Journalist
Lee Hugh
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LG Innotek Begins Mass Production of Variable-Aperture Camera Modules for iPhone 18 LG Innotek is moving into full-scale mass production of variable-aperture camera modules expected to be used in Apple’s iPhone 18 series, due to be released in the second half of this year, according to industry sources. The move is seen as an effort to push past smartphone camera limits that have relied heavily on software processing by improving hardware instead. Industry officials said on the 21st that LG Innotek recently built a dedicated production line for the modules at its plant in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, and completed preparations for mass production. Chinese suppliers Luxshare and Sunny Optical, which are responsible for key parts such as camera actuators, have also finished setting up their processes and are expected to begin shipping related components starting next month, the sources said. With the supply chain coming online, LG Innotek is expected to start supplying initial volumes as early as July, the sources said, in a step aimed at ensuring stable parts availability for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to be unveiled in September. Variable aperture is a precision optical technology that adjusts the aperture depending on ambient light to optimize how much light enters the lens. Most smartphone cameras use a fixed aperture and rely on software correction, but a variable aperture physically opens and closes to control light intake. In bright conditions, narrowing the aperture can improve resolution; in low light, widening it can reduce noise and produce clearer images. The technology is also valued for enabling more natural background blur effects, similar to DSLR cameras, through hardware rather than software, industry officials said. The start of mass production is expected to intensify competition among smartphone makers, the sources said. Samsung Electronics is also reported to be accelerating development to add variable aperture to some higher-end models in its Galaxy S27 series, expected as early as next year. Samsung introduced variable aperture in the Galaxy S9 in 2018, but removed it from the following year’s model due to challenges including miniaturization and manufacturing efficiency, the sources said. LG Innotek aims to maximize first-mover advantages in next-generation smartphones by establishing mass production ahead of rivals. The company’s strategy is to demonstrate its camera-module capabilities in global markets as parts have become thinner and manufacturing processes have improved, the sources said. Variable-aperture modules are expected to carry a higher average selling price than existing camera modules, potentially boosting profitability. As performance at the company’s optical solutions business is expected to improve from the third quarter, expectations are rising that annual operating profit could return to the “1 trillion won club.” If market expectations are met, LG Innotek would re-enter the 1 trillion won operating-profit range for the first time in four years since 2022. “Amid growing criticism that the smartphone industry has hit hardware limits, variable aperture could be a decisive factor that stimulates replacement demand,” an industry official said. The official added that LG Innotek’s accumulated precision optical-solution capabilities could serve as a foundation for improving profitability. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:14:25 -
KOSPI Closes at Record 6,388.47 on Foreign and Institutional Buying South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI on Monday broke past its previous high for the first time in about two months, lifted by heavy buying from foreign investors and institutions. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI closed up 169.38 points, or 2.72%, at 6,388.47, an all-time closing high. The index opened at 6,302.54, up 83.45 points, or 1.34%, from the previous session and extended gains through the day. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, said uncertainty has increased since Trump’s tariff announcement, weakening investor sentiment. He added that the domestic market has been sluggish because it has a high weighting in the auto industry and semiconductor sector. In the main KOSPI market, foreigners were net buyers of 1.7355 trillion won and institutions bought a net 797.3 billion won. Retail investors sold a net 2.3432 trillion won. Among the most heavily weighted stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 2.10%, SK hynix gained 4.97%, LG Energy Solution jumped 11.42%, Hyundai Motor advanced 3.61%, SK Square added 2.43% and Doosan Enerbility climbed 4.23%. Samsung Biologics fell 1.06% and Hanwha Aerospace slid 2.39%. By sector, gains were led by electrical and electronics, up 3.87%, machinery and equipment, up 3.73%, chemicals, up 2.16%, financials, up 0.72%, and IT services, up 0.19%. Pharmaceuticals fell 1.40% and insurance slipped 0.01%. