KCCI chief says discussion ‘missing’ on economy, new industries

The head of South Korea’s largest organization representing small and large businesses alike on Wednesday expressed concern that a nationwide drive to overcome economic risk by nurturing new industries and promoting deregulation has been losing its steam despite growing negative signs pointing to a possible economic recession.“Even though we are standing at a time when we have to do our best to overcome downside risks, it is regrettable to say that discussion on economic issues itsel

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

Hyundai to install advanced air bags

Hyundai Motor Group said Wednesday that it plans to install newly developed center-side air bags in its vehicles, without specifying the time frame or any model names.The group has two auto subsidiaries -- Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.The center-side air bags, developed by in-house engineers, are intended to reduce injuries to drivers and front-seat passengers. This air bag prevents drivers and passengers from colliding during a crash and also protects a lone driver from the impact of glass frag

MobilitySept. 18, 2019

[Newsmaker] B.I admits drug use, ex-YG chief to be summoned over alleged cover-up

The ex-chief of YG Entertainment, the label that represents the K-pop band iKON, will soon be summoned after the band’s former leader admitted to some of the drug allegations against him, police said Wednesday. The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said B.I, whose real name is Kim Han-bin, admitted to past drug use during an interrogation Tuesday. Kim was grilled for some 14 hours on suspicion of buying marijuana from an acquaintance in 2016 and smoking it. The investigators will con

Social AffairsSept. 18, 2019

As international galleries look for Hong Kong alternative, KIAF 2019 gets boost

Korea International Art Fair 2019 will be held Sept. 26-29 at Coex in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.A total of 175 galleries from 17 countries, including China, France, the US and Mexico, are participating in the 18th edition of the annual fair.“As the crisis in Hong Kong continues, there are many foreign galleries that are seeking an alternative market to introduce their works. And the art market in Korea appears to be one of their options. It is expected that there will be several representatives fr

Arts & DesignSept. 18, 2019

S. Korea to revamp workforce system amid population decline

South Korea’s fiscal chief on Wednesday announced proposals to improve the supply of key workforce amid a declining population and aging society. The government’s latest blueprint announced Wednesday focuses on recruiting teachers, soldiers and foreign workers in nonmetropolitan areas, as well as improving the employment conditions for seniors.“With its record-low birth rate and fast aging society, Korea is now facing critical demographic changes,” said Deputy Prime Minis

EconomySept. 18, 2019

Amorepacific makes W200m donation to Vietnam city

Korean cosmetics giant Amorepacific said Wednesday the company delivered a bus and maintenance fee for medical devices worth some 200 million won ($168,000), to the city of Quy Nhon, located in Binh Dinh province in central Vietnam.Attending the delivery ceremony at Quy Nhon city hall was head of Amorepacific Vietnam division Min Jeong-gi, Yongsan district Mayor Sung Jang-hyun as well as Binh Dinh People’s Committee Vice Chairman Phan Cao Thang, Mayor of Quy Nhon Ngo Hoang Nam and head of

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

Lotte Duty Free invites youth activists with disabilities for Seoul tour

Lotte Duty Free invited some 20 youth activists with disabilities from South Korea, China and Japan last month to provide cultural and tourism experiences here, and at the same time address the lack of accessibility for the disabled in major tourist areas, the company said Wednesday.  Organized by Lotte Duty Free and Disabled Peoples’ International Korea, the event itinerary included a guided tour around major attractions in Seoul, a chance to view the annual Lotte Duty Free Family Co

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

No attack weapons deployed on N. Korea's Hambak Island in Yellow Sea: Seoul ministry

No offensive weapons are deployed on North Korea's border island of Hambak in the Yellow Sea, the defense ministry said Wednesday, after security concerns arose following media reports that the communist nation could have deployed weapons like multiple rocket launchers there."Not a single attack weapon exists on the island," a senior defense ministry official told reporters, noting that the deployment of those weapons may constitute a violation of an inter-Korean military pact signed l

North KoreaSept. 18, 2019

Posco gears up for stainless steel sales for vessel scrubbers

South Korean steelmaker Posco is ready for commercial sales of super-alloy stainless steel for scrubbers necessary for vessels that should abide by new environmental rules by the International Maritime Organization, the company said Wednesday.This year, Posco succeeded in commercializing super-alloy stainless steel, labeled S31254, for vessel scrubbers, and it has been supplying the steel to clients including Hyundai Heavy Industries Power Systems, Kangrim Heavy Industries and STI. Installi

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

LG CNS to develop AI-based language education app

　South Korean tech company LG CNS said Wednesday it has agreed to work with foreign-language education firm YBM NET to develop a mobile language-learning app using artificial intelligence technology. 　The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on the AI-based foreign-language education service. The signing ceremony was held at LG CNS’ headquarter in the Magok district of western Seoul. 　Combining LG CNS’ voice recognition and machine learning technologies

