Journalist
Lee Hugh
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China's Unitree Robotics unveils new robot dog with enhanced speed and mobility SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics has unveiled the As2, a new quadruped robot with upgrades in speed, endurance and terrain-handling capability, as the company expands its lineup of compact size industrial capability robots. The Hangzhou-based company announced the As2 on its website on Tuesday, offering the robot dog in three variants — Air, Pro and Edu. Weighing about 18 kilograms with its battery, the machine's standout feature is its pace: the Air version reaches a top speed of 3.0 meters per second, while the Pro and Education models hit 3.7 m/s, climbing to 5 m/s under no-load conditions. The As2 also delivers notable endurance, covering around 20 kilometers on a single charge over four hours without a load. Even carrying about 15 kilograms of payload, it can operate for over two and a half hours and travel more than 13 kilometers with its maximum batter capacity of 15000mAh. Agility is another hallmark of the new model. The As2 can scale 25-centimeter stairs, traverse slopes of up to 40 degrees and mount vertical ledges as high as 50 centimeters, making it suited for rugged outdoor terrain as well as indoor staircases. Rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, the robot operates in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 50 degrees Celsius, equipping it for harsh industrial and field environments. Unitree is one of China's leading robotics companies, producing both quadruped robots and humanoid machines. The firm gained global attention last year when its humanoid robots performed a synchronized dance alongside human performers during the Spring Festival Gala, China's most-watched television broadcast. Its humanoid robot H1 returned to the gala stage this year, showcasing a martial arts routine featuring complex maneuvers that underscored the company's rapid advances in robotic mobility and control. 2026-02-25 14:27:58 -
Except for chips, Korea now a laggard behind China in next-gen industries SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - With the exception of semiconductors, South Korea has slipped into laggard status behind China across most next-generation industries, from robotics and electric vehicles to batteries and autonomous driving, a government-backed report warned Tuesday, underscoring a widening competitiveness gap that is no longer narrowing. A study released by the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) found that China now holds comprehensive value-chain advantages over Korea in core advanced manufacturing sectors, with chipmaking emerging as the country's lone remaining area of relative strength. Based on expert surveys and focus group interviews conducted in September 2025, the report said competition between the two countries has moved beyond technological catch-up into a structural phase involving ecosystems, supply chains and global markets. "Competition between Korea and China has now shifted from simple catch-up to structural rivalry," said Cho Eun-kyo, head of KIET's China analysis team. "China has built integrated industrial systems that Korea is struggling to match." China's rapid ascent in future industries has redrawn the regional landscape, leaving Korean manufacturers increasingly on the defensive in sectors they once viewed as core growth engines. Robotics: China almost a monopoly in humanoid market The gap is most pronounced in robotics. Chinese firms accounted for about 87 percent of the roughly 13,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide in 2025, according to Omdia. Shanghai-based AgiBot captured about 39 percent of global shipments, followed by Unitree Robotics with 32 percent. Korea, by contrast, remains largely confined to industrial robots used in factories. KIET said that while Korea retains limited strengths in research and development for manufacturing robots, China leads in mass production, procurement and overseas market expansion. In humanoid and personal service robots, China holds advantages in technology, pricing and infrastructure. "Yes, to be candid, South Korea does lag behind in the humanoid race," said Han Jeak-weon, a professor of robotics at Hanyang University. "But Korea still has long-term potential if it can translate manufacturing know-how into new platforms." Batteries: scale and localization favor China The battery sector presents a similar picture. According to SNE Research, six major Chinese companies controlled about 69 percent of global electric-vehicle battery installations in the first 10 months of 2025. CATL and BYD together accounted for roughly 55 percent of the total. By contrast, Korea's three leading battery makers — LG Energy Solution, SK On and Samsung SDI — saw their combined market share fall to about 15.7 percent, down 3.5 percentage points from a year earlier. KIET noted that China's lithium battery industry has achieved localization rates exceeding 90 percent across raw materials, components and equipment. South Korea, meanwhile, continues to rely heavily on imports for key materials such as cathodes, anodes and electrolytes, leaving it vulnerable to supply disruptions and cost pressures. EVs and autonomous driving In electric vehicles, China has surpassed even its own industrial targets. Under the "Made in China 2025" strategy, new energy vehicles were meant to account for 20 percent of total auto sales by 2025. The actual figure reached 45.3 percent in 2024. Korea's EV penetration stood at about 13 percent in 2025, crossing into double digits for the first time but remaining far behind China. The gap is widest in