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ closed up 4.18 points, or 0.36%, at 1,179.03. It opened at 1,186.23, up 11.38 points, or 0.97%, from the previous session. In the KOSDAQ market, retail investors were net buyers of 583.9 billion won, while foreigners sold a net 389.3 billion won and institutions sold a net 124.7 billion won. Among top KOSDAQ stocks, EcoPro rose 5.21%, EcoPro BM gained 5.00% and Lino Industrial added 1.63%. Alteogen fell 0.67%, Rainbow Robotics dropped 1.15%, Samchundang Pharm slipped 0.42% and ABL Bio declined 2.68%. By sector, electrical and electronics rose 1.84%, machinery and equipment gained 2.79%, financials climbed 3.39%, chemicals added 1.39% and distribution rose 0.77%. Pharmaceuticals fell 2.27%, general services dropped 2.97% and IT services declined 0.92%.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:13:34 -
Topical Prescription Treatments Offer New Option for Hyperhidrosis Management Hyperhidrosis can be hard to hide in daily life. When excessive sweating occurs in the armpits, clothes can become soaked and concerns about odor can cause some people to withdraw socially. Even with significant day-to-day discomfort, many patients find it difficult to stick with treatment. Hospital-based procedures or oral medications can feel burdensome, depending on the individual. Recently, a new option has drawn attention: prescription topical treatments that patients apply directly to areas that sweat heavily. The approach is seen as a way to reduce the burden of ongoing care and meet growing demand for simpler symptom management. The treatment works by suppressing nerve signals that trigger sweat production. Because it can be used during everyday routines, it may help patients continue treatment more consistently. Hyperhidrosis has often been dismissed as a personal trait, but as treatment choices expand, it is increasingly viewed as a condition that can be managed in daily life. Shin Jeong-won, a professor of dermatology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, said hyperhidrosis can significantly disrupt daily life, but many people delay care because of the burden of treatment. “Topical treatment is relatively easy to use and may help patients stay on therapy,” Shin said. 2026-04-21 18:12:51 -
Turkey Pitches Overland Energy Route for South Korea as Hormuz Strait Is Blocked South Korea’s industrial base, including production lines in Ulsan and semiconductor hubs in Gyeonggi Province, is facing an existential threat after the Strait of Hormuz was paralyzed by an all-out war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, cutting off crude oil supplies bound for South Korea. Turkey’s Embassy in Seoul held an emergency briefing on April 21 at its compound in central Seoul, presenting what it called an essential overland energy bypass route for the survival of the South Korean economy. The session, led by Turkish Ambassador Murat Tamer, Commercial Counselor Ozlem Untez and Press Counselor Sercan Dogan, focused on positioning a “middle corridor” as a key lifeline for South Korea to circumvent the maritime blockade. Tamer described the crisis as a decisive fracture point in the international order and said turmoil in the Persian Gulf had exposed severe vulnerabilities in the global economy. “The international environment we face today is taking on a form that goes beyond the existing concept of crisis,” Tamer said. Citing price pressures and supply-chain disruptions since hostilities began, he said South Korea’s industrial model — built on full reliance on sea access — should pivot immediately to Turkey’s established energy and logistics networks. Ankara is offering to serve as a security anchor for South Korea through its pipeline infrastructure. Tamer cited the TANAP and TurkStream networks, which he said transport 30 billion cubic meters and 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas, respectively, and described them as stable gateways linking the Mediterranean and European markets. Tamer warned that any disruption in the flow of goods would be devastating for both countries. “Korea’s miracle lies in finding technology, inventing it, refining it to make it attractive, and inserting it into production lines,” he said. “Any disruption in this supply chain will hurt Korea, hurt Turkey, and hurt the whole world,” he added. Turkish officials urged South Korean companies to use Turkey not only as a market but as a strategic base for production and logistics. Untez highlighted Turkey’s economic scale and workforce of more than 86 million, noting 2025 GDP growth of 3.6%. She pointed to global