the solar sail is attached to a spaceship, it can travel through space for extended times without using a conventional engine. The solar sail made by the Korean researchers is larger than the 'ACS3' unveiled by NASA in April last year, which is 9 square meters. Also, researchers explained that the solar sail is extremely light since it is an aluminum-metalized PET film. The solar sail can be folded down to 20 square centimeters, so that it can be easily stored in the opening apparatus. A direct current electric motor easily folds and deploys the sail in space. Eyes are on whether the sail made by the local researchers can be utilized in space, after its successful demonstration on land. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Coupang ranked 2nd most innovative retail company globally

2025/03/19 20:00

Korean e-commerce giant Coupang has been recognized as one of the world's most innovative retail companies. The U.S.-based business media firm, Fast Company announced its "World's Most Innovative Companies 2025" on Tuesday, and Coupang ranked No. 2 in the retail category, following apparel seller J.Crew. Coupang secured the top spot as an e-commerce company, ranking higher than Amazon which placed 8th. Fast Company highlighted the firm's "one-stop" e-commerce platform that utilizes AI, robotics and automation to enhance service innovation.

KARI made 'solar sail' which can power spacecraft using solar wind

2025/03/19 17:00

Solar sails are a method of propulsion for spacecraft using solar radiation and if they are well developed experts believe they may serve as affordable means of travel in space. Having said that our Cha Yun-kyung covers Korea's related efforts. Korean researchers have developed an apparatus that can store solar sails and then deploy them once a spacecraft reaches space. The square-shaped solar sail with an area of 10 square meters obtains power by capturing photons emitted by the sun in the sail. "It seems like the wind pushing a sailboat but it's actually a photon engine that drives the craft. For this, when photons from the sun hit the sail, they move it forward. If the solar sail is attached to a spaceship, it can travel through space for extended times without using a conventional engine. The solar sail made by the Korean researchers is larger than the 'ACS3' unveiled by NASA in April last year, which is 9 square meters. Also, researchers explained that the solar sail is extremely light since it is an aluminum-metalized PET film. The solar sail can be folded down to 20 square centimeters, so that it can be easily stored in the opening apparatus. A direct current electric motor easily folds and deploys the sail in space. Eyes are on whether the sail made by the local researchers can be utilized in space, after its successful demonstration on land. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

NASA astronauts finally return to Earth after 9 months in space

2025/03/19 17:00

Two NASA astronauts have safely returned to Earth after an extended stay at the International Space Station. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams made a safe splashdown off the coast of Florida on Tuesday local time. The pair was chosen for the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner. But upon arrival at the ISS in June last year engineers detected a number of technical issues with the spacecraft which led to its return to Earth in September without Wilmore and Williams on board. As a result their eight-day mission become an almost three hundred day stay in space.

[Features reporter] S. Korean universities paving the way for unlimited career opportunities in esports field

