Journalist
Lee Hugh
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HD Hyundai Heavy Wins First Overseas Icebreaker Order, Eyes Arctic Shipping HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it has won its first overseas order for a dedicated icebreaker, a milestone it described as establishing a foothold for entering Arctic shipping routes. The company said it signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration to build one icebreaker for $348.9 million (about 514.8 billion won). HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it was highly rated on price competitiveness, delivery schedule and technology. The vessel is to be delivered in 2029 and will operate in the Baltic Sea, providing icebreaking support as well as fleet operations, towing and ice management. The company said the deal was secured amid competition with major icebreaker-building countries including Finland and Norway, marking the Korean shipbuilding industry’s entry into the global icebreaker market. It also cited public-private cooperation supported by the South Korean Embassy in Sweden and KOTRA’s Stockholm office. Icebreakers are specialized ships designed to open routes through ice-covered waters by crushing and pushing aside sea ice, using reinforced hulls, powerful propulsion and dedicated hull designs. The ordered vessel will be 126 meters long with a displacement of 15,000 tons and will have PC (Polar Class) 4 icebreaking capability, the company said. With an electric propulsion system, it can continuously break through ice about 1 to 1.2 meters thick. Industry officials say commercializing Arctic routes will require not only icebreakers but also merchant ships with icebreaking capability, including LNG carriers and bulk carriers, and they view the order as a foundation for entering related markets. Competition to secure icebreakers is also intensifying globally. The United States passed legislation last year to expand its icebreaker budget by about $9 billion, and together with Canada and Finland formed the “ICE Pact” to pursue construction of 70 to 90 vessels over the next decade. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it plans to expand its special-purpose ship business based on its icebreaking technology and will also push to enter global markets for naval vessels and other special-purpose ships that require icebreaking capability. “This icebreaker order shows our business capabilities have been recognized in the global market,” CEO Ju Won-ho said. “Based on our technology and integrated business capabilities, we will expand export markets in the special-purpose ship sector.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:09:56 -
Eastar Jet Expands Cargo Service to 10 International Routes 이스타항공은 22일 화물 운송 사업을 일본, 중화권, 동남아 등 10개 국제 노선으로 확대했다고 밝혔다. 이스타항공은 지난해 1월 인천-방콕 노선에서 화물 운송을 처음 시작한 뒤 도쿄, 오사카, 타이베이, 상하이, 옌타이, 다낭 등으로 노선을 단계적으로 늘려왔다. 지난달 기준 순 화물 수송량은 전년 동기 대비 약 870% 증가했다. 이달에는 홍콩, 정저우, 알마티 노선을 새로 구축했다. 연내 삿포로와 후쿠오카 노선에서도 화물 운송을 이어갈 계획이다. 이스타항공은 여객기 하부 수하물 칸을 활용하는 이른바 ‘벨리 카고’ 방식으로 화물을 운송하고 있다. 이커머스 상품을 비롯해 전자제품, 자동차 부품, 화장품, 의류, 과일 등을 실어 나른다. 또 시장 분석부터 예약, 추적 조회, 품질 평가까지 전 과정을 관리하는 토탈 카고 매니지먼트(TCM) 솔루션을 운영 중이라고 밝혔다. 이스타항공 관계자는 “꾸준히 증가하는 글로벌 항공 화물 수요에 대응해 사업 노선을 적극적으로 확대하고 있다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:09:14 -
SK Securities Raises Seobu T&D Target Price 54% on Hotel Strength, Development Outlook SK Securities on Tuesday raised its target price for Seobu T&D to 20,000 won from 13,000 won, a 54% increase, citing a strong hotel business and accelerating real estate development momentum. It maintained its “buy” rating. Na Seung-du, a researcher at SK Securities, said hotel occupancy has “effectively recovered to near-full levels,” while average daily room rates still have room to rise. He added that profits from unit sales should become more visible as site development ramps up starting this year. Seobu T&D’s hotel business has shown a clear rebound since the pandemic-era downturn, supported by an increase in foreign tourists. The Yongsan Dragon City hotel is posting high occupancy on both weekdays and weekends, staying at levels close to full capacity. Because hotel room supply is difficult to expand quickly, SK Securities said higher room rates are likely to be a key driver of earnings improvement. It said the property’s location, hotel grade and facility quality suggest ample pricing power, and that steady demand should continue in line with stronger interest among foreign visitors to South Korea. In real estate development, growth drivers are also coming into focus as projects at the Yongsan Najin Shopping Center site and the Seobu Truck Terminal site in Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon-gu, move into full swing, lifting expectations for higher asset values and sales profits. The Yongsan Najin site is aiming to break ground in October, with office facilities and high-end officetels planned, and some presales expected to begin from year-end. The truck terminal site is being pursued as a mixed-use complex combining an urban fulfillment facility with commercial, office and residential space. SK Securities said that in similar past cases, share prices tended to respond when sales profits began to materialize, suggesting the projects could become a catalyst. It added that Seobu T&D’s current valuation can be explained by hotel growth alone, and that the investment case could strengthen further if development gains are reflected.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:05:05 -