connectivity through Turkey’s customs union with the European Union as a key advantage. “Thanks to the customs union with the EU, we can sell products to EU countries without any restrictions, tariffs or barriers,” she said. She said Turkey is seeking to promote foreign direct investment as part of efforts to rebalance trade ties in which Seoul currently posts a sizable surplus. In 2025, South Korea exported $9.11 billion to Turkey, while imports totaled $2.0 billion. Untez also cited Turkey’s rise as a major exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles and pointed to potential cooperation in defense and green energy. At the center of strategic cooperation is the Sinop nuclear power plant project. Tamer described it as a “100-year partnership” involving Korea Electric Power Corp. Negotiations on the plant — including 15 years of construction and 80 years of operation — have continued since President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Ankara in November 2025. Tamer said such projects are essential to repairing damage from the war. “This Middle East war will wound us and cause pain, but we must stitch up the wound so it does not remain a permanent scar,” he said. Dogan said the embassy was pursuing a proactive communications strategy. “The Turkish Embassy in South Korea is the most media-friendly embassy in Korea,” he said, adding it was ready to communicate on any Turkey-related issue. “Our door is always open. I, too, am personally always ready for anything related to Turkey,” he said. Turkey also pointed to the potential operation of the port of Ceyhan as an alternative route for Iraqi crude. The 960-kilometer Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, used to transport energy to a Mediterranean terminal, resumed operations on March 18, 2026. The embassy said technical teams from both countries would continue coordinating how to scale up the route to bypass the unstable Persian Gulf. The teams aim to increase integrated transport capacity to 350,000 barrels a day in the coming months.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:11:42 -
Israel’s Katz Says Goal in Lebanon Is to Disarm Hezbollah, Pairing Military and Diplomatic Pressure Israel has again increased pressure on Lebanon, putting the disarmament of the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah at the center of its approach. Asharq Al-Awsat, a Saudi-owned pan-Arab outlet, reported on the 21st that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the goal of Israel’s operation in Lebanon is “to disarm Hezbollah and remove the threat to northern Israel.” He said Israel is pursuing military and diplomatic steps in parallel. That stance has also been reflected in recent talks with Lebanon. Reuters reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in negotiations on the 15th that Israel’s two goals are dismantling Hezbollah and achieving long-term peace backed by military strength. He signaled that even if talks proceed, Israel will continue its military offensive in southern Lebanon and the establishment of a buffer zone. Israel has also tightened control on the ground. Reuters reported that Israel on the 20th released a map restricting residents’ access to 21 villages in southern Lebanon and parts of areas near the Litani River, and reinforced its troop presence. Israel described the move as part of creating a buffer zone to prevent Hezbollah from re-infiltrating. The United States is mediating negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to contain the clashes. Reuters reported the sides are set to hold a second ambassador-level meeting in Washington on the 23rd, though progress is expected to be difficult.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:10:52 -
National Unity Chief Lee Seok-yeon Calls Culture a Shared Memory The presidential National Unity Committee said on the 21st that Chair Lee Seok-yeon visited the National Museum of Korea and met with Director Yu Hong-jun. The committee said the visit was arranged to reflect on the community value of cultural heritage and to explore a foundation for national unity in a rapidly changing society. In his meeting with Yu, Lee said cultural heritage is not simply an artifact of the past but a “shared memory” that connects generations and social groups. “When there is this kind of common foundation, social conflicts can also be adjusted in a healthy way,” Lee said. Citing the museum’s recent performance, including 6.5 million visitors a year, Lee said it has become “a de facto venue for national unity and harmony, where people empathize and communicate through culture and history.” He added that he would continue working to expand a basis for unity “across culture and society as a whole.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:05:44 -