2025/03/19 14:00

Eun-hee, I heard today you have a story for us about esports, what is it? Yes, Soa. Today I brought another esports related story, which is one of my favorite hobbies. But what happens when gaming becomes more than just a hobby? That is what I want to share today, as now its possible for students to transform that hobby into a career. And I'll also be sharing how the future of careers in gaming is being shaped. Let's take a look. At first glance, students playing esports games may seem like they're just having fun. But this is actually part of an university course. "Above all, understanding games is essential. This is a game practice room, something you don’t typically find at regular universities. Many students have once dreamed of becoming professional esports players, but as they dive deeper into the world of gaming, they realize that success in esports comes in many forms." "I started playing the game League of Legends in high school, and I ranked 33rd in the country at the highest "challenger" level. I received pro offers and joined a training academy, but soon realized how competitive the scene was. So, I decided to pursue a related career and become a game analyst and tournament organizer." Many South Korean universities are turning gaming into an academic and professional field, opening doors to a variety of careers. As esports gains popularity, many players invest significant time and effort but never reach the pro level, however education in this field can open new opportunities for them. Most importantly, it can provide a fresh start for pro gamers, who are often known for having short career spans. Behind esports star players and tournaments, key roles include global event organizers, content marketers, team coaches and media professionals who share players' performances with the public. "Our curriculum trains students to become professionals in areas such as planning and organizing esports tournaments, as well as game programming for gaming companies." "I chose to pursue a degree in esports because I love it, and I feel it suits my strength. Also, I believe it's a growing industry." Dongyang University's campus, located just outside of Seoul, is home to the first four-year esports program in the metropolitan area, while many other universities are also embracing the growing esports industry by offering training for talented individuals. Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News. I'm not an esports expert, but I know that South Korea is a powerhouse in the industry. When we say esports, most people typically think of the famous players, but after hearing what you said, I started to think about everything behind the scenes that makes all of this possible. Exactly. As I mentioned in my article, not everyone can become a world-famous pro gamer, like our "legendary" South Korean player Faker. And to quote the professor I spoke to, being a player can even be considered one of the smallest fields within esports. I also found out that there are academies that assist students with university admissions. For example, Dongyang University collaborates with the Nongshim Esports Academy, one of the largest in the country, to offer esports education programs. It's certainly an intriguing shift, as the growing focus on esports in education is transforming career paths and creating exciting new opportunities for students. Yes, on that note another important development I want to share is that last month, a forum was held to discuss introducing esports curriculums in middle and high schools. Cohosted by a National Assembly member and the Korea Esports Association, the "2025 School Esports Forum" brought together leaders from the government and education sectors to explore new policies. These discussions focused on improving the sustainability of the esports industry, creating better esports environments in schools, and changing society's view on esports as an educational tool. The Korea Esports Association plans to launch several initiatives, starting with a nationwide middle and high school esports tournament. I'll keep you updated with any news. We will be looking forward to your updates. Thank you Eun-hee for sharing. Yes thank you Eun-hee for the story.

Blue Ghost completes historic commercial moon mission

2025/03/18 17:00

The Blue Ghost spacecraft has become the first private lunar lander to successfully complete its mission. According to its U.S. company Firefly Aerospace on Monday Blue Ghost transmitted some 1-hundred-20 gigabytes of data back to Earth upon landing on March 2nd well beyond expectations. It also stands as the longest-running commercial lunar mission operating for 14 days to break a number of records including that for receiving the farthest GPS signal on the moon adopting a vacuum to gather and sort lunar dust and using a drill to gauge soil temperatures.

[Features-reporter] Two Korean artifacts restored using Korean technology

2025/03/18 14:00

Korean technology was used to newly restore two pieces of Korean cultural heritage artifacts an eight-panel screen, and the bridal garment of royalty, both from the Joseon Dynasty. The Leeum Museum of Art and Dankook University participated in the restoration works, but these Korean artifacts actually belong to an American museum, which means, now that the restoration work is completed, they will be returned after their display in Korea. Lee Eun-jin tells us the story. The Leeum Museum of Art will be displaying two Korean artifacts from the 19th century following their restoration. The eight-panel screen titled "Welcoming Banquet of the Governor of Pyeongan" illustrates the boat ride crossing the Taedong River and the banquet welcoming the newly appointed governor of Pyeongan Province in 1826, during the Joseon Dynasty. Since 1927, this artifact has been housed in the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts in the United States. There had been severe wear from leaving its homeland, and over the passage of time, and the eight panels were stored separately, making it difficult to even determine their exact sequence. It took over 16 months for its restoration. "There were parts of the painting missing -from small details to the entire bottom chunks. So we focused on how we could blend those parts without adding new brushstrokes." Accompanying the folding screen is the "hwarot," a traditional wedding robe worn by women during the Joseon era as early as the year 1392. With only about 50 versions of this garment surviving today, the "hwarot" was once reserved for royalty and aristocrats before becoming common among ordinary brides. It took experts in Dankook University roughly 13 months to restore the "hwarot", including research on the fabric and dye of its material, and embroidery techniques. "We stuck to a few rules: don't harm the original form, remove the cause of the damages as much as possible, and contribute to adding to the beauty of the hwarot." The two artifacts that have been restored with Korean technology belong to The Peabody Essex Museum in the United States, which has been buying Korean artifacts since the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries in the late 18-hundreds. And in 2003, as a part of the museum's expansion project, its new wing included a gallery devoted entirely to Korean arts. "We are accepting support from various organizations around the world for our conservation program. We had decided that the support needed for the preservation work of the Peabody Essex pieces would come from such programs." So far, the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation has supported 58 projects across 10 different countries, not only ensuring that the Korean cultural heritage overseas is preserved, but also displaying them to a global audience. But this is the first time that a private art museum has taken part in the restoration efforts as a contribution to society. After the special exhibition at Leeum, the Peabody Essex Museum will showcase the two restored Korean objects in May. Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.

