Korea eyes LMR batteries for EVs to bridge gap between range, affordability SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - South Korea’s battery manufacturers are fast-tracking efforts to commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, a next-generation chemistry that industry leaders see as a crucial middle ground between cost-efficiency and performance in electric vehicle (EV) technology. The push marks a strategic pivot for an industry long dominated by two competing battery types: nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) batteries, prized for their high energy density but saddled with soaring material costs, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, favored for affordability and safety yet constrained by lower energy output. For years, South Korean companies such as LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI have focused on high-nickel NCM and its aluminum-infused variant, NCMA, which supply premium EVs with extended range and rapid charging capabilities. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers — led by CATL and BYD — have consolidated their lead in LFP technology, which now powers a significant portion of global EV fleets. But as automakers face price volatility in raw materials and seek more diversified, geopolitically stable supply chains, Korean firms are charting a third path. The LMR battery, which incorporates high levels of manganese — up to 65 percent — while minimizing or eliminating cobalt and significantly reducing nickel content, is emerging as a promising candidate. "LMR technology allows us to maintain competitive energy performance while sharply lowering dependence on high-cost materials like cobalt," said an executive at LG Energy Solution, which holds more than 200 patents related to the chemistry. Energy density has long defined battery competitiveness. LFP batteries, while safe and inexpensive, generally offer about 160 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), limiting their appeal in range-sensitive vehicle segments. High-nickel NCM and NCMA cells can exceed 250 Wh/kg but come at a material premium, often relying on cobalt sourced from politically sensitive regions. LMR batteries aim to occupy the middle ground, offering energy densities of roughly 210–220 Wh/kg — enough to support long-range EVs — while slashing reliance on cobalt entirely and reducing nickel content to around 35 percent, compared to the 85 percent in many current NCMA cells. The concept is not new. Researchers first explored LMR chemistries in the 1990s, but early designs were plagued by technical hurdles: voltage fade, cathode degradation, and shortened cycle life. Recent advances in particle engineering, doping agents, and protective coatings have revived commercial interest. General Motors, which has collaborated with LG Energy Solution through its Ultium Cells joint venture in the United States, has tested LMR battery prototypes across 1.4 million miles of simulated driving. The company says the results show cycle life on par with today’s high-performance batteries. GM plans to adopt prismatic cell formats for its LMR packs, a shift that could streamline battery architecture and reduce component count by up to 50 percent. LG Energy Solution is targeting 2028 for mass production, with early deployment expected in large-format vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Escalade IQ — both projected to achieve more than 400 miles (644 kilometers) of range on a single charge. Other Korean players are moving in parallel. POSCO Future M has completed pilot-scale production of LMR cathode materials at its Sejong R&D facility and aims to begin full commercial output by the end of 2025. The company plans to offer a product line tailored for both entry-level and premium EV platforms. As global automakers recalibrate in response to tightening emissions rules, fluctuating commodity markets, and growing demand for energy security, South Korea’s battery industry appears to be embracing a dual-track strategy: maintaining high-nickel NCMA for luxury and high-performance segments, while positioning LMR as a flexible, lower-cost alternative that may help democratize long-range EVs. If successful, the effort could challenge China’s dominance in affordable battery technologies — and reshape the global EV battery landscape. 2025-06-02 14:33:38