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun: Lee Jae Myung’s Vietnam trip to bolster supply chains, advanced tech ties Cho Hyun, South Korea’s foreign minister, said Monday that President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Vietnam will be used to build an institutional foundation to strengthen cooperation in strategic areas, including supply chains for critical minerals and advanced science and technology. In a written interview with local daily Tuoi Tre, Cho said Vietnam is not simply an ASEAN member for South Korea but its most important “core global cooperation partner” in addressing global challenges, including the economy and security. Cho said the visit’s biggest significance is upgrading strategic economic cooperation. He said the two countries are working toward a goal of reaching $150 billion in trade by 2030. He said cooperation will be strengthened around three pillars: strategic sectors such as supply chains and energy, infrastructure and science and technology; and talent development. Cho said supply-chain cooperation will be made tighter and more advanced between Vietnam and about 10,000 South Korean companies operating locally, including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. He added that the two sides will expand cooperation beyond manufacturing investment by sharing technology and developing talent across future industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy, as well as in energy, infrastructure, science and technology, and innovation more broadly. Cho cited nuclear power, power infrastructure, critical raw materials, digital, agriculture and food, and the environment as key areas for cooperation. He said his message to companies driving Vietnam’s growth and its dynamic young generation is clear: “Korea is your most reliable ‘future partner’ in making your dreams a reality.” He also called talent development an essential investment and said the two countries will create conditions for young people to innovate across borders. To that end, he said opportunities will be expanded for Vietnamese youth to strengthen technical skills in basic industries such as automobiles, shipbuilding, electricity and electronics. In future-technology fields such as AI, advanced manufacturing, the environment and energy, he said efforts will continue to train specialized master’s- and doctoral-level talent. Cho said the visit is expected to produce cooperation on an unprecedented scale, not only through government-to-government agreements but also involving private companies and public institutions. He said that immediately after the summit, intergovernmental agreements will be signed in the presence of the two leaders, alongside business contracts and memorandums of understanding between local governments. He said specialized cooperation spanning society — including intellectual property, health care, power, the environment, culture and digital transformation — is also expected to move forward in parallel. Cho cautioned, however, that the number of agreements does not by itself mean success, stressing the need for tangible results. He said South Korea will focus diplomatic efforts on follow-through, including operating a standing review consultative body and removing regulations and interagency barriers that constrain business activity. Lee arrived in Hanoi on Monday after completing his schedule in India. He is set to hold a summit on Tuesday with To Lam, the Communist Party general secretary and state president, and return home on April 24.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:04:59 -
Airbnb to Unveil CORTIS ‘Secret Seoul Space’ With Special Stay and Fan Experiences 글로벌 숙박 공유 플랫폼 에어비앤비가 K-팝 그룹 코르티스(CORTIS)와 손잡고 팬들을 위한 특별한 공간을 선보인다. 에어비앤비는 코르티스의 미니 2집 앨범 'GREENGREEN'의 타이틀곡 'REDRED' 발매를 기념해 '코르티스의 서울 비밀공간'을 단독 공개한다고 21일 밝혔다. 에어비앤비 자체 조사에 따르면 한국을 방문했거나 계획 중인 여행객의 94%가 K-컬처의 영향을 받은 것으로 나타났다. 에어비앤비는 글로벌 팬덤의 수요를 실제 여행과 경험으로 연결하기 위해 이번 프로젝트를 기획했다고 밝혔다. 코르티스는 “코어(COER·팬덤명)분들을 코르티스의 서울 비밀공간으로 초대하게 돼 매우 뜻깊게 생각한다”며 “미니 2집 타이틀곡 ‘REDRED’는 우리 자신을 발견하는 과정, 즉 무엇을 추구하고 경계하는지 탐색하는 과정을 보여주며 한층 또렷해진 우리의 음악적 취향도 담았다. 에어비앤비와 함께 준비한 이번 공간에서 팬들도 자신만의 색을 발견하고 그 순간을 우리와 직접 나눌 수 있기를 기대한다”고 말했다. 에어비앤비는 이번 체험을 세 가지 방식으로 운영한다고 밝혔다. 모든 프로그램은 선착순 무료 예약으로 진행되며, 각 신청 페이지를 통해 참여할 수 있다. 오는 28일 서울에서 열리는 오리지널 체험에서는 최대 30명이 코르티스 멤버들을 직접 만날 수 있다. 공간에는 블록 쌓기 게임, 페인트 존, UV 단서 찾기, 메일룸 빙고 등 참여형 활동이 마련되며, 한정판 키캡과 기념품도 제공된다. 단 한 팀(예약자 1명 및 동반인 1명)에게는 오는 29일부터 30일까지 해당 공간에서 1박 2일간 머물 수 있는 프라이빗 숙박 기회가 주어진다. 숙박 게스트는 체험에 포함된 모든 활동을 자유롭게 즐길 수 있으며, 숙박객 전용 인형과 기념품이 제공된다. 체험과 숙박에 참여하지 못한 팬들을 위해 5월 1일부터 7일까지는 팝업 공간이 운영된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:03:41 -
