Journalist

Kim Na-yoon
  • Samsungs double-folding smartphone raises stakes in global foldable phone race
    Samsung's double-folding smartphone raises stakes in global foldable phone race SEOUL, December 03 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold, the company’s first smartphone capable of folding twice, marking its most ambitious entry yet in the fast-evolving foldables segment. The device was officially launched at a media event in Seoul on Tuesday, after being previewed at the APEC CEO Summit in October. “The Galaxy Z TriFold represents the evolution of our smartphone design and engineering capabilities since our first foldable phone in 2019,” said Lim Sung-taek, vice president at Samsung Electronics. The handset adopts an “in-folding” mechanism that allows both sides of the display to fold inward. The screen measures 6.5 inches when closed and expands to 10 inches when fully unfolded, effectively functioning as a compact tablet. It is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera aimed at boosting productivity from shooting to editing. Samsung priced the 512GB model at 3.59 million won ($2,500), making it more expensive than Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB, which retails for 3.19 million won. The launch comes as Samsung looks to strengthen its position in the global foldable smartphone market. The company held a 9 percent share in the second quarter, ranking third behind Huawei’s 45 percent, according to Counterpoint Research. Analysts expect competition to intensify if Apple enters the segment. “The TriFold could trigger explosive growth in the foldable market, showcasing new possibilities for foldable phones,” Vice President Lim said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-03 09:48:34
  • Samsung scions naval commissioning reunites Lee family, including ex-wife
    Samsung scion's naval commissioning reunites Lee family, including ex-wife SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Naval Academy commissioning ceremony for 24-year-old Lee Ji-ho, son of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, brought together members of the Samsung family — including the chairman’s former wife Im Se-ryung — in a rare public appearance since their 2009 divorce. Lee Ji-ho, commissioned as part of the 139th class of naval officers, was joined by his grandmother Hong Ra-hee, widow of the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, and his aunt Lee Seo-hyun, head of the Samsung Welfare Foundation. The event marked one of the few occasions in which Lee and Im were seen together in public in more than a decade. Lee and Im, heiress to the Daesang Group, share two children — daughter Ji-soo and son Ji-ho. Im is currently in a public relationship with actor Lee Jung-jae. The junior Lee enlisted in September as an officer candidate and completed 11 weeks of basic training before receiving his commission. After a four-day leave, he will report to the Naval Education and Training Command in Changwon on Dec. 2 for three weeks of initial officer training, after which he is expected to serve as an interpreter officer at the Naval Operations Command in Busan. The commissioning comes five years after Chairman Lee pledged, at the height of legal proceedings related to his father’s succession, that he would not pass corporate management to his children — declaring an end to Samsung’s third-generation leadership tradition. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 15:23:13
  • South Korea to delay tax audits for foreign firms increasing investment
    South Korea to delay tax audits for foreign firms increasing investment SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) will postpone regular tax audits for up to two years for foreign companies that substantially increase their investments in the country. NTS Commissioner Lim Gwang-hyun announced the measure on Friday during a meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AmCham) in Seoul. Companies that raise their domestic investment by a defined percentage compared with the previous year will be eligible to apply for the audit deferment. Under the revised criteria, small foreign businesses that increase investment by at least 10 percent and medium-sized firms that boost investment by 20 percent will qualify for the program. Previously, the audit delay was available only to small enterprises. The tax authority also said it plans to ease the burden of double taxation on foreign firms by accelerating the Advance Pricing Agreement process, which provides tax certainty for companies engaged in cross-border transactions. To improve accessibility for international taxpayers, the agency is expanding its AI-based foreign language consultation services launched in September. James Kim, chairman of AmCham Korea, welcomed the steps and stressed that fair and predictable treatment of foreign companies is essential for South Korea to compete with regional investment hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 15:14:41
  • LS Electric secures largest-ever power equipment deal in US
    LS Electric secures largest-ever power equipment deal in US SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea’s LS Electric said on Wednesday it has secured a $315 million contract to supply high-voltage transformers in North America, the largest deal in the company’s history. The agreement, signed with a major U.S. private utility, covers the delivery of 525-kilovolt transformers to renewable energy facilities across the southeastern U.S. through 2029. The equipment will serve as critical power sources for large data centers in the region, the company said. The contract marks a significant expansion of LS Electric’s product portfolio, extending its transformer offerings from 115kV and 354kV units to the 525kV segment. The company said the deal underscores international confidence in its transmission and distribution technology and is expected to strengthen its position in the fast-growing data center power infrastructure market. LS Electric reported an order backlog of 4.1 trillion won as of the third quarter, including more than 2 trillion won in high-voltage transformer orders. “This contract reaffirms global recognition of our technology and positions us as a long-term, sustainable partner,” LS Electric said in a press release. “We plan to expand our presence in North America’s hyperscale data center, renewable energy and utility sectors to secure leadership in the high-voltage market.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 13:43:15
