Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Jangsu Communications to Supply Privacy-Preserving HALO Sensors for School Blind Spots
    Jangsu Communications to Supply Privacy-Preserving HALO Sensors for School Blind Spots Video- and audio-free monitoring technology designed to detect environmental changes and warning signs is set to be introduced in South Korean schools. Jangsu Communications, a partner of Motorola Solutions, said it plans to supply the HALO smart sensor to strengthen safety in school blind spots where CCTV installation is restricted, focusing on elementary schools. The device, developed by HALO Smart Solutions Inc., is an environmental and behavior-detection sensor built without a camera or microphone, a design intended to preserve privacy. The company said that makes it suitable for areas such as restrooms, locker rooms and hallway blind spots, where privacy protections limit conventional video-based security. Jangsu said the HALO sensor can analyze more than 20 environmental factors with a single unit, detecting changes in sound patterns, movement, air quality and specific chemical components in real time. It identifies anomalies and sends immediate alerts to administrators. Because the system processes “event-based information” rather than storing video or audio, it is designed to reduce the burden of handling personal data. One feature highlighted for schools is e-cigarette vaping detection. Jangsu said the sensor’s algorithm analyzes fine particles and chemical changes in the air to determine whether smoking has occurred and is designed to distinguish attempts to mask odors with perfume or air fresheners. The system also includes indoor air-quality monitoring, continuously measuring key indicators such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). It can issue warnings when readings exceed set thresholds, data that can be used to judge when ventilation is needed or to support indoor-environment improvements. Jangsu said the sensor can also detect abnormal noise, impact sounds and unusual behavior through movement and sound-pattern analysis, offering a tool to help spot early signs of school violence or accidents. The company said linking the system with lighting and HVAC controls could enable automatic operation to improve energy efficiency and expand into predictive maintenance by using temperature and humidity data to detect equipment issues in advance. On integration, Jangsu said the system supports an open API, allowing it to connect with existing security platforms and building management systems and to be customized for different operating environments. The company cited reported use cases at some U.S. education institutions, including Castleberry Independent School District and Green Dot Public Schools, for vaping detection, air-quality improvements and accident prevention. Industry observers say non-identifying, sensor-based security is drawing attention as an option that can address both privacy protection and safety management, particularly in settings such as schools where privacy standards are strict. A Jangsu Communications official said the company plans to expand the product in a form suited to South Korea’s education environment. “The device has been recognized in the field of security technology innovation,” the official said. “We expect it can help strengthen student safety by covering CCTV blind spots while reducing the management burden on teachers.” 2026-04-29 09:05:21
  • South Korea Approves 3 Regional Job Projects, Pledges 21.2 Billion Won for Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, Daegu-Gyeongbuk and Chungcheong
    South Korea Approves 3 Regional Job Projects, Pledges 21.2 Billion Won for Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, Daegu-Gyeongbuk and Chungcheong The South Korean government is moving ahead with a large-scale support program aimed at more balanced regional development and job creation built around mega-regional blocs. The Ministry of Employment and Labor said Tuesday it had finalized three joint project plans under its “Wide-Area Link Project” after a public call and review process. The approved regions are Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang; Daegu-North Gyeongsang; and Daejeon-Sejong-North Chungcheong-South Chungcheong. The program is designed to help metropolitan and provincial governments share resources and close policy gaps created by administrative and geographic boundaries. A central goal is to provide multi-year support — over four years — for job initiatives tied to each region’s strategic industries, in an effort to curb population outflows and encourage people to move in from the Seoul metropolitan area and elsewhere. To strengthen implementation, the ministry said it has operated “mega-regional project preparation teams” since October last year, involving local labor offices, local governments and regional human resources development councils. After workshops and intensive consulting by selection reviewers, the ministry said it confirmed each region’s project content and scale. The approved plans focus on creating conditions that help skilled workers stay in the region by building on key local