Open Network System picked for Gyeonggi AI challenge to curb illegal truck parking 오픈네트웍시스템이 경기도경제과학진흥원이 주관한 ‘2026년 경기도 AI 챌린지 프로그램’에 선정돼, 화물자동차 불법 주정차 단속을 위한 인공지능 기반 플랫폼 구축에 나선다. The company said it was selected for the “2026 Gyeonggi-do AI Challenge Program,” hosted by the Gyeonggi Business & Science Accelerator, and will build an AI-based platform to crack down on illegal parking and stopping by cargo trucks. The program aims to identify public services that address local problems and brings together local governments, public agencies and private AI companies. Projects were evaluated for practical use in real administrative settings, the company said. Open Network System proposed a platform called “CargoClick” through a consortium with Ansan City and Korea University’s Convergence Research Institute. It was ultimately selected in the AI administration category after document screening and a presentation review, the company said. The project is based on an administrative innovation cooperation framework previously signed by Ansan City with KT and Korea University. CargoClick aims to automate the entire enforcement process for illegal parking and stopping by large trucks — from an initial warning to a second-stage crackdown and issuance of administrative fines — to reduce the workload for public officials and speed up processing, the company said. Illegal parking has been cited as a major cause of disrupted traffic flow and threats to pedestrian safety. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and local governments have said long-term illegal parking by large vehicles remains a management target because it can raise accident risks on narrow side streets. The platform will also include a chatbot for drivers, providing guidance on enforcement standards and nearby parking locations and availability to encourage compliance in advance. Collected data will be visualized to analyze regional patterns of illegal parking and stopping and to help set enforcement zones or develop parking policies, the company said. AI-driven administrative automation has been expanding in the public sector, with decision-support systems applied in areas such as civil complaint response, traffic management and urban safety to improve efficiency and policy accuracy, the company said. Open Network System said it plans to develop the platform by November and apply it in Ansan City. The company said it expects the system to shorten administrative processing time, encourage voluntary compliance by drivers and support data-based policy operations. Chief Executive Park Bong-gyun said the goal is “to achieve both improved administrative efficiency and tangible benefits that residents can feel,” adding that the company plans to expand its AI platform business in the public sector starting with the Ansan rollout.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:03:57 -
South Korea Selects 100 Tourism Startups Using AI and K-Culture in 17th Venture Contest The Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization have selected 100 tourism startups they say could reshape South Korea’s tourism industry, highlighting business models built around artificial intelligence and K-culture. The ministry and the organization said April 22 they had announced the final results of the 17th Tourism Venture Business Contest. The contest drew about 1,500 applications, up 35.2% from a year earlier, for a competition rate of 15 to 1. The organization selected 20 pre-startup teams, 40 early-stage ventures and 40 growth-stage ventures, for a total of 100. ◆ AI, deep tech drive customized travel services AI-based tourism services stood out among this year’s picks. Selected companies included Hanora Kids Trip, which optimizes itineraries for travelers with children; Ripplemate, a multilingual customer management platform for tourism operators; Zerobata, a hotel AI concierge service operating in 30 languages; and KEEPER, an automation platform for managing lodging spaces. Officials said the companies are expected to help accelerate digital transformation across the tourism sector. ◆ K-culture products target inbound visitors Reflecting the global K-culture boom, several selected offerings focus on foreign visitors to South Korea. They included Celetrip, which offers fan-tailored tours using K-pop artist voice guides; Fanwork, which links K-culture fans’ interest in visiting South Korea to experiential products; Handybus, a mobility platform tailored to K-pop concerts; and Gotaek Live Dining, an arts-focused tourism program combining hanok stays with live performances and food for foreign visitors. ◆ Local and wellness trends also featured The lineup also included experience-based services built around local culture and lifestyle travel. Examples included Temple Run, which combines temple culture with running; Chungcheongdo Saecham Hansang, which blends the region’s bobusang merchant culture with local food; Meongkok, an immersive pet tourism platform based on user-generated content data; and Dear Cabin, a high-end nature stay using luxury cabins. The 100 selected companies will receive up to 100 million won each in commercialization funding on a differentiated basis. They will also be offered stage-specific support programs, including company assessments, mentoring, consulting, help with attracting investment, and assistance in developing domestic and overseas sales channels. The ministry said it also plans to pursue supplementary budget support to strengthen competitiveness across the tourism industry. Min Jeong-hui, head of the tourism business startup team at the Korea Tourism Organization, said innovative ideas that combine AI technology with the appeal of Korean culture stood out this year. “Having discovered more than 1,800 companies and created more than 5,300 jobs so far, we will help promising companies grow steadily in the market,” Min said. 2026-04-22 09:03:00 -