Kim Dong-hwan Seeks Jury Trial in Killing of Airline Captain; First Hearing Set for May 19 Kim Dong-hwan, who has been indicted in custody on charges of trying to kill co-workers at an airline and fatally stabbing one of them, has applied for a jury trial, legal officials said. According to the legal community on the 21st, Kim’s attorney submitted a written request and an opinion statement to the Busan District Court’s Criminal Division 7, headed by Presiding Judge Lim Ju-hyeok. The panel is reviewing whether to hold the case as a jury trial or to exclude it as inappropriate. South Korea introduced the jury trial system in 2008. Citizens age 20 and older may serve as jurors in criminal cases, delivering a verdict and discussing an appropriate sentence. The system applies to cases under a district court panel when a defendant requests it, and the jury’s decision is advisory. Kim was indicted on charges that he stabbed to death an airline captain, identified as A, at about 5:30 a.m. on March 17 at an apartment in Busan’s Busanjin district. Investigators said Kim had gone the day before to the home of another colleague, identified as B, an airline captain living in Goyang, Gyeonggi province, intending to kill him, but failed and fled. After that attempt, authorities said, Kim went to Changwon, South Gyeongsang province, and tried to kill another former co-worker, identified as C, but that attack also failed. Kim, a former Air Force intelligence officer, is believed to have targeted the victims because he thought they — fellow graduates of the Korea Air Force Academy — had organized efforts at work to undermine him or cause him harm. When he was transferred to prosecutors, Kim told reporters, “Vicious vested interests” had shown “hubris” by thinking they could ruin a person’s life, and that “nemesis” had struck. His request for a jury trial is seen as an effort to appeal to jurors that he was wronged. Kim is reported to have been assigned a court-appointed lawyer. His first hearing is scheduled for May 19. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:02:17 -
Special Counsel Seeks 4 Years for Rep. Kwon Seong-dong in Appeal Over Unification Church Funds Special prosecutors again sought a four-year prison term for People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong in his appeal over allegations he took 100 million won (about $100,000) in political funds from the Unification Church. The case has focused on whether money and requests exchanged ahead of a presidential election reflected improper ties between politics and a religious group. At a closing hearing Monday at the Seoul High Court, the special counsel team investigating Kim Keon Hee, led by Special Counsel Min Jung-ki, asked the court to sentence Kwon to four years in prison and order forfeiture of 100 million won. The request matches what prosecutors sought at the first trial. The special counsel argued Kwon accepted illegal political funds through his relationship with the church. “The defendant colluded with a specific religious group and received a large sum of 100 million won in political funds,” the team said, adding that it undermined election fairness and violated a lawmaker’s duty of integrity. Prosecutors said the Unification Church made requests to Kwon, described as a so-called “Yoon core” figure, while supporting Yoon Suk Yeol during the 20th presidential election. They also cited Kwon’s conduct after the alleged offense, claiming he showed no remorse and tried to destroy evidence by contacting related figures and checking on the investigation’s status. “Given the circumstances and method of the crime and the amount received, the offense is extremely serious,” the special counsel said, urging the court to dismiss Kwon’s appeal and impose a heavier sentence. Kwon was indicted on allegations that in January 2022 he met Yoon Young-ho, a former Unification Church world headquarters chief, at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, and received 100 million won along with requests for support for the church. Prosecutors say the church sought to have its pending issues advanced as government policy in exchange for organizational support and votes from members during the election. In January, the first trial court found Kwon guilty on all counts and sentenced him to two years in prison and forfeiture of 100 million won. The court said taking illegal political funds betrayed constitutional responsibilities and undermined the purpose of the Political Funds Act. If the ruling is finalized, Kwon would lose his parliamentary seat and face restrictions on running for office for the next 10 years. Both the special counsel and Kwon appealed the first ruling. Kwon’s lawyers again disputed the allegations, saying it was “hard to accept” that 100 million won in cash could have been exchanged in broad daylight. They said the Unification Church offered election funding but Kwon rejected it, and denied he accepted money or granted any favors. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:01:16