  • KITA expands global network with new offices in Vietnam, Brazil
    KITA expands global network with new offices in Vietnam, Brazil SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) has opened new offices in Hanoi and São Paulo, advancing its strategy to deepen ties with emerging markets across the Global South. KITA held an opening ceremony for its Hanoi office on Nov. 20 at the Lotte Hotel Hanoi. The event drew some 90 officials, including KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, Vu Ba Phu, director general of Vietnam’s Trade Promotion Agency, and Jang Ho-seung, South Korea’s consul general in Vietnam. “South Korea and Vietnam are among each other’s top three trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching $86.8 billion annually,” Yoon said. “The Hanoi office will play a key role within the comprehensive industrial cooperation framework established by both governments.” The new facility is KITA’s second in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City. Situated in the capital, it will provide support for South Korean companies navigating regulatory and market-entry challenges in northern and central Vietnam, while strengthening KITA’s on-the-ground marketing and advisory services. Two days earlier, on Nov. 18, KITA marked the opening of its São Paulo office in Brazil. The ceremony was attended by KITA Executive Director Jang Seok-min and South Korea’s consul general in São Paulo, Chae Jin-won, alongside about 50 officials. The São Paulo office is expected to help Korean companies improve market access and identify new business opportunities across Latin America, with Brazil serving as the region’s anchor economy. The openings in Vietnam and Brazil follow the launch of a Johannesburg office last month, part of KITA’s plan to build a network of strategic bases across Africa, Latin America and ASEAN. The trade association says the expanded footprint will strengthen support for South Korean companies seeking to grow in emerging markets and broaden their global reach. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-21 09:54:52
  • Global defense officials attend KOTRA forum to explore Korean weapon systems
    Global defense officials attend KOTRA forum to explore Korean weapon systems SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) on Wednesday hosted a defense export networking event with the Seoul Association of Military Attachés (SAMA), bringing together foreign defense officials and South Korean defense companies in an effort to expand global partnerships. The gathering drew 110 participants, including 35 military attachés from 30 countries — including Chile, India, Poland and Canada — as well as representatives from 44 South Korean defense firms. Organizers said the event was designed to deepen understanding of emerging Korean defense technologies and explore opportunities for cooperation. South Korean companies presented a range of advanced systems, including unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, next-generation low-earth-orbit satellite technologies, avionics, drone and counter-drone platforms, and multifunctional surveillance equipment. For small and medium-sized firms, the event offered a rare chance to directly engage with foreign attachés and pitch their technologies to potential buyers. Jang Seong-gil, head of KOTRA’s Defense Trade Support Center, said he hoped South Korea’s defense capabilities would contribute to global security efforts. “We aim to position Korea as a trusted partner for peace and prosperity,” he said. India’s defense attaché and SAMA chairman, Ashish Gerola, said South Korean weapons systems were increasingly recognized for their quality. He expressed confidence that the networking event would lead to deeper defense cooperation. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-19 14:01:11
  • Samsung showcases cinema screen technology at film festival in Los Angeles
    Samsung showcases cinema screen technology at film festival in Los Angeles SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said on Thursday that it is serving as an official sponsor of the 11th Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles, using the event to highlight its Cinema LED Onyx screen. The festival, which runs through Nov. 20 at the Culver Theater, features films from more than 30 Asian countries. Samsung’s Onyx screen — which uses self-emitting LED technology instead of a traditional projector — will be used for screenings throughout the week. Samsung said its Onyx display delivers “deeper contrast and more vivid color” than conventional projection systems, offering audiences greater visual clarity and brightness in both 2D and 3D formats. The company first introduced the technology in 2017 at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul, and it is now installed at six theaters across South Korea. As part of the festival, Samsung will host a special session on Nov. 15 titled “Samsung Onyx: Redefining Cinema Experience,” exploring how LED cinema technology can enhance visual storytelling and audience immersion. “We hope filmmakers and audiences at the festival experience the future of cinema through the unparalleled immersion of Samsung Onyx,” said Jung Hoon, vice president of Samsung’s Visual Display Business. “We will continue to collaborate for the advancement of the film industry.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-13 13:25:56