industries. Busan-Ulsan-South Gyeongsang will receive 10 billion won. The region will pursue what it described as a “mega-regional living zone” linking commuting and employment to create quality jobs in shipbuilding, automobiles and machinery parts. Daegu-North Gyeongsang will receive 8 billion won to foster a “future mobility jobs-and-living ecosystem,” including joint research and development among companies across the supply chain and efforts to strengthen workforce capabilities. The Chungcheong region will receive 3.2 billion won to build a “mega-regional career-link ecosystem” aimed at a virtuous cycle of attracting, settling and developing talent in growth industries such as bio and mobility. Across the regions, the ministry said support measures will include help with asset-building and living expenses to improve settlement conditions, assistance for long-term employment and re-employment, and packages such as company visits and on-site training. To boost momentum, the ministry said it will form project task forces led by director-level local government officials, with regional labor office chiefs serving as secretaries, to strengthen public-private cooperation. It also plans to hold a series of “regional implementation pledge events” starting in July to support the project’s rollout. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said the project would be “a springboard for creating quality jobs by bringing together regional resources beyond administrative and geographic limits.” He said the central government and mega-regional local governments would work closely to build “a vibrant regional jobs ecosystem where young people choose to stay.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 09:04:18
  • Handy Company Picked to Supply AI Tool for Korea’s ‘Startup for Everyone’ Program
    Handy Company Picked to Supply AI Tool for Korea’s ‘Startup for Everyone’ Program Handy Company, a full-service advertising agency that supports the entire startup process, said April 28 it was selected as an AI solution supplier for “Startup for Everyone,” a nationwide entrepreneurship project led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Entrepreneurship Agency. “Startup for Everyone” is a government-backed program designed to help aspiring founders at the idea stage develop real business models through mentoring, training and a step-by-step tournament format. As of 2026, it is run for about 5,000 participants, and the final winner can receive up to 1 billion won in commercialization funding, the program said. Handy Company said it will provide HandyDocs, an AI-based tool that automatically generates business plans. The company said the product is aimed at easing what it described as a major barrier for early-stage founders: writing a business plan despite limited time, information and expertise. The company said HandyDocs goes beyond basic text generation, drawing on a database trained on more than 10,000 cases of corporate mentoring data and real commercialization examples. Users enter key information, and the system analyzes it in context to produce a connected document covering business structure, market analysis, revenue model and execution strategy, the company said. HandyDocs also includes an AI scoring function that rates the completeness of a plan and flags areas that need improvement, the company said, adding that the process is designed to reflect real evaluation criteria so participants can review and revise their plans more objectively. Handy Company said it will also provide mentoring during the project. CEO Cho Doo-hyun is expected to take part directly, sharing case-based guidance on early-stage missteps, fundraising strategies and methods for market validation, the company said. Looking ahead, Handy Company said it plans to expand beyond business plans to an integrated AI platform that supports startup documents such as presentation materials (PPT) and investor pitch decks (IR). Cho said, “Countless trial and errors I experienced in my early startup days while writing business plans and raising funds were the starting point for HandyDocs.” He added, “I want to improve the reality in which founders spend energy on administrative paperwork rather than developing their ideas, so they can focus only on solving core problems and executing.” Song Minseung, a manager on Handy Company’s business team, said the company aims to move beyond automated business-plan drafting to “an integrated platform that solves concerns across business documents, including presentation materials (PPT) and investor proposals (IR).” He added, “Through this project, we will build an ecosystem where founders can reduce trial and error and grow faster.” 2026-04-29 09:03:19
  • SK Magic Launches MEGA ICE Water Purifier With Ice Cubes Twice the Size
