Korea Zinc to develop next-generation battery material for drones, robots SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Korea Zinc said on Wednesday it has signed partnerships with two materials companies to develop composite copper foil, a next-generation battery component used for lightweight, high-performance batteries for drones and humanoid robots. The partnered firms are Taesung and Neo Battery Materials Korea. Korea Zinc said the three firms will jointly develop advanced battery technologies using composite copper foil for small mobility applications. Composite copper foil, used as an anode current collector in batteries, incorporates a polymer core and requires less copper than conventional copper foil. The structure reduces weight while maintaining performance and offers cost and safety advantages, according to the company. However, commercialization still requires improvements in production yield and the establishment of a stable mass-production system. Under the agreement, the companies will cooperate across the full development chain, from materials engineering and manufacturing processes to feasibility studies and product demonstrations. Planned work includes verification of composite copper foil, process development for battery cells using the material, production of small prototype batteries, and testing prototype small mobility devices such as drones and robots powered by the new batteries. Korea Zinc said the partnership is expected to strengthen the companies’ competitiveness in the emerging composite copper foil market. Market research firm Wise Guy Reports forecasts the global market will grow to $10.18 billion by 2032 from $6.88 billion in 2023. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-04 14:02:28

LG Electronics showcases B2B solutions at North American, European trade shows SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - LG Electronics is participating in major business-to-business trade shows in North America and Europe this week, presenting heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and commercial display solutions as it seeks to expand its B2B operations. The South Korean electronics maker exhibited HVAC solutions ranging from unitary systems to AI data center cooling technology at AHR EXPO 2026, North America's largest air conditioning trade show, which concludes on Wednesday in Orlando, Florida. LG Electronics displayed core HVAC components including compressors, motors, fan motors and drives at the event. The company also presented what it calls an "all-in-one component solution" that combines key air conditioning parts optimized for residential and commercial buildings. Separately, LG Electronics is presenting commercial display products and software solutions at ISE 2026, Europe's largest display trade show running through Friday in Barcelona, Spain. The exhibition includes the company's high-resolution "LG MAGNIT" signage, low-power "E-Paper" displays, and cloud-based software platforms such as LG ConnectedCare and LG SuperSign. LG Electronics' B2B revenue reached 24.1 trillion won ($18 billion) last year, accounting for more than 35 percent of total sales on a standalone basis. The company has set a target to increase the B2B share of revenue to 40 percent by 2030. The B2B business includes HVAC, automotive components and commercial displays. 2026-02-04 14:00:14

Hanwha Ocean posts 2025 operating profit of 1.1091 trillion won, up 366% Hanwha Ocean said its 2025 operating profit nearly quadrupled as revenue from commercial ships and naval vessels rose sharply. In an earnings filing on Tuesday, the company said 2025 revenue rose 18% from a year earlier to 12.6884 trillion won, while operating profit jumped 366% to 1.1091 trillion won. Hanwha Ocean cited higher sales of liquefied natural gas carriers and special-purpose vessels. It said a larger share of high-margin LNG carrier revenue, supported by more stable production, led growth in its commercial ship division. Revenue at its special ship division also edged up as production of the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarines Nos. 1, 2 and 3 stayed on schedule, contributing to overall sales growth. The company said operating profit improved sharply on a shift toward more profitable products, productivity gains from production stabilization and continued cost-cutting efforts. Hanwha Ocean said it has won orders totaling US$10.05 billion so far, including 13 LNG carriers, 20 very large crude carriers and 17 container ships. It said orders increased from US$8.98 billion a year earlier despite a drop to below 70% in global newbuild orders for its main ship types, measured by the number of vessels, citing aggressive sales efforts and technological competitiveness. The company also gave an upbeat outlook for this year. A company official said revenue is expected to grow as high ship prices for LNG carriers and other vessels strengthen, and profitability should remain solid as higher-margin projects make up a larger share of sales. The official added that profitability is expected to improve further as production ramps up on the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine No. 2 and the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates Nos. 5 and 6, along with efforts to win major overseas projects. 2026-02-04 13:54:00