Sensory neurons for sweet tastes suppress those for bitter tastes

2025/03/18 10:00

The story of taste especially that of sweetness as well as bitterness begin in the brain with intriguing power dynamics. Cha Yun-kyung tells us more. As fruit flies are often used as experimental models, researchers created genetically engineered fruit flies that are vitalized when their sensory neurons are activated. When their sensory neurons for sweet tastes were activated they suppressed the sensory neurons for bitter tastes. On the other hand, when sensory neurons for bitter tastes were activated, those for sweet tastes were not suppressed. This is because sensory neurons for sweet tastes can control those for bitter tastes. "When sensory neurons for sweet tastes are activated, those for bitter tastes are suppressed due to the electric field from the sweet activated sensory neurons. As a result, when there are bitter and sweet tastes at the same time, the bitter tastes are eliminated " The researchers explained that this principle could be the reason why black coffee tastes bitter while coffee mixtures with sugar taste less bitter or fruit juices taste less sour. As the mechanism of the suppression interaction among sensory neurons for taste has been uncovered from fruit fly experiments, researchers expect that this will help with experiments on sensory neurons of different species, including animals and eventually people. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Sensory neurons for sweet tastes suppress those for bitter tastes

2025/03/17 17:00

In science news. The story of taste especially that of sweetness as well as bitterness begin in the brain with intriguing power dynamics. Cha Yun-kyung explains. As fruit flies are often used as experimental models, researchers created genetically engineered fruit flies that are vitalized when their sensory neurons are activated. When their sensory neurons for sweet tastes were activated they suppressed the sensory neurons for bitter tastes. On the other hand, when sensory neurons for bitter tastes were activated, those for sweet tastes were not suppressed. This is because sensory neurons for sweet tastes can control those for bitter tastes. "When sensory neurons for sweet tastes are activated, those for bitter tastes are suppressed due to the electric field from the sweet activated sensory neurons. As a result, when there are bitter and sweet tastes at the same time, the bitter tastes are eliminated " The researchers explained that this principle could be the reason why black coffee tastes bitter while coffee mixtures with sugar taste less bitter or fruit juices taste less sour. As the mechanism of the suppression interaction among sensory neurons for taste has been uncovered from fruit fly experiments, researchers expect that this will help with experiments on sensory neurons of different species, including animals and eventually people. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Mobile ID cards to be rolled out across S. Korea starting Fri.

2025/03/14 10:00

Starting today South Koreans will no longer have to carry their physical national ID cards making it easier for tasks such as banking. That's because mobile ID cards will be available nationwide for use in places such as hospitals, banks, and airports. The country's Ministry of the Interior and Safety first introduced mobile ID cards in December last year, launching the service in Sejong City before gradually expanding it. Those eligible can sign up for mobile cards at local community service centers, and from March 28th, these cards will be issued at community centers outside their registered address and online, at "Government 24."