    SK Magic Launches MEGA ICE Water Purifier With Ice Cubes Twice the Size SK Magic said Tuesday it has launched a new product, the “MEGA ICE ice-making water purifier,” aimed at meeting summer demand for ice. The company said the model focuses on ice quality and can produce “mega ice” cubes of about 25 grams — more than twice the size of typical cubes of about 11 grams. It said a single dispense can fill a large cup, and that the firm, clear ice melts more slowly to help keep drinks and foods tasting fresh longer. SK Magic said the unit can make up to 5.7 kilograms of ice per day in mega mode and includes a 1.1-kilogram ice room for ample supply in summer. It also has a button to dispense ice only and an “ice water” button that dispenses ice and water at the same time. On hygiene, the company said it applied an all-stainless, direct-water pipe system across all water lines to resist contamination and corrosion. It said its “five-layer safety care” system includes triple UV care for the ice room, UV care for the dispensing area and spout, electrolyzed-water care for the direct-water pipe, and circulation care for the water path. The company said the ice room is designed to be replaceable, allowing users to swap a part they cannot easily inspect, and called it a new benchmark for hygiene in ice-making water purifiers. SK Magic said the design won the 2026 iF Design Award, one of the world’s three major design awards, citing a “layer design” inspired by clear ice. An SK Magic official said the product “goes beyond the limits of existing ice-making water purifiers” by addressing ice size, ice quality and hygiene. The official said the company will provide a care service that replaces the MEGA ICE ice room free of charge every year to reduce hygiene concerns. 2026-04-29 09:00:16
  • Hyundai Motor Group, University of London SOAS Share Research on Africa Mobility Industry
    Hyundai Motor Group, University of London SOAS Share Research on Africa Mobility Industry Hyundai Motor Group said it held a briefing on April 28 at its headquarters in Seoul to share Africa-related research results with the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation, or CSST, under SOAS University of London. SOAS is one of the 17 colleges that make up the University of London and specializes in Asian and African studies. CSST, established under SOAS in 2024, has been studying long-term industrial policy and practical tasks for Africa’s sustainable growth under the leadership of economist Ha-Joon Chang. Hyundai Motor Group said it supported CSST’s launch and backed research on supply chains, renewable energy, mineral resources and infrastructure development, which it described as key elements of sustainable growth in Africa. The group said the work is intended to deepen its understanding of the region and explore opportunities to enter or expand businesses in areas including mobility, energy, resources and construction. The briefing, held under the theme “Global competitiveness and business growth potential of Africa’s mobility industry,” shared findings from research conducted over the past two years. Attendees included CSST co-directors Chang and Antonio Andreoni, as well as participants from SOAS, the University of Manchester, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and officials from South Africa’s government and public institutions. Hyundai Motor Group participants included Sung Kim, president in charge of strategic planning; Shin Yong-seok, head of the HMG Management Research Institute; and Kim Dong-wook, vice president of the Strategic Planning Office. Sessions covered energy transition and green hydrogen, critical minerals and infrastructure development, global supply chain restructuring, Africa business models, and industrial policy and development finance. Participants reviewed Africa’s growth potential and challenges through presentations and discussions. “Hyundai Motor Group believes the next stage for global sustainable growth is the Global South, especially Africa,” Sung Kim said, calling the research “a practical starting point” for building a long-term partnership with the region. He added that South Korea’s experience of growing through challenges could offer meaningful implications as African countries design their own development paths. Chang said the core of “sustainable structural transformation” is aligning government policy and corporate strategy with social and environmental goals. Africa’s transformation, he said, requires cooperation in which governments, companies, public institutions and local communities share responsibility under a common vision. Hyundai Motor Group said it will continue to explore mid- to long-term research and cooperation with domestic and overseas institutions linked to Africa’s mobility industry. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the event provided a venue for companies and academia to share insights and discuss practical solutions during Africa’s industrial transformation, adding that the group will seek business opportunities based on a deeper understanding of the region’s market and industrial environment. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 08:57:20
  • Korean Air Chosen to Lead SkyTeam Safety, Security and Quality Advisory Group