autonomous driving. KIET said China leads across every segment of the value chain, supported by massive road-testing data, advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and extensive government-backed infrastructure. In contrast, Korea's autonomous driving sector remains fragmented, with limited large-scale commercialization. Semiconductors: the lone bright spot Semiconductors remain South Korea's principal stronghold. Its dominance in memory chips continues to offset China's growing presence in non-memory areas such as AI processor design and system chips. Even here, however, KIET described the balance as "contested," warning that China's heavy investment and policy support are steadily narrowing the gap. "The semiconductor sector is no longer a guaranteed safe zone," the report said. KIET urged policymakers and corporate leaders to fundamentally reassess Korea's industrial strategy toward China. Rather than focusing solely on narrowing technology gaps, the institute recommended what it called "competitive cooperation" — leveraging China's massive industrial ecosystem as a testing ground for next-generation technologies, while protecting Korea's niche strengths in premium markets in the United States and Europe. China should no longer be viewed simply as a low-cost production base or a rival to be outrun, the report said, but as a strategic learning environment. Without structural reforms, sustained investment and clearer industrial priorities, the country risks becoming increasingly dependent on semiconductors as its last remaining pillar in the global technology race, it concluded. 2026-02-25 14:11:33 -
LIV Golf Launches Fantasy Game and LIV X Digital Platform With Sony Affiliate LIV Golf said Feb. 25 that it has partnered with Beyond Sports, a Sony Group company, to launch two game platforms: LIV Golf Fantasy and LIV X. The products were developed to give golf fans worldwide a more immersive way to engage with players, teams, tournaments and the season overall. LIV Golf said the collaboration reflects its approach of letting a new generation of fans experience golf in different ways, on and off the course. The league said its goal is to broaden golf’s reach globally by combining top-level competition with entertainment and culture. LIV X is built on the “Playbook” platform and is designed to keep fans connected to LIV Golf through games and content. LIV Golf said it expects the digital experience to expand access to league and player content and increase fan engagement. Dennis Taylor, LIV Golf’s chief technology officer, said, “The launch of LIV Golf Fantasy is an important step forward in expanding fan engagement through technology.” He said it will make golf “a more exciting, participatory sport,” strengthen interaction among fans and offer new ways to enjoy the league worldwide. Taylor said the new offerings will help fans who attend events in person as well as those who follow through the LIV Golf app, social channels and broadcasts to experience players and teams more deeply, while also strengthening the foundation for fans to compete with one another. He added that LIV Golf is “very proud” to be Beyond Sports’ first golf partner and called it the start of a long-term effort to bring fans closer to the game. Luke Gough, head of Play at Beyond Sports, said the products began with a simple idea: people can be golf fans without playing a round. He said the platforms combine interactive experiences with meaningful rewards to reach both existing golf fans and the broader public, encouraging continued participation and competition. Gough said the partnership with LIV Golf is a significant opportunity and that he is proud to help advance the league’s modern vision. The launches come ahead of the HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament, scheduled for March 5-8 at Hong Kong Golf Club. LIV Golf said additional features for the LIV Golf Fantasy platform are in development and will be released in stages later in the season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 14:09:21 -
KAMA Names Jung Dae-jin as New Chairman The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) said it appointed Jung Dae-jin, who previously served as trade vice minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as its 19th chairman at a regular general meeting held on the 25th. Jung is set to take office March 3. His term will run for three years. Jung graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in economics and earned a master’s degree from its Graduate School of Public Administration. He entered public service in 1993 after passing the 37th national civil service exam. He has held a range of posts spanning industrial policy, investment promotion and innovation, including director of the Industrial Technology Information Cooperation Division and the Industrial Economy Policy Division at the former Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and later served at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as director general for Creative Industry Policy, investment policy chief and head of the Trade Policy Bureau. From 2021 to September 2023, he served as trade vice minister. KAMA said Jung is well suited to lead the association amid protectionist trends in major markets such as the United States and the European Union, citing his broad understanding of the auto industry and trade policy. It said it expects his leadership to pursue both continuity and innovation, strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea’s auto industry and supporting the shift to future mobility. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 13:54:06 -