Mobile ID cards to be rolled out nationwide starting Friday

2025/03/13 20:00

Starting on Friday, South Koreans will no longer need to carry their physical national ID cards for tasks such as banking. That's because mobile ID cards will be available nationwide from tomorrow. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety first introduced mobile ID cards in December last year, launching the service in Sejong City before gradually expanding it. From March 28th, people will also be able to apply at local community service centers outside their registered address and through the civil service portal, "Government 24."

[K-wave] "Game engine" making game creation more accessible

2025/03/13 14:00

Game development requires a great deal of expert knowledge in fields like graphic coding and music. But now there is a tool that has made this process more accessible, for anyone to create their own game. Lee Eun-jin tells us more. There has been a recent trend in the IT industry, where people with expertise in a different field are changing the direction of game development. Even with limited knowledge of what game development requires, like graphics and coding, this new gaming company is focusing on developing a game set to be released in the second half of this year. This is all thanks to what's called a "game engine." It is like a toolbox of all the technological skills needed to create a game. With its intuitive interface, users can apply graphic effects in just a few clicks. The use of these game engines has increased efficiency in game development, as they generate the graphics created by the user in real-time, and display them on the screen. "The game engine has helped me enjoy game development, even during my times of having limited knowledge of programming, and that has made it possible for me to ease into game development." "I think game engines are the foundation to constructing the world. And we need this game engine to develop our games " There is now greater access for anybody with a creative idea to develop a PC game. "The goal is to democratize game development, where all creators can easily create their own games as they wish." There are game companies that have developed their own game engines, like Pearl Abyss. It uses its own game engine, called 'Blackspace Engine', to develop new games. "Internally developed game engines enhance the company's technological assets, and also the quality of development. It will introduce more realistic and highly immersive games." Recently, with the application of AI technology, game engines are expanding their use into other industries like architecture, automobiles, and fashion. Lee Eun-jin, Arirang News.

NASA's SPHEREx space telescope, in partnership with S. Korea's KASI, successfully launched

2025/03/13 10:00

The SPHEREx space telescope, part of NASA's mission to map the universe, is now in space, in partnership with South Korea's Space Institute. SPHEREx was launched successfully on Tuesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at around 8:10 PM local time. According to NASA, it later established successful communication with its Near Space Network in Norway. The launch comes after several delays since late February due to rocket assessments and bad weather. The mission will help scientists uncover how the universe formed and evolved.

NASA's SPHEREx space telescope, in partnership with S. Korea's KASI, successfully launched

2025/03/12 20:00

The SPHEREx space telescope, part of NASA's mission to map the universe, is now in space, in partnership with South Korea's Space Institute. SPHEREx was launched successfully on Tuesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at around 8:10 PM local time. According to NASA, it later established successful communication with its Near Space Network in Norway. The launch comes after several delays since late February due to rocket assessments and bad weather. The mission will help scientists uncover how the universe formed and evolved.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra tops U.S. consumer evaluation following wins in Europe

2025/03/11 17:00

Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra topped U.S. magazine Consumer Reports' latest review. In the magazine's smartphone evaluation for March the Galaxy S25 Ultra scored the highest in various categories including camera display and durability. Similarly this Samsung smartphone was selected as the best by consumer associations in European and Nordic countries such as the U.K. Italy and Sweden.

Korean gov't set to launch renewed AI-based ‘Study in Korea’ website

2025/03/06 20:00

The revamped ‘Study in Korea’ website, enhanced with AI and big data technology, will go live on Friday at 9 AM Korean time. The National Institute for International Education on Thursday announced the official launch. The program has helped foreign nationals with education and employment in South Korea. The redesigned website will now provide a 24-hour AI chatbot service and automatic translation of around a hundred languages. The fully responsive website will help users access it through their PC and mobile devices with ease.