TechnologySept. 18, 2019

Seventeen delves into ‘fear’ with new single

Seventeen has always been associated with playfulness and quirkiness, but not this time. The 13-piece multinational boy band has returned with its long-awaited single “Fear,” which features the act in a totally new light -- or rather darkness. “This is a song that will showcase the darkest side of Seventeen. It explores our inner feelings of ‘fear,’ which will be able to draw out new sides of us,” said Woozi, who took part in crafting the song, at the band&rsq

K-popSept. 18, 2019

19 Korean firms maintain stable operating profit since 2000: data

Nearly 20 South Korean firms have posted stable operating profits consecutively on a quarterly basis since 2000, data compiled by a local corporate tracker showed Wednesday, reflecting their ability to manage financial health effectively for nearly two decades. According to the data released by CEO Score, 19 firms here have successfully kept their operating profit margin in positive terrain for 78 consecutive quarters, as of the second quarter this year. The data took 277 nonfinancial listed fir

MarketSept. 18, 2019

S. Korea urges China to end anti-dumping duties on solar materials

South Korea has urged China to terminate its anti-dumping measures on Korean polycrystalline silicon for solar panels, claiming they do not pose any domestic threat, officials said Wednesday. A delegation led by Chung Hae-kwan, director general of Trade Ministry’s trade legal affairs, attended a hearing in Beijing together with officials of related Korean companies, including OCI and Hanwha Chemical. The Chinese government has imposed anti-dumping duties on Korean and US polycrystalline si

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

Celltrion, KDB to form W200b bio-health fund

　Biosimilar company Celltrion and Korea Development Bank said Wednesday they plan to form a 200 billion-won ($168 million) fund to fuel the bio-health industry. 　Celltrion CEO Seo Jung-jin and KDB Chairman Lee Dong-gull have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in identifying promising startups and investing in them.　They will also work together in realizing Celltrion’s previously pledged vision to invest 40 trillion won by 2030.  　Seo had announced in May that he would

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

DuPont builds new plant in Cheonan for flexible displays

　US-based DuPont Electronics & Imaging said Wednesday that it has completed a new plant in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, that will focus on the production of liquid polyimide (PI) for flexible display substrates. 　The company is seeking to tap the growing demand for future materials that enable bendable displays. 　Liquid Polyimide is a cutting-edge material that can replace hard, brittle glass substrates for various form factors such as foldable, rollable, bendable or transparent disp

IndustrySept. 18, 2019

Despite high youth unemployment, small companies face labor shortage: survey

　Despite worsening youth unemployment in South Korea, more than two-thirds of small and medium enterprises here appear to have trouble hiring young people, a survey showed Wednesday. 　Online recruiting company JobKorea surveyed 526 companies with less than 300 staff and found that 67 percent of the companies suffered from labor shortages. 　The result appears to be in contrast to reports about worsening employment among young people. According to 2018 data from the Korean Education Development In

TechnologySept. 18, 2019

BTS’ special playlist

After enjoying a monthlong vacation, BTS resumed its activities Monday, boarding a plane for an overseas engagement. While its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, declined to disclose details of the trip, fans are happy to see their favorite boy band back in the game. The Korea Herald has compiled a special playlist for fans who have been waiting for the band. While it was not easy to pick just a few tunes from the group’s hefty discography, here is a curated list of our favorites, in chronolog

K-popSept. 18, 2019

Lotte Foundation for Arts launches organ competition

The Lotte Foundation for Arts is to launch the International Organ Competition of Korea next year. The foundation and the Korean Association of Organists will co-host the annual competition to recognize talented young organists around the world.  The Lotte Concert Hall, located in Jamsil, eastern Seoul, is home to a grand pipe organ, composed of almost 5,000 pipes installed across three floors. Built by the Austrian company Rieger, it took three years to design and install and cost 2.5 bil

PerformanceSept. 18, 2019

S. Korea going all-out to stem spread of African swine fever

Wednesday to stem the spread of African swine fever across the country after reporting its second confirmed case of the deadly animal disease at a farm near the heavily fortified border with North Korea. The new case at a pig farm in Yeoncheon was confirmed a day after another case of African swine fever was reported, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.The county near the border with North Korea is about 48 kilometers away from Paju, where the first confirmed case o

Social AffairsSept. 18, 2019

Fall wine fair at hotel offers 150 varieties of wine

The Mayfield Hotel in Gangseo-gu, western Seoul, is to host the Dionysos Wine Fair at its outdoor gardens Sept. 21-22.The biannual event, held every spring and fall, allows wine aficionados to taste 150 varieties of wine, paired with barbecue plates, caprese salad with burrata cheese and Iberico jamon (Iberian ham) with melon.  A wine concierge service will be offered along with discounts on wine purchases. Pop-jazz band Get Alright will take the stage.Winners of the best dresser award -- o

FoodSept. 18, 2019