BTS Comeback D-24 : Less hype over BTS' 'ARIRANG' tour concert live cinema booking SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - The last-resort seats for the first round of BTS comeback concerts are now open, but unlike the stampede over the group’s free open-air performance in central Seoul, the rush has been muted, suggesting many fans still prefer the atmosphere of sharing the same physical space with their idols. Advance bookings for the live cinema screenings of BTS’ “ARIRANG” tour opened Wednesday at 10 a.m. (KST) across South Korea’s three major multiplex chains — CGV, Megabox and Lotte Cinema. The screenings will broadcast two concerts live: the April 11 performance in Goyang and the April 18 show in Tokyo. Each event will run for about 180 minutes, delivering the energy of on-site performances to movie theaters nationwide. Globally, the live viewing is scheduled to take place in more than 3,500 theaters across 75 countries and regions. Some locations will offer delayed broadcasts due to time zone differences, with additional venues expected to be announced. In South Korea, the event will be shown at 26 Megabox theaters, 45 CGV locations and 28 Lotte Cinema sites. Ticket prices are set at 59,000 won per seat, about one-third of the minimum 198,000 won required for in-person attendance at the Goyang concert. By contrast, demand for BTS’ free performance at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 was overwhelming. More than 100,000 fans rushed to secure 15,000 seats on Feb. 23, selling out the allocation within seconds. Early figures for the cinema screenings, however, point to more moderate interest. As of 10:14 a.m. Wednesday, 243 of 298 seats had been sold for the April 11 screening at the COEX complex. In Mokdong, 45 seats remained available out of 318. Sinchon showed 32 seats unsold, while Sangbong and Hongdae also recorded sizable vacancies. Overseas markets showed a similar pattern. At an AMC Theatres location in Burbank, California, only five tickets had been sold by late afternoon local time. In Malaysia, two TGV Cinemas branches reported minimal or zero early sales for the April 18 broadcast. Industry observers say the figures reflect fans’ continued preference for live, in-person concerts, even as alternative viewing options expand. “With BTS returning as a full group after nearly four years, many fans still place the highest value on being there in person,” a local distributor said. “Cinema screenings are viewed as a secondary choice.” With the April concerts approaching, ticket sales for both on-site performances and theater broadcasts remain ongoing, leaving room for a possible late surge in demand. 2026-02-25 13:54:04 -
South Korea to allow pets in restaurants as ownership rates surge SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - South Korea will lift its long-standing ban on pets in dining establishments starting March 1, a regulatory overhaul aimed at accommodating the nearly 30 percent of households that now own companion animals. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced the policy shift following a successful pilot program, though the transition has met with mixed reactions from small business owners concerned about the administrative and financial costs of compliance. The country’s pet population has grown steadily in recent years, with approximately 15.46 million people in the nation of 52 million now living with dogs or cats. This surge was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, as prolonged social isolation and a rise in single-person households accelerated the trend of "pet humanization," where animals are treated as family members. The new rules under the Food Sanitation Act effectively move pet-friendly dining from a limited "regulatory sandbox" experiment into a formal legal framework. Under the updated guidelines, restaurants and cafes must meet rigorous hygiene standards to permit pets indoors. Entry is restricted to dogs and cats that have completed mandatory vaccinations, and staff are expected to verify these records via certificates or mobile applications. Establishments are required to install physical barriers, such as fences or partitions, to prevent animals from entering kitchens or ingredient storage areas. Plus, operators must provide specialized equipment, including pet-only chairs, cages, or fixed leash hooks, to ensure animals do not roam freely among other diners. The regulations also include specific sanitation protocols, such as requiring food and beverages to be served with covers to prevent contamination from fur. Businesses must maintain sufficient distance between tables and provide dedicated waste bins for pet disposal. Operators who fail to meet these facility standards or allow pets into food preparation zones face administrative penalties, including business suspensions ranging from five to 20 days. The reaction from the service industry is divided. Major franchises such as Starbucks Korea and the Italian restaurant chain Mad for Garlic have already begun integrating pet-friendly zones at select branches. However, independent operators on an online community platform operated by South Korea's web service giant Naver, which has 1.9 million members, voiced concerns over the cost of required renovations. Many owners expressed worry that the burden of policing vaccination records and managing pet noise would be unmanageable for small-scale shops with limited staff. The new regulatory landscape brings South Korea closer to the standards of other major economies. In Britain, dogs are frequently welcomed inside pubs and cafes as a matter of cultural tradition. In the United States, pets are generally restricted to outdoor patios and sidewalk seating, with indoor access largely reserved for service animals. Japan maintains a high degree of pet accessibility in urban centers like Tokyo, provided owners adhere to strict leashing and etiquette protocols enforced by private businesses. Ministry officials stated the framework is intended to bring thousands of businesses that previously allowed pets unofficially into legal compliance. By standardizing hygiene requirements, the government aims to ensure a consistent level of public health and safety for both pet owners and the general public. 2026-02-25 13:53:41 -
