National Library of Korea to Expand AI Training Data and Public Access The National Library of Korea said Tuesday it has released its “2026 key work plan” to modernize national knowledge and information services using artificial intelligence and to move toward a next-generation library model. A central task is building and opening high-quality training data that underpin the AI industry. The library said it will continue compiling AI training text data, focusing on materials whose copyright has expired or been cleared, and provide them to the Ministry of Sci February 4, 2026

Korean Air Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Customer Service Korean Air said Tuesday it has launched the “Korean Air AI Chatbot,” adding generative artificial intelligence to its online customer-service chatbot. The chatbot is built on generative AI trained on a large volume of data, including airline rules, the company said. Customers can type questions in everyday language — for example, asking how many checked bags are allowed for an economy-class trip from Incheon to Paris — and receive an answer tailored to the request. To improve February 4, 2026

Hyundai, Kia Post Record January U.S. Sales on Hybrid and SUV Demand Hyundai Motor and Kia said they set new January sales records in the U.S. market. Hyundai Motor’s U.S. unit said Tuesday that it sold 55,624 vehicles in January, up 2% from 54,503 a year earlier, marking its best-ever January. The automaker said results were driven by surging demand for hybrid electric vehicles, growth in electrified models and continued strength in its core SUV lineup, which accounted for 77% of total sales. A Hyundai official said the Santa Fe and the all-new Palisa February 4, 2026

Min Hee-jin Teases Feb. 5 Announcement as OK Records Launches Amid NewJeans Dispute Min Hee-jin, who was removed as CEO amid a management dispute with HYBE, has signaled an independent move tied to her recently established entertainment agency, OK. On Feb. 3, Min posted a photo on social media with the message, “20260205 10AM Coming soon.” The image shows a satin shirt bearing the OK Records logo. It also includes the label’s website and social media addresses. Visitors to the website see an animation in which images shaped like eyes, a nose and a mouth cha February 4, 2026

LG Energy Solution, Hanwha Qcells to build 5GWh solar-plus-storage infrastructure in U.S. LG Energy Solution said Tuesday it has signed a contract to supply a total of 5 gigawatt-hours of energy storage system, or ESS, batteries to the U.S. unit of Hanwha Solutions’ Qcells division, known as Hanwha Qcells. The products are LFP batteries for ESS use that will be made at LG Energy Solution’s plant in Holland, Michigan. Deliveries are scheduled to roll out from 2028 through 2030 for Hanwha Qcells’ grid-scale ESS projects in the United States. The deal is the companies’ second ES February 4, 2026

Renault Korea Adds ChatGPT-Based Generative AI to Renault Filante Tips App Renault Korea said Tuesday it has added ChatGPT-based generative artificial intelligence to “Tips,” its vehicle guide application for Renault Filante. Tips is an integrated guide service designed to help drivers quickly resolve questions that come up while using the vehicle, the company said. Its main feature, “AI My Car Assistant,” uses generative AI to provide information in a conversational format. Unlike keyword-based searches, it allows users to continue exploring information through February 4, 2026

South Korea’s Smaller Shipbuilders Run Full Docks as Orders Lift Results South Korea’s shipbuilding boom is spreading beyond the biggest yards to smaller builders, with docks effectively running at full capacity as a wave of orders secures years of work. Industry data released Monday showed shipyard utilization at HJ Heavy Industries, Daehan Shipbuilding and K Shipbuilding topped 100% last year. Utilization above 100% indicates expanded working hours, including holiday and night shifts, as the companies ramp up production after recent contract wins. HJ Hea February 4, 2026

Air Premia pilots move closer to strike, file mediation request in Seoul Air Premia pilots have begun steps that could lead to a strike. According to the aviation industry on Monday, the Air Premia pilots union filed a mediation request with the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission. The move followed a strike-authorization vote held Jan. 29, which passed with 83.8% support (62 votes), and came after final talks with management broke down Monday morning. The union has sought better pay, saying wages have been frozen for years. The union was initially repor February 4, 2026

South Korea Culture Minister Choi Hwi Young Visits Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics Choi Hwi Young, South Korea’s minister of culture, sports and tourism, will attend the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics as the government’s representative. The ministry said Choi will stay in Milan from Feb. 4-8 to cheer on the national team and review on-site support. On Feb. 5, Choi will visit the athletes’ village to encourage South Korean athletes in final training ahead of the opening and hear their concerns. He will also tour a meal-support center to check preparations f February 4, 2026

BTS May Open March 21 Comeback Show With Walk on Restored Gwanghwamun Royal Route BTS are expected to step onto the restored Gwanghwamun Woldae — a ceremonial platform returned to its original form after 100 years — as part of their first full-group return in three years and nine months. The group are set to stage “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang,” a performance marking the release of their fifth full-length album, at 8:00 p.m. on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Organizers are reviewing a plan for the members to march from Geunjeongmun Gate at Gyeongbokg February 4, 2026