UAE in talks with TSMC to build advanced chip plant SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - The United Arab Emirates is in preliminary discussions with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility as Gulf nations accelerate efforts to position themselves at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence race. TSMC has reportedly held multiple meetings in recent months with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, and representatives of MGX Fund Management, a UAE-based investment firm backing the proposal, Bloomberg reported. The talks come amid a surge of high-level U.S. interest in the region's emerging technology ecosystem. A recent tour of the Middle East led by former President Donald J. Trump included several of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures, among them Elon Musk of Tesla, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Lisa Su of AMD. Their presence has helped spark a wave of AI- and data center-related investment announcements across the Gulf. The proposed chip foundry, if realized, would mark a milestone for the UAE and the broader region. It would also represent a significant expansion for TSMC beyond its traditional bases in Asia and recent projects in the United States and Japan. However, the project faces steep challenges — including limited local access to water, a critical resource for chip fabrication, and a shortage of specialized technical talent. Still, the vision is part of a broader, region-wide effort to reduce economic dependence on hydrocarbons by investing in advanced technologies. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have launched sweeping initiatives — Vision 2030 and the National AI Strategy 2031, respectively — aimed at cultivating domestic AI capabilities and attracting global tech leaders. In parallel with the TSMC talks, the UAE is pressing ahead with the Stargate UAE initiative, a joint venture with OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle, and SoftBank to construct a 5-gigawatt AI data center in Abu Dhabi. When complete, the facility is expected to consume roughly as much electricity as three million average American homes. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has tasked the sovereign wealth fund–backed startup Humain with acquiring 18,000 of Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell chips and forming a $10 billion strategic partnership with AMD. These moves underscore the region’s intent to leapfrog into the upper ranks of AI infrastructure development. 2025-06-02 14:33:19

Samsung in talks to integrate Perplexity AI in Galaxy S26: report SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is in discussions to integrate technology from Perplexity AI into its next generation of smartphones, potentially marking a significant departure from the firm's long-standing reliance on Google’s artificial intelligence services. The proposed deal, first reported by Bloomberg, would see Samsung embedding Perplexity’s AI assistant and search tools in its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. The partnership under discussion goes beyond a simple software pre-installation. Samsung and the California-based startup are exploring broader integration, including embedding Perplexity’s AI-powered search capabilities into Samsung’s default web browser and incorporating its core technologies into Bixby, Samsung’s proprietary voice assistant. Such a move would amount to a significant reengineering of Samsung’s AI architecture and signal a notable pivot toward a more independent AI ecosystem — one less reliant on Google, whose services have long underpinned the Android platform on Samsung devices. For Samsung, aligning with an emerging AI player mirrors Apple’s recent strategy of diversifying its artificial intelligence partnerships, as major smartphone manufacturers seek to assert greater control over their AI roadmaps. For Perplexity, the collaboration offers a pathway to expand its reach to hundreds of millions of mobile users globally. 2025-06-02 14:28:19

Fans flock to Incheon for K-pop's global gathering SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - Thousands of K-pop fans from across the globe converged on Incheon’s Inspire Entertainment Resort over the weekend for the 2025 Weverse Con Festival, the fourth installment of Hybe’s annual music celebration. Spanning two days, the event drew such a surge of international visitors that local restaurants within the sprawling resort struggled to accommodate the influx. The festival has evolved into a global pilgrimage for fans of Korean pop music, with attendees traveling from as far as Australia, China, and Japan. One fan from Sydney described herself as having become a “K-pop fanatic” during the early days of the pandemic. “It started with BTS in 2020,” she said. Since 2022, she has returned to Korea four times, initially for BTS tours and now, she noted, “on another tour for different artists with the BTS Australian ARMY.” The opening day was headlined by ENHYPEN, whose hour-long set featured 15 tracks performed with live band accompaniment. The seven-member boy group delivered an eclectic mix of songs, from the tender “Loose” and “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” to the darker, fantasy-infused “Bite Me.” They also premiered the unreleased “Far” from their forthcoming mini-album Orange Blood and previewed choreography from their new single “Bad Desire (With or Without You),” slated for release Thursday. Sunday’s lineup reflected the breadth of Hybe’s talent roster. Girl group LE SSERAFIM performed without member Huh Yunjin, who is recovering from a back injury, but the remaining members carried the set with high-energy renditions of “CRAZY,” “HOT,” “UNFORGIVEN,” and “ANTIFRAGILE.” Rising boy group TWS drew loud cheers as they returned to the festival for a second year. They performed fan favorites and surprised the crowd by joining a dance tutorial segment, an unscheduled but warmly received interlude. TOMORROW X TOGETHER closed out the festival for the third consecutive year, offering a 17-song set that included their recent digital single “Love Language” and several solo tracks. Veteran performer BoA took the stage as the festival’s tribute artist, marking her 25th anniversary with a nostalgic medley of early-2000s hits. The audience joined in for “Atlantis Princess” and “No. 1,” and the singer — long considered one of K-pop’s formative figures — announced a new album scheduled for August. The weekend also offered a glimpse into the next generation of K-pop. Newcomers such as P1Harmony and the Dreamcatcher subunit UAU rounded out the bill, offering performances that underscored Hybe’s efforts to cultivate emerging talent alongside its more established acts. 2025-06-02 13:52:16