Asian markets advance; KOSPI leapfrogs above 6,000 SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) — Asian markets opened higher on Wednesday on expectations that U.S. tariff measures would be applied more selectively following a landmark Supreme Court ruling, but their gains were eclipsed by the KOSPI’s staggering rally. Seoul’s main-board index surged past the 6,000-point mark at the opening bell, lifted by heavyweight technology shares as concerns over artificial intelligence-related disruptions eased. As of 11:10 a.m., the KOSPI was up 2.06 percent at 6,092, extending gains to more than 14.3 percent this month and over 42 percent so far this year, according to data from the Financial Supervisory Service. Shares of Samsung Electronics rose 1.75 percent to a record 203,500 won, while SK hynix added 2.59 percent to 1,031,000 won, helping propel the broader market higher. The advance followed a rebound on Wall Street, driven by fresh developments in artificial intelligence that helped ease concerns over disruption in the software sector. Meta Platforms said it would deploy a large volume of graphics processing units from Advanced Micro Devices to expand its AI data centers, boosting sentiment toward high-bandwidth memory suppliers such as SK hynix and Samsung Electronics. Investor confidence was further supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady in March. Meanwhile, the Cboe Volatility Index, often referred to as Wall Street’s “fear gauge,” declined, signaling reduced market anxiety. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ gained 0.26 percent to 1,168.06. The won strengthened as AI-related concerns eased and optimism over U.S.-Iran nuclear talks reduced risk-off sentiment, with the dollar slipping 1.60 won to 1,440.90. Individual investors were net buyers of 922.9 billion won ($640 million), while foreign and institutional investors sold a net 651.9 billion won and 329.8 billion won, respectively. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, foreign investors have remained net sellers this year, unloading about 13.8 trillion won in February and roughly 17.3 trillion won over the first two months, suggesting the rally has been largely driven by domestic capital. Autos and non-chip stocks mixed Non-chip large-cap stocks showed mixed moves. Auto shares rallied after Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to invest 10 trillion won over the next five years in the Saemangeum region, focusing on data centers and robotics production facilities. Markets viewed the move as signaling a strategic shift toward physical AI and advanced manufacturing. Hyundai Motor jumped 9.73 percent, while Kia surged 13.56 percent to 197,800 won. SK Square rose 3.08 percent to 636,000 won, and Samsung Life Insurance gained 2.23 percent to 229,000 won. Samsung Biologics slipped 0.06 percent to 1,722,000 won, while LG Energy Solution climbed 0.73 percent to 415,500 won. In defense and aerospace, Hanwha Aerospace fell 2.34 percent to 1,212,000 won. Shipbuilders also retreated, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries down 0.34 percent and Hanwha Ocean slipping 0.42 percent. Entertainment shares extended losses amid heavy upfront investment and restructuring costs, with HYBE, JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment all trading lower. Asia mostly higher Elsewhere in Asia, markets traded mostly higher. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 1.35 percent to 58,097.01, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.22 percent. Chinese stocks also extended gains on expectations that recent U.S. tariff revisions could work in China’s favor. The optimism followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Although a new 15 percent global tariff was introduced, China is expected to face a relatively lower effective rate. Goldman Sachs estimates the changes could reduce the average U.S. tariff on Chinese goods by about five percentage points. Meanwhile, the People’s Bank of China kept its benchmark loan prime rates unchanged for a ninth consecutive month, with the one-year rate at 3.0 percent and the five-year rate at 3.5 percent. As of Wednesday morning, the Shanghai Composite rose 0.29 percent to 4,129.48. 2026-02-25 11:43:21 -
New boy band CHASER to release debut album ROUTE 01: Burning Point SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - South Korean boy band CHASER is scheduled to make its official debut on Wednesday with the release of its first mini album. The five-member group, consisting of Kangbin, Caseke, Ren, Yoonsung, and Sihun, will launch ROUTE 01: Burning Point at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) across global streaming platforms including Spotify and YouTube Music. The album serves as the introductory chapter to the group's planned narrative universe, focusing on themes of energy and ambition. The nine-track record is led by the title track "INVINCIBLE," an uptempo pop-rock song characterized by a heavy guitar riff and prominent bass lines. The track is designed to showcase the group's vocal harmonies and high-intensity performance style. CHASER preceded the launch with a series of promotional materials, including concept photos and a highlight medley of the tracks. A music video teaser for the lead single featured the members in a vintage setting before transitioning to imagery of motorcycles and smoke, intended to reflect the song's themes of resilience. The album explores several genres beyond pop-rock. The tracklist includes "Sweet Like Sugar," a synth-pop song; "Criss Cross," a hip-hop trap track; and "Dreamers," described as a youth anthem. Other songs include the mid-tempo jazz-inspired "Knock Knock," the motivational "MATCH POINT," and "Yagwangun," a track centered on the concepts of growth and hope. The release of ROUTE 01: Burning Point marks the formal entry of the rookie group into the South Korean music industry. 2026-02-25 11:25:04 -