    Korean Air Chosen to Lead SkyTeam Safety, Security and Quality Advisory Group Korean Air will help steer safety policy for SkyTeam, the global airline alliance. Korean Air said Tuesday it was elected chair airline of SkyTeam’s Safety, Security and Quality advisory group, known as SSQ. Bennett Allen Walsh, head of Korean Air’s Aviation Safety and Security Office, will serve a two-year term as an SSQ committee chair. The SSQ chair airline advises SkyTeam member carriers on safety, security and quality policies, as members work to raise industry standards worldwide. Korean Air said it will work with the SkyTeam board to advance key safety agenda items and share best practices among member airlines to strengthen cooperation. It plans to focus on reinforcing international standards for the in-flight use of portable battery packs, an issue that has drawn global attention, and on standardizing the SkyTeam emergency response plan, which defines airlines’ procedures, organization and roles during emergencies. A Korean Air official said the role will help solidify the carrier’s standing within SkyTeam and broaden cooperation among member airlines, strengthening its global competitiveness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 08:49:57
  • Korea Investment & Securities: Hantech Leads Heat Exchanger Makers in North America Sales Share
    Korea Investment & Securities: Hantech Leads Heat Exchanger Makers in North America Sales Share Korea Investment & Securities said Tuesday that Hantech has the highest share of North American sales among South Korean heat exchanger makers. It did not provide a target price or investment rating. Kim Geon-woo, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities, said Hantech is a maker of chemical-process equipment, with heat exchangers as its main product, and noted that liquefied natural gas, or LNG, infrastructure expansion is accelerating in the United States and Canada. He said the company is expected to benefit from a growing number of LNG terminals, which require liquefaction facilities, adding that North America accounts for 48% of Hantech’s revenue — the highest contribution among peers. Kim also forecast gains from increased investment by semiconductor companies. He said Hantech supplies ultra-low-temperature gas storage tanks installed at domestic semiconductor fabrication plants, and that major fab investment by customers this year is expected to drive orders. He cited expected large-scale investment including SK hynix’s Yongin semiconductor cluster Y1 and Samsung Electronics’ Pyeongtaek P5, and said construction of Pyeongtaek P4 Phase 2 will resume. He projected both revenue and orders will grow as downstream companies expand investment. Kim said new orders have topped 70 billion won, including a 28 billion won supply contract signed in January with Shintech Louisiana and an order for a U.S. ammonia project. He noted the figure does not yet include additional orders tied to U.S. LNG projects and South Korea’s semiconductor sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 08:49:15
  • Hyundai Glovis Adds ‘Glovis Leader,’ World’s Largest Car Carrier, to Fleet
    Hyundai Glovis Adds ‘Glovis Leader,’ World’s Largest Car Carrier, to Fleet Hyundai Glovis has introduced what it called the world’s largest pure car and truck carrier, aiming to strengthen its position in the global finished-vehicle ocean transport market. The company said 29일 it will deploy the 10,800-vehicle PCTC, the Glovis Leader, for finished-vehicle shipping. A naming ceremony was held 28일 at the GSI shipyard in Guangzhou, China, attended by Hyundai Glovis CEO Lee Kyoo-bok and other officials. The vessel is 230 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a weight of 102,590 tons. It has 14 cargo decks, with total loading space roughly equivalent to 28 soccer fields. Based on compact cars, it can carry up to 10,800 vehicles. Hyundai Glovis said it is the first global car carrier operator to introduce a PCTC with capacity exceeding 10,000 vehicles, and that the ship is currently the largest PCTC in the world. The ship is equipped with a liquefied natural gas dual-fuel propulsion engine and can use shore power facilities, known as AMP, which the company said will help it respond to tightening environmental rules such as the European Union’s carbon emissions trading system. AMP supplies electricity from land to a ship while it is docked. Without it, vessels typically run onboard generators using bunker C fuel to power equipment such as refrigeration, emitting sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and fine dust. Using shore power can sharply reduce those emissions. Hyundai Glovis said the PCTC will be rotated across global routes. Hyundai Glovis said it plans to expand its operating PCTC fleet to 128 vessels by 2030, including the newly introduced ship. It also aims to increase the number of finished vehicles it transports by sea to 5 million a year by 2030, from 3.4 million, and to handle more than about 20% of global finished-vehicle ocean cargo volume. The company has also stepped up efforts to secure cargo from non-affiliated customers. Last year, it signed ocean transport contracts with multiple automakers in Europe, North America and China. With China’s vehicle exports rising, non-affiliate revenue has increased to about 53%, surpassing affiliate revenue, it said. Industry officials said Hyundai Glovis’ continued addition of PCTCs could help ease a global shortage of car-carrier capacity. In recent years, a surge in vehicle export volumes from the Far East has prolonged the capacity shortage. Geopolitical risks around the Middle East and the Red Sea have also pushed many PCTCs onto longer detours, extending transit times and worsening the shortage. A Hyundai Glovis official said the company will continue to strengthen its competitiveness in finished-vehicle ocean transport and provide stable supply-chain services to global shippers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 08:48:28