Samsung Pay outage disrupts morning transactions across country SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - A three-hour outage of Samsung Pay, the popular mobile payment service, disrupted morning routines across South Korea on Monday, leaving customers unable to complete transactions and prompting widespread frustration among users and retailers. The disruption began around 7 a.m. and was resolved by 10:22 a.m., according to Samsung officials. During the outage, users attempting to make purchases with their smartphones reported failures at convenience stores, cafes and other retailers, with some customers reportedly abandoning transactions altogether. Online forums and social media quickly filled with complaints. “Samsung Pay isn't working, so make sure to carry your physical card,” one user wrote. Another added, “I was trying to pay at a convenience store and was flustered because Samsung Pay didn't work.” In a statement posted to its community page, Samsung’s Wallet operation team said, “The issue causing errors when attempting card payments and registrations has been resolved, and normal usage is now possible.” The company said it is still investigating the precise cause of the malfunction. This is not the first technical issue to affect the service. On May 16, Samsung Pay experienced a brief disruption due to what the company described as a “temporary network equipment problem.” That incident was resolved within minutes. Samsung Pay, launched in 2015, is widely used in South Korea, where mobile payment adoption is among the highest in the world. 2025-06-02 11:22:22

Candidates make last-ditch appeals to voters on eve of presidential election SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - Monday is the final day of campaigning ahead of Tuesday's presidential election, with candidates set to canvass until the last minutes to win over voters. Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) kicked off his final day of campaigning with a visit to the southern resort island of Jeju, before making stops in Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon, and wrapping up in Seoul as the final leg of his rally. According to a PPP spokesman, Kim plans to wrap up his campaign in front of Seoul City Hall in central Seoul, highlighting his commitment to improving people's livelihoods in the heart of the capital, "where citizens gather." He will then spend the rest of the evening on Seoul's major streets until midnight, meeting as many younger voters as possible, who are seen as crucial to turning the tide as Kim has been trailing far behind Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP). The frontrunner Lee began his day in northern Seoul before moving to Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and concluding with a finale rally at a park in the financial district of Yeouido. A DP spokesman said, "Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, is where Lee began his political career ," and added, "Yeouido Park is a site where citizens stood to defend democracy" against former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle late last year. Lee Jun-seok, the youngest candidate from the minor centrist Reform Party, continues his campus campaign with another visit to Tech University of Korea in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, where he will have lunch with students in the cafeteria, in a last-ditch effort to appeal to young voters. He then tours southern regions before wrapping up in the conservative stronghold of Daegu. Kwon Young-kook of the minor progressive Democratic Labor Party is making stops across key areas of Seoul, stressing issues affecting people with disabilities, workers, and women, with his final rally set in the capital's central district of Jongno. Meanwhile, the June 3 snap election follows the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling in early April to impeach Yoon over his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year. According to election watchdog National Election Commission (NEC), about 15.42 million out of 44.39 million eligible voters cast their ballots in early voting last week with a high voter turnout of 34.74 percent. 2025-06-02 10:45:08

Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo enter final stage of campaign as snap election nears SEOUL, June 02 (AJP) - With just one day remaining before South Korea’s Jun. 3 snap presidential election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo launched their final push to win over voters on Monday morning. Lee is spending his last campaign day in the Seoul metropolitan area, a key battleground in previous elections. His campaign is highlighting policies focused on economic revitalization, balanced regional development, and reforms aimed at resonating with middle-aged voters and those concerned with everyday issues. Kim began the day by visiting the southern resort island of Jeju. From there, he is traveling north to hold rallies in the southern port city of Busan, Daegu, a conservative stronghold, and the central city of Daejeon. His schedule ends with a rally at Seoul Plaza, followed by street greetings in Hongdae and Gangnam, districts known for youth culture, nightlife, and fashion. This election was triggered by the impeachment and indictment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. With the office left vacant, the country is holding an early vote to choose a new leader. According to the final poll released before the poll blackout period, Lee holds a significant lead. A Realmeter survey conducted on May 26 and 27 showed Lee with 49.2 percent support, ahead of Kim at 36.8 percent. Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party followed with 10.3 percent. The margin between Lee and Kim grew to 12.4 percentage points, up from 9 points in the previous poll. Realmeter analysts noted that Lee had regained momentum, while Kim faced challenges consolidating support amid internal divisions within the conservative bloc. The Realmeter poll surveyed 1,003 adults using an automated phone response system on wireless lines. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level, with a response rate of 10.1 percent. Full details are available from the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission. 2025-06-02 10:32:31

Astana International Forum wraps up with call for stronger global cooperation SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - A two-day international forum aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and tackling global challenges wrapped up in Kazakhstan’s capital on Friday. The Astana International Forum (AIF), held from Thursday to Friday, brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 70 countries, including heads of state, business executives, renowned academics, and representatives. Throughout the event, over 40 panel discussions, side events, and special sessions were held. More than 100 speakers addressed a wide range of pressing global issues, including diplomacy, international security, climate action, technological innovation, and economic resilience. In addition to in-depth discussions on navigating geopolitical shifts and promoting sustainable development, the forum also spotlighted the role of emerging technologies and the need for cross-sector collaboration. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who attended the forum on Friday, emphasized the need for courageous leadership in today’s divided world. "Relations between nations are now shaped by new and often unprecedented powers," she said. "It’s up to us to decide how to respond." In addition to the main sessions, various exhibition booths drew attention from visitors. One of the most visited was the United Nations booth, which marked the organization’s 80th anniversary and showcased its work in Kazakhstan. “We wanted to show the human stories behind the numbers,” said Elnara Bainazarova, Communications and Advocacy Officer at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kazakhstan. She added that 27 UN agencies are currently active in the country. Another key highlight was the Alatau New City project, led by members of the ethnic Korean community in Kazakhstan. Moon Park, a partner in management consulting at KPMG and an advisor to the project, explained that the initiative draws inspiration from South Korea’s industrial development. “We’re helping design a roadmap based on Korea’s experience to avoid trial and error,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of infrastructure and international partnerships. “We’re in discussions with Korea Airports Corporation as Kazakhstan works toward becoming a future aviation hub,” he noted. “They also need experience in global transactions, and we’re supporting that learning process.” Participants also shared meaningful insights and positive experiences from the forum. Jacek Kosciukiewicz, a regional sales manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Cambi—a global environmental technology company—praised the high quality of the discussions. Referring to a session led by former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, he said, “Her vision for multilateralism gives me hope. Without forums like this, the world could go in the wrong direction.” He also acknowledged Kazakhstan’s growing diplomatic presence. “The country is on its way to becoming a key voice for Central Asia on the global stage,” he said. Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, stands as one of Central Asia’s strongest economies. Astana, the country’s modern capital, reflects this ambition with its futuristic skyline and growing role as a diplomatic hub. The city continues to attract global attention for its strategic location and rapid development, driven by continuous efforts such as forums like the AIF. South Korea, which established a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan in 2009, remains one of its closest and most important partners. As of 2024, South Korea is one of Kazakhstan’s top trading partners and the third-largest investor. 2025-06-01 19:28:41