Kia's Georgia plant tops 5 Million vehicles in cumulative production SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Kia's American unit in Georgia has reached a cumulative production of 5 million vehicles, the automaker said Tuesday. Production is expected to accelerate further as its West Point plant begins producing the new version of its Telluride SUV, adding the spacious hybrid model to the regular mass-production lineup, alongside assembly lines for midsize Sorento and compact Sportage SUVs. With the start of hybrid production, the plant with an annual capacity of 340,000 units can produce the full range of powertrains, from internal combustion and electric to hybrid vehicles. Kia attributed the hybrid rollout to growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles in North America, where interest in hybrids has remained steady along with fully electric vehicles. The automaker also pointed to U.S. policies that continue to promote locally built vehicles. "The West Point plant is the only facility in the world that produces the Telluride," said Yoon Seung-kyu, head of Kia's North American sales, adding that reaching the milestone of 5 million vehicles in cumulative production, along with starting hybrid manufacturing, reflects the expansion of its local operations. 2026-02-25 11:13:02 -
Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Association Names Kwon Ki-beom as New Board Chair The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Association said it held its 81st regular general meeting on Feb. 24 at its fourth-floor auditorium in Bangbae-dong, Seoul, approving its 2026 business plan and a budget totaling 11,888.06 million won. It also approved as submitted the appointment of directors and auditors — 48 director companies and two auditor companies — and unanimously passed its 2025 settlement of accounts and amendments to its bylaws. For 2026, the association said it will push to build a government-industry governance framework to advance discussions on an R&D-linked compensation system and drug pricing policy. It also plans to strengthen ethical management by improving transparency in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, expanding training for contract sales organizations, and promoting a stronger industry compliance culture. To meet its “Pharma Bio Vision 2030,” the association said it will promote open innovation, accelerate digital transformation and the convergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and expand R&D infrastructure and talent development. It also plans to boost global competitiveness by building support systems for entry into advanced markets, strengthening networks in emerging markets, and expanding global production and training hubs. Priorities also include manufacturing and quality innovation, securing stable drug supply systems, improving investment and manufacturing conditions to spur vaccine development, fostering the raw materials and parts-and-equipment sectors, and diversifying supply chains. In opening remarks, Chairman Noh Yeon-hong said South Korea’s pharmaceutical and bio industry has achieved qualitative and quantitative growth and reached a turning point. “We will work to build an innovative ecosystem for new drug development, enhance global competitiveness, improve access to medicines and strengthen social responsibility,” he said. Noh added that the association will further reinforce ethical management to be seen as a trusted industry. At a handover and inauguration ceremony held after the meeting, outgoing board chair Yoon Woong-seop, chairman of Ildong Pharmaceutical, who completed a two-year term, said, “I feel a sense of fulfillment that I was able to be with you in a role dedicated to protecting the industry’s rightful value.” Incoming board chair Kwon Ki-beom, chairman of Dongkook Pharmaceutical, said in his inaugural address that last year’s results included $13.8 billion in technology exports for new drugs and $10.7 billion in pharmaceutical exports, “a remarkable achievement” representing 65% growth from 2024. He said the industry should maintain the momentum and continue steady growth to achieve more than $50 billion in exports. Kwon also said he hopes the public and private sectors will work together toward a “global top 7” goal. “Regulation is important and necessary, but I urge that the policy direction’s weight be shifted toward fostering and growing the industry,” he said. The association also said it held the seventh Korea Pharmacy Awards ceremony jointly with the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and the Korea Pharmaceutical Distribution Association. It selected Yoon Won-young, chairman of Ildong Holdings, as the winner in the pharmaceutical and bio category and presented an award. It also presented a plaque of appreciation to Yoon Seok-geun, chairman of Ilsung IS, who served as the ninth board chair.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 11:06:00