  • Veterans Affairs Minister Kwon Oeul Meets Heads of Six Veterans Hospitals to Review Medical Supplies
    Veterans Affairs Minister Kwon Oeul Meets Heads of Six Veterans Hospitals to Review Medical Supplies Kwon Oeul, South Korea’s minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, will meet with the heads of six veterans hospitals to review operations and share improvement cases, the ministry said. The ministry said the meeting will be held Tuesday afternoon at the Government Complex Sejong, with Kwon; Yoon Jong-jin, chairman of the Korea Veterans Welfare and Healthcare Corp.; and the directors of the veterans hospitals in Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon and Incheon. Officials plan to recognize hospital leaders for maintaining services in a difficult medical environment and to review changes and results from operational improvements each hospital has pursued since an agency work report in January. Topics will include expanding high-quality medical staff, reducing outpatient waiting times, and improving treatment and payment processes. Kwon also plans to urge hospitals to continue securing appropriate inventory and managing supplies systematically, in line with government policy, amid recent instability in supplies of medical items such as syringes linked to the war in the Middle East. “Even under difficult conditions, I thank the medical staff and officials who have protected the veterans medical front line,” Kwon said. “Based on changes and experience built in the field, we will strengthen cooperation among veterans hospitals and continue to improve the quality of veterans medical services.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 08:47:51
  • BTS Concerts Spur Surge in Foreign Visitors and Spending Near Venues, Data Show
    BTS Concerts Spur Surge in Foreign Visitors and Spending Near Venues, Data Show K-pop’s reach is extending beyond arenas and into nearby neighborhoods, with government-backed analysis showing sharp increases in foreign visitors and card spending around BTS concert sites. Foreign arrivals near a Goyang venue rose 35-fold and card spending climbed 38-fold, underscoring what officials described as spillover benefits for local businesses. Surveys also found that overseas fans stayed longer and spent more than typical visitors to South Korea, drawing attention to Hallyu-linked tourism as a potential boost to domestic demand. ◆ ‘BTS effect’ hits local streets: about 300 million won spent in three days According to a big-data analysis by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors in Daehwa-dong, an administrative neighborhood in Ilsanseo-gu, during the three days of BTS concerts in Goyang totaled 48,581. That was up 3,377% from 1,397 a year earlier, or about 35 times higher. Spending rose even faster. Foreign card spending in the area jumped 3,699% over the same period, to 337.8 million won from 8.9 million won, adding momentum to small local businesses. ◆ Longer stays, higher spending: survey points to high-value visitors A field survey by the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute found that foreign visitors who came to South Korea to attend the Gwanghwamun performance on March 21 stayed an average of 8.7 days and spent 3.53 million won per person. In the first quarter, average foreign tourists stayed 6.1 days and spent 2.45 million won, making the concertgoers’ figures about 1.4 times higher on both measures. Attendees of the Goyang Sports Complex concerts stayed an average of 7.4 days and spent 2.91 million won, the survey found. The visitors did more than attend concerts, expanding their itineraries to sites tied to the “BTS THE CITY Seoul” program, including Yongsan, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. ◆ Building K-culture travel routes to expand regional tourism The government said it aims to spread the economic impact of major Hallyu events beyond the Seoul metropolitan area by linking concerts to regional tourism. It plans to run a “welcome week” from June 1 to 15 in connection with BTS concerts in Busan scheduled for June 12-13, seeking to draw foreign tourists to the region. Officials also said they will continue developing signature Hallyu tourism routes that bundle regional K-pop concerts with hands-on exhibitions and drama filming locations. Kang Jeong-won, director-general for tourism policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the key is connecting K-culture with local tourism content so large Hallyu concerts lead to regional visits. He said the ministry will actively support efforts so regional trips by overseas visitors develop into longer, stay-based tourism. 2026-04-29 08:46:43