Candidates blitz key battlegrounds as presidential race enters final stretch SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s leading presidential contenders crisscrossed the country on Sunday in a final bid to rally voters ahead of Tuesday’s election, with both major candidates making strategic forays into regions outside their political comfort zones. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party spent the day traversing the conservative stronghold of Yeongnam, seeking to peel away support from traditional bastions of right-wing dominance. Beginning in his hometown of Andong, in North Gyeongsang Province, Lee made stops in Daegu and Ulsan before concluding with a twilight rally at Busan Station Plaza. Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, a former governor of Gyeonggi Province, concentrated his final Sunday push closer to the capital. Touring the greater Seoul metropolitan area, Kim emphasized his track record in infrastructure and regional development — notably the Great Train Express (GTX), a high-speed commuter rail project aimed at transforming transit across the capital region. His campaign stops included Gwanggyo, Seongnam, Guri, Namyangju, Uijeongbu and key districts in northern Seoul. Latest polling suggests a surprisingly competitive race, even in conservative strongholds such as the TK region (Daegu and North Gyeongsang) and the PK region (Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang). In some surveys of the PK region, Lee is polling within the margin of error against Kim. In a symbolic gesture aimed at consolidating conservative support, former President Park Geun-hye — still a revered figure among many in the TK region — made a rare public appearance on Friday at a traditional market in Daegu, urging voters to support Kim. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party campaigned in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, where he eked out a narrow victory in last year’s general election. Lee addressed supporters at Dongtan Lake Park in the afternoon, appealing to younger and independent voters in a last-ditch effort. Later in the evening, he appeared at Seoul Station to engage with travelers heading home after the weekend. The candidates are set to close their official campaigns on Monday with rallies in Seoul. Lee will hold his final event in Yeouido Park, directly facing the National Assembly building — a site he has framed as emblematic of democratic resistance, recalling the Assembly’s revocation of martial law on December 3. Kim, for his part, will conclude his campaign at Seoul City Hall Plaza. 2025-06-01 15:46:11

Public opinion manipulation allegations roil final days of election SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - With just two days remaining before South Korea's presidential election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung on Sunday accused a far-right group of orchestrating an online campaign to manipulate public opinion in favor of his conservative rival, calling the alleged operation an “insurrection.” Lee urged law enforcement authorities to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into what he described as a "systematic attempt to distort the electoral process." “I firmly believe there is a connection to the People Power Party,” Lee said, referring to the group in question, Rhee Park School — a conservative organization known for promoting the legacies of former Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee. The allegations stem from an investigative report published on May 31 by Newstapa, a nonprofit journalism outlet. The report claimed that Rhee Park School assembled a dedicated team to post politically charged comments on news websites, lauding the People Power Party’s candidate, Kim Moon-soo, while disparaging Lee. According to the report, members of the group were allegedly recruited with promises of after-school instructor certifications, qualifying them to work with elementary school students. The report further alleged that some of those instructors have since been dispatched to schools nationwide, spreading what critics have called “distorted historical views” under the guise of extracurricular education — a program that began under the previous administration of Yoon Suk Yeol. The People Power Party has firmly denied any connection to Rhee Park School or the alleged campaign. “Kim Moon-soo, his campaign office, and the People Power Party have absolutely no relation to this matter,” the party said in a statement. “To suggest otherwise is baseless and irresponsible.” Jang Dong-hyuk, a senior strategist for the PPP, held an emergency news conference in Seoul, accusing the Democratic Party of attempting to sway the election through what he called “sinister schemes.” “The Democratic Party knows the election landscape is unfavorable for them, and so they’re once again resorting to negative campaigning and conspiracy,” Jang said. 2025-06-01 14:20:08