Hanwha Ocean Teams With Leidos’ Gibbs & Cox to Speed U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Push Hanwha Ocean is partnering with a U.S. defense contractor long associated with U.S. Navy ship design standards as it accelerates its push into the American naval shipbuilding market. Hanwha Ocean said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Leidos’ Gibbs & Cox on April 21 local time at SAS 2026 (Sea-Air-Space 2026) in Maryland. The company announced the agreement on April 22. Under the MOU, the two sides agreed to work on: designs tailored to U.S. Navy specifications; joint development of next-generation vessels; building a supply chain using production bases in the United States and South Korea; and advancing ship designs aimed at efficient production and long-term maintenance. Hanwha Ocean said the agreement creates a practical joint front with Gibbs & Cox to strengthen competitiveness in U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs and in global naval vessel projects. Gibbs & Cox, a key Leidos affiliate, has a leading position in naval design and has designed more than 70% of U.S. Navy surface combatants since World War II, Hanwha Ocean said. The company said Gibbs & Cox is regarded as a top partner because it understands and implements U.S. Navy operational requirements and technical specifications. Hanwha Ocean said it aims to build a success story in the United States that surpasses the example of Italy’s Fincantieri establishing itself in the market. Gibbs & Cox is known to have played a key role as a partner when Fincantieri entered the U.S. naval ship market. Hanwha Ocean said Fincantieri successfully settled into the market through cooperation with Gibbs & Cox while carrying out the Constellation-class frigate and Freedom-class littoral combat ship programs. Eo Seong-cheol, head of Hanwha Ocean’s special ship business division, said the agreement would help the company secure a firm technological advantage not only in the U.S. market but also worldwide. “Through cooperation with Leidos, a leading U.S. defense company, we will accelerate our entry into the global maritime defense market and deliver visible results,” Eo said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:00:56 -
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Image 2.0 With Stronger Text Handling and Editing OpenAI has released “ChatGPT Image 2.0,” a major upgrade to its image-generation tools that the company says better handles long text, complex layouts, multilingual content and detailed editing instructions. The update is aimed at practical uses such as advertising, marketing and content production. OpenAI said on the 21st (local time) that ChatGPT now includes the new image feature, “ChatGPT Image 2.0.” For developers, its application programming interface will also offer the “GPT Image 2” model. OpenAI described it as its latest flagship model, with broadly improved image generation and editing. The company said it supports high-quality image inputs and can produce outputs in multiple sizes. A key focus is stronger text rendering. OpenAI said the tool can more reliably place long sentences and complex visual elements inside images and follow user instructions more accurately. That could make it more useful for posters, ad banners, brochures and presentation visuals where text and design must work together. OpenAI also said it improved multilingual performance, including for Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, Bengali and English. Editing has been refined as well, the company said, allowing users to change specific elements while keeping backgrounds and overall composition intact. “Instruction-following and fine detail have improved overall,” OpenAI said. OpenAI also highlighted examples of generating sequential scenes while keeping a consistent style and character, a capability it said could help with advertising, promotional materials and series-style image production. OpenAI said basic image generation is available to ChatGPT users, while more advanced features are centered on paid subscribers. The model is also being applied to the developer API, which is expected to expand integration with outside services.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 09:00:13 -
Israel Reportedly Prepares to Resume War After US-Iran Truce, Plans Coordinated Strikes With a second round of U.S.-Iran talks again uncertain, Israel has begun preparing to resume the war once the ceasefire between the United States and Iran ends, Israeli media reported. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, citing a senior Israeli security official, reported on 21 (local time) that Israel is making the preparations because it sees little chance of a negotiated breakthrough. “Iran is speaking with multiple voices and trying to buy time,” the official said. “Israel and the United States have already coordinated and are ready to resume the war immediately.” As the end of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran nears, Iran has not decided whether it will take part in a second round of talks planned in Islamabad, Pakistan. U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire would be extended “until the Iranian government comes up with a unified proposal,” but Iran said it does not recognize that and will act in line with its national interests. Kan said Israel and the United States have been preparing to restart hostilities since shortly after the ceasefire began, including conducting drills across the Middle East using fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft. During a visit to Israel last week by U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper, the report said, the two sides gave final approval to a joint operational plan and a target list that includes strikes on key national infrastructure and energy facilities across Iran. Kan said the moves are part of a strategy aimed at forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear program and enriched uranium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 08:57:18 -
