LG Electronics said Sunday it has added a new production line for dryers at its Tennessee plant in the US, with aims to ramp up production of premium home appliances and bolster its responsiveness to market demand. Adding to the existing two production lines for washers built in 2018, a total of three lines will be operated at the plant to produce front- and top-loading washing machines and dryers. Its production capacity is expected to reach 1.2 million washing machines and 600,000 dryers per y

Industry Jan. 15, 2023

South Korea’s largest wireless carrier, SK Telecom, and US aviation company Joby Aviation said Thursday they advanced a strategic partnership for a boost in the commercialization of Korean-style urban air mobility, or UAM. Joby Aviation recently invited officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to its headquarters in San Jose, California. Joby Aviation formed a strategic p

Technology Jan. 12, 2023

Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering said Tuesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with two European partners to develop large-capacity fuel cell systems for ships and other power generation. The two partners include Germany’s Fraunhofer IKTS, the largest applied research institute in Europe, and Elcogen, a leading cell component manufacturer based in Estonia. Under the partnership, KSOE, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders and an HD Hyundai subsidiary, will des

Industry Jan. 10, 2023

S-Oil President Ryu Yul attended CES 2023 in Las Vegas where the Korean oil refiner announced its transformation into a future clean energy supplier. In the company's booth installed in the world's largest consumer electronics exhibition, S-Oil introduced venture companies that it has directly invested in search of new business opportunities. “By experiencing new future technologies on the ground, participating in CES has been a great opportunity to consider the strategies S-Oil

Industry Jan. 9, 2023

LG Electronics said Wednesday it is boosting existing ties with Magna, one of the largest auto parts maker, to develop new solutions for autonomous vehicles. The two companies will seek synergy between LG’s advanced in-car infotainment technology and Magna’s driver assistance systems and other self-driving car solutions. They plan to develop a prototype for the upcoming solutions and carry out a feasibility test together. The two companies will participate in this week's CES tra

Technology Jan. 4, 2023

Hyundai Motor Group sold more than 800,000 cars in India last year, a 17.5 percent growth compared to a year ago, the auto giant said Monday. With the upbeat figures, India has emerged as the South Korean carmaker’s third-largest market after the US and its home turf. A total of 807,067 vehicles were sold by the automotive duo, with Hyundai and Kia selling 552,511 and 254,556 units, respectively. Kia, especially, posted stunning growth in recent years, with its sales jumping more than 40 p

Mobility Jan. 3, 2023

A 48-year-old Korean man who recruited at least 85 Thai women to illegally work in massage parlors in Korea has been nabbed.The broker, identified only by his surname Yoo, has been detained for violation of the immigration law with a recommendation for indictment by the Incheon Airport immigration office, the Justice Ministry said Friday.Yoo escaped to Thailand when police began investigating him on charges of fraud around December 2015. He had stayed in Thailand since, and is suspected of recru

Social Affairs Sept. 14, 2018

Another record was added to BTS’ collection as its member V was named the most handsome face of 2017. The Independent Critics led by TC Candler unveiled its annual lists of the 100 Most Handsome Faces of 2017 and the 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017 on Thursday.  (Screen captured from YouTube)On this year’s list, the K-pop superstar cruised to the top from last year’s No. 60. His bandmate Jungkook took the No. 13 spot while Jimin reached No. 64. The list was filled with many of other K-pop stars

Performance Dec. 28, 2017

It is that time of the year again: the country’s three biggest TV networks will air their annual year-end award shows this week. In September, members of the National Union of Media Workers at KBS and MBC went on strike simultaneously, calling for the removal of the networks’ management and the restoration of independent, fair reporting.Singers IU and You Hee-yeol host annual year-end music show “SBS Gayo Daejun” at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday. (SBS)The two-month strike at MBC ended in N

Television Dec. 27, 2017

“A Korean Odyssey,” a new fantasy adventure drama by tvN, experienced a series of mishaps with its second episode. The episode that aired on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. turned out to be a nightmare for the broadcaster. In Sunday’s episode, Jin Seon-mi, played by Oh Yeon-seo, went for an audition while fighting against demons. However, the wires attached to stunt performers who played the demons could be seen by viewers, as they had not been edited out.  (tvN)After the scene aired, the show went to a

Television Dec. 25, 2017

K-pop sensation BTS again proved its power, as it was ranked the highest among K-pop acts on Japan’s annual Oricon singles chart, according to the group’s agency Big Hit Entertainment Sunday.“Mic Drop/DNA/Crystal Snow,” the band’s eighth Japanese single album, secured its spot at No. 13 on the Japanese chart for 2017. “Blood Sweat & Tears,” its seventh Japanese single, ranked No. 22. BTS‘ “Mic Drop/DNA/Crystal Snow” (Big Hit Entertainment)The two single albums marked the highest and second-highe

Performance Dec. 25, 2017

IU has been chosen as the top singer of the year in an annual poll.Gallup Korea canvassed 4,200 people aged 13 to 59 across the country from July 6-26, Sept. 1-29 and Nov. 8-28, and the singer took the top spot, racking up 15.2 percent of total votes. Having debuted in 2008, IU released many chart-sweeping songs, including “Good Day,” “You & I” and “The Red Shoes.” In 2014, the singer was named best singer of the year in the survey as her cover album “A Flower Bookmark” gained popularity among a

Performance Dec. 21, 2017

K-pop stars delayed, downscaled and even canceled promotional activities in the wake of the unexpected death of SHINee lead singer Jonghyun. EXO, signed under the same label as SHINee, announced Tuesday it would postpone the release of its winter album “Universe” to Dec. 26 from the originally slated Thursday. Twice also delayed the release of the music video for “Merry & Happy” from Thursday to Friday, it announced via Twitter on Tuesday. Kim’s burial service is to be held Thursday. Seventeen c

Performance Dec. 20, 2017

Hyolyn, a former member of now defunct girl group Sistar, sang “Spring Watch,” which was featured in the soundtrack of KBS’ fantasy romance drama “Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me.” The latest addition to the soundtrack is set to be released Wednesday at 6 p.m. on online music streaming platforms such as Melon and Naver Music.  The cover of Hyolyn’s “Spring Watch” (Leon Korea)It is the first song released by the singer since she founded her own label “Brid3” in November after leaving her form

Performance Dec. 20, 2017

Taeyang of Big Bang will marry actress Min Hyo-rin early next year. YG Entertainment, which represents the singer, confirmed that the two would wed around February next year before Taeyang’s enlistment.　Taeyang is expected to join the military in the first half of next year.  (YG Entertainment/ Yonhap)The two confirmed they were dating in May 2015.Min, 29, appeared in Taeyang’s solo music video for “1AM” in June 2014. The music video, which includes passionate kiss scenes, is based on a storylin

Performance Dec. 18, 2017