MWC 2025: Here are the S. Korean startups to pay attention to at 4YFN

2025/03/06 10:00

In Barcelona now. This year's MWC is not just for big firms to shine it's also a stage for startups to show off their innovative ideas and gain global recognition. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin tells us more. Small business are competing to make their mark at this dedicated space nestled within the world's largest mobile event. This is where innovation begins. "4 Years From Now is a startup event on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, where inventors showcase their latest creations some award-winning, some intriguing, all with the goal of making it to the main event 'four years from now.'" And those award-winning startups generating buzz at the event include ones from South Korea. "Doctorpresso," an AI-powered mental health app, is the only Korean startup nominated this year for MWC's Global Mobile Awards, often called the "Oscars" of the mobile industry. I tested its AI by pretending to feel down. "I don't know what's wrong and nothing seems to change. I'm starting to lose hope." The technology quickly analyzed my voice, offering personalized recommendations about what I can do. Another South Korean startup, Sakak , was named a Top 20 finalist at the 4YFN Awards for its AI-powered platform, which provides customized responses based on sensitive data in industries like healthcare and insurance. "Our biggest challenge has been gaining global recognition. We hope to use this opportunity to find business opportunities abroad." And as 4YFN showcases cutting-edge startup innovations, it attracts industry leaders seeking promising startups for collaboration. "We're interested in startups with innovative AI technology. One of the biggest challenges that startups face is finding the right industry to apply their technology and that's where big corporations like us come in." One of the 15 startups SK Telecom is working with is "Tuat," an AI-powered visual assistance app that won GLOMO awards in 2022 and 2024. The app gives real-time voice descriptions for visually impaired users when they take a photo of their surroundings or objects. "A person's hand is visible on the monitor holding a cellphone and English is written on the screen." Another startup, "Hudson AI," uses AI to provide dubbing that captures nuances like tone and emotion. The company, like the other startups, is optimistic about the new opportunities and connections that 4YFN will bring as they take their first steps toward the global market. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News, Barcelona.

MWC 2025: Here are the S. Korean startups to pay attention to at 4YFN

2025/03/05 20:00

An event just for startups on the margins of the Mobile World Congress is attracting quite a bit of attention this year as well especially on efforts by Korean companies to enhance public convenience. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin files this report from on the ground in Spain. Small business are competing to make their mark at this dedicated space nestled within the world's largest mobile event. This is where innovation begins. "4 Years From Now is a startup event on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, where inventors showcase their latest creations some award-winning, some intriguing, all with the goal of making it to the main event 'four years from now.'" And those award-winning startups generating buzz at the event include ones from South Korea. "Doctorpresso," an AI-powered mental health app, is the only Korean startup nominated this year for MWC's Global Mobile Awards, often called the "Oscars" of the mobile industry. I tested its AI by pretending to feel down. "I don't know what's wrong and nothing seems to change. I'm starting to lose hope." The technology quickly analyzed my voice, offering personalized recommendations about what I can do. Another South Korean startup, Sakak , was named a Top 20 finalist at the 4YFN Awards for its AI-powered platform, which provides customized responses based on sensitive data in industries like healthcare and insurance. "Our biggest challenge has been gaining global recognition. We hope to use this opportunity to find business opportunities abroad." And as 4YFN showcases cutting-edge startup innovations, it attracts industry leaders seeking promising startups for collaboration. "We're interested in startups with innovative AI technology. One of the biggest challenges that startups face is finding the right industry to apply their technology and that's where big corporations like us come in." One of the 15 startups SK Telecom is working with is "Tuat," an AI-powered visual assistance app that won GLOMO awards in 2022 and 2024. The app gives real-time voice descriptions for visually impaired users when they take a photo of their surroundings or objects. "A person's hand is visible on the monitor holding a cellphone and English is written on the screen." Another startup, "Hudson AI," uses AI to provide dubbing that captures nuances like tone and emotion. The company, like the other startups, is also optimistic about the new opportunities and connections that 4YFN will bring as they take their first steps toward the global market. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News, Barcelona.