  • LG Electronics to expand automotive software business
    LG Electronics to expand automotive software business SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Thursday that it has joined SDVerse, a global automotive software marketplace established by General Motors, Magna, and Wipro — a move that underscores the South Korean company’s growing ambitions in vehicle software. Billed as the industry’s first open marketplace for automotive software, SDVerse brings together automakers, Tier 1 suppliers, and developers to accelerate software innovation across the mobility sector. The platform allows buyers to compare software offerings and verify quality standards, while giving sellers access to leading car manufacturers and suppliers. Through its participation, LG aims to expand its presence in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) ecosystem. The company plans to introduce a range of mobility software products on SDVerse, including its proprietary LG αWare platform. LG has already positioned itself as a key technology partner for global automakers, offering in-cabin sensing systems, telematics solutions, and its webOS content platform — technologies that enhance driver safety, connectivity, and entertainment. At the IAA Mobility 2025 exhibition in Munich last September, LG showcased its webOS-based in-vehicle platform, emphasizing its vision to transform cars into “living spaces on wheels.” “By providing proven automotive software solutions, we aim to accelerate innovation for our clients and partners,” said Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG’s mobility business division. “This collaboration will strengthen our competitiveness and contribute to a more dynamic automotive software ecosystem.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-23 10:16:37
  • Taihan Cable & Solution expands South Africa plant to target regions growing power market
    Taihan Cable & Solution expands South Africa plant to target region's growing power market SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - South Korea's Taihan Cable & Solution is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Africa as part of a broader effort to strengthen its competitiveness in the region’s growing power infrastructure market. The cable manufacturer held a ceremony on Oct. 22 to mark the expansion of its power cable plant in South Africa, operated by its subsidiary M-TEC. The project is designed to meet surging demand for medium- and low-voltage cables, which account for more than 90 percent of the country’s underground power market. The upgraded facility effectively doubles M-TEC’s production capacity while improving quality and cost efficiency. The ceremony drew attendees from both government and industry, including Lester Bower of South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; representatives from state-owned utility Eskom; executives from Taihan Cable & Solution’s local partner CIH; South Korean Ambassador Yang Dong-han; and corporate leaders Kim Dae-heon of Hoban Group and Kim Jun-seok of Taihan Cable & Solution. “This investment allows us to better respond to local demand and expand exports across Africa,” Taihan Cable & Solution said in a press release. “We aim to play a key role in stabilizing South Africa’s power grid and in supporting the region’s energy transition as a comprehensive cable provider.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-23 10:05:53
  • KOTRA to operate K-Business Square for APEC delegates
    KOTRA to operate 'K-Business Square' for APEC delegates SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - South Korea will set up an exhibition booth highlighting its industrial achievements and future growth sectors for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, or KOTRA, said Wednesday that it will operate the “K-Business Square” in collaboration with the provincial government of North Gyeongsang and the city of Gyeongju for five weeks. The exhibition is designed to welcome visiting delegations and investors ahead of the summit. The venue features four themed sections — a Korean industrial history hall, a future industries hall, a regional business hall, and five cultural experience spaces. The future industries section focuses on semiconductors, next-generation mobility, and shipbuilding, with participation from both major corporations and startups showcasing cutting-edge technologies. KOTRA said it intends to use the exhibition as a platform for economic diplomacy, inviting about 100 overseas buyers and global investors to explore opportunities in South Korea’s advanced manufacturing sectors. To bolster economic cooperation ahead of the summit, KOTRA has been expanding its outreach to international partners through the “Korea-APEC Business Partnership,” launched in September. More than 300 domestic and foreign business leaders have joined related events, including an investment forum held on Oct. 16. The upcoming Invest KOREA Summit, scheduled for Oct. 29 to 31, will aim to attract large-scale investments in strategic industries such as energy transition, advanced materials, and digital technology. “This exhibition is an ideal opportunity to present South Korea as a leader in advanced manufacturing to visiting diplomats and business leaders,” said Kang Kyung-sung, president of KOTRA. “We are committed to enhancing the national brand and strengthening international business cooperation through the APEC platform.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-22 14:01:14