President Lee Jae-myung to Meet Vietnam Leader To Lam to Discuss AI, Energy Cooperation President Lee Jae-myung is set to hold a summit on April 22 (local time) with Vietnam’s To Lam, the Communist Party general secretary and state president. The leaders are expected to discuss practical cooperation across areas including nuclear power, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and energy. Lee will meet To in Hanoi in the afternoon. An official welcome ceremony is scheduled beforehand at the main garden of the presidential palace in Hanoi. The schedule includes a small-group meeting, expanded talks, an exchange of memorandums of understanding and a joint press statement. A state banquet is planned after the summit. It will be Lee’s first meeting with To since August last year, about eight months ago. To also began serving concurrently as Vietnam’s state president in April. South Korea upgraded ties with Vietnam, its third-largest trading partner, from a “strategic cooperative partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2022, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Following To’s state visit to South Korea in August last year, the two countries agreed to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership. They also agreed to raise bilateral trade from the current $94.6 billion to $150 billion (about 222 trillion won) by 2030. During Lee’s visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss more specific steps to deepen ties, including expanded cooperation in nuclear power and infrastructure. The South Korean government is expected to convey its willingness for mutually beneficial cooperation on major national infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including the Southeast New City development and the new Tra Vinh airport. It also expects that expanding South Korean pharmaceuticals’ access to Vietnam’s import market could boost exports by about 100 billion won a year. With global uncertainty rising due to the Middle East war and other factors, the two sides are also expected to pursue a mutually beneficial partnership to strengthen energy security and stabilize supply chains for critical minerals. Vietnam’s role as a hub for the Korean Wave in ASEAN is also expected to grow, supported by the popularity of K-culture in the country. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 08:54:16 -
Samsung Display QD-OLED Verified for Wide Viewing Angles in UL Solutions Test Samsung Display said Tuesday that its quantum dot OLED, or QD-OLED, panels for TVs and monitors have completed UL Solutions’ QuantumView verification, which evaluates viewing-angle performance. QuantumView measures changes in brightness and color coordinates as the viewing position shifts from the front in 10-degree increments, up to 60 degrees off-center. UL Solutions tested Samsung Display’s full QD-OLED lineup. At a 60-degree viewing angle, the panels maintained more than 60% of front-view brightness, while color-coordinate change was 0.012 or less, the company said. By comparison, typical LCDs under the same 60-degree condition are known to drop to 20% or less in brightness retention, with color-coordinate change reaching up to 0.025 — about twice the shift seen in QD-OLED, Samsung Display said. “Viewing angle has long been an important factor in choosing a TV, given living-room viewing with multiple people and consumers’ preference for larger screens,” a Samsung Display official said. The official added that demand for wide-viewing-angle QD-OLED monitors is rising as more users adopt dual or triple monitor setups, use professional reference monitors, and review shared work on a single screen. Samsung Display attributed QD-OLED’s viewing-angle performance to its front-emission structure and the Lambertian emission characteristics of quantum-dot materials. The company said Lambertian emission refers to light being emitted uniformly in all directions, helping maintain consistent brightness regardless of viewing angle. In QD-OLED, quantum dots absorb blue OLED light and re-emit it as red and green wavelengths, the company said, adding that the nanoscale particles also produce a Lambertian emission pattern that spreads light broadly. Samsung Display said that unlike other large-size OLED technologies, QD pixels generate clear, high-purity color directly from the front, improving both color accuracy and luminous efficiency. Samsung Display said it is expanding its OLED monitor business beyond gaming-focused consumer markets into business-to-business segments with high demand for precision displays, including video and graphics professionals, content creators and financial traders. The company said ASUS and Dell Technologies have recently launched creator-focused professional monitors — the ProArt and UltraSharp, respectively — using QD-OLED and have received a positive market response. Acer, Lenovo and MSI are also expected to introduce professional monitor lineups, it said. Jeong Yong-uk, vice president and head of Samsung Display’s Strategic Marketing Team, said the QuantumView verification “objectively demonstrated” that QD-OLED can deliver consistent picture quality across different viewing environments. He said the company will work with global brands to provide what it called the best viewing experience possible from large displays, combining strong color performance with wide viewing angles. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 08:48:16