Hyundai Rotem to supply vehicles for light-rail lines in Edmonton, Canada SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - South Korea's Hyundai Rotem has won a contract to supply light-rail vehicles for all light-rail transit (LRT) lines operating in Edmonton, Canada. The company said on Wednesday it signed a 320 billion won ($240 million) agreement on Monday local time with the City of Edmonton in Alberta to supply high-floor LRT vehicles. The order covers 32 trainsets, each consisting of three cars, with a maximum operating speed of 80 kilometers per hour. The trains will operate on the Capital and Metro lines, which run north–south through downtown Edmonton and connect surrounding communities. The new fleet will replace aging vehicles currently in service, with designs emphasizing safety, accessibility and operational reliability in harsh winter conditions. The trains are engineered to operate in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius and under heavy snowfall, while lightweight structures are intended to improve energy efficiency. A forward-collision warning system will also be installed to enhance safety for both passengers and pedestrians. Hyundai Rotem said the exterior design retains the visual identity of Edmonton’s existing fleet while introducing updated styling. Interior features include upgraded passenger information systems and wheelchair-accessible signage to improve convenience for riders with disabilities. With the latest contract, Hyundai Rotem will supply vehicles for all LRT lines in Edmonton. Separately, trams ordered from the company in 2021 are being deployed on the Valley West line, which connects downtown with western districts. Deliveries for that project began in August last year, the company said. Hyundai Rotem also highlighted its track record in Canada, including a 2005 contract to supply automated people-mover trains at Vancouver International Airport, where early delivery helped advance the project schedule by three months. Canadian authorities later recognized the company’s contribution to transportation readiness ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In 2018, Hyundai Rotem secured an additional order to supply more trains for the same airport line. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-04 13:49:28

Hyundai Rotem Wins $320 Million Edmonton Light-Rail Contract Hyundai Rotem said it will supply rail cars for all light-rail transit lines operating in Edmonton, Canada. The company said it signed a 320 billion won contract on Monday (local time) with the city government of Edmonton, Alberta, to provide high-floor light-rail vehicles. Light rail generally refers to smaller rail vehicles used to ease urban congestion, and includes trams. The order covers 32 trainsets, each made up of three cars, with a top operating speed of 80 kph. They will be deployed on the Capital and Metro lines, which run north-south through the city center and connect to outlying areas. Because the vehicles will replace an aging fleet, Hyundai Rotem said the design focuses on improving passenger safety and convenience. The trains are tailored for local winters, including temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius and heavy snowfall, and include lightweight design features aimed at reducing energy use. A forward-collision warning system will be installed on the front of the vehicles to enhance safety for passengers and pedestrians. The company said the exterior uses strong color contrast and lighting to carry over the identity of existing vehicles while adding a more forward-looking design. Inside, it said, intuitive passenger information displays and wheelchair pictograms are intended to improve accessibility for riders with disabilities. Hyundai Rotem said the deal means it will supply vehicles for every LRT line in Edmonton. Trams the company won in 2021 are slated for the Valley West line, not the high-floor lines served by the new LRT vehicles, and are intended to improve travel between the city and surrounding western areas. Those trams have been delivered to the site in stages starting with the first trainset in early August last year. Hyundai Rotem also cited earlier work in Canada, including an automated people mover for Vancouver International Airport under a 2005 contract that it said was delivered early, helping move up the operating schedule by three months. The Canadian project agency later sent a letter of thanks and a plaque recognizing the company’s contribution to the successful hosting of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In 2018, Hyundai Rotem signed an additional contract to supply automated trains for the same line. The company said it will continue expanding its lineup for future global markets, including hydrogen-powered rail vehicles such as hydrogen locomotives. A Hyundai Rotem official said the company will draw on its experience delivering light-rail projects in South Korea — including the Gimpo LRT, Incheon Line 2 and the Ui-Sinseol LRT — and its cooperation with local agencies to help Edmonton residents use public transit safely and comfortably.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 13:36:00

National Theater Company to Restage ‘Sammaegyeong’ After Six Months The play “Sammaegyeong” is returning to the stage. The National Theater Company of Korea, led by CEO and artistic director Park Jeong Hui, said Tuesday that “Sammaegyeong,” based on an original work by Ham Se Deok and adapted and directed by Lee Cheol Hui, will open March 12 at Myeongdong Theater. The company, South Korea’s largest theater producer, premiered “Sammaegyeong” last year as part of its mission to develop “Korean classics.” The production reimagines a work long regarded as a landmark in Korean theater history with a contemporary sensibility. Actor Ji Chun Seong, who rose to prominence with the earlier original “Dongseung” (1991, directed by Park Won Geun), leads the cast; the premiere drew sold-out houses and strong reviews from audiences and critics, the company said. The company said it is bringing “Sammaegyeong” back as a model of South Korean original theater that keeps modern and contemporary Korean drama alive onstage. It also called the revival its first step in 2026, which it has designated as a starting year for discovering new repertory works and testing them with audiences. Audience events are also planned. On Feb. 19 and 20, the director and cast will meet theatergoers for a script-reading session. From March 28-30, the production will offer accessibility performances with Korean Sign Language interpretation, Korean subtitles, audio description, a stage-model touch tour and mobility support. Post-show talks are scheduled after the March 15 and 29 performances, with Lee and Ji among those set to attend. The run continues through April 5. The company will offer a 50% discount, titled “See it three times, fall into ‘Sammaegyeong,’” to patrons holding two paid tickets for the production. It will also offer a 30% discount, titled “This year, too, a performance ‘Sammaegyeong,’” to holders of paid tickets to any performances in 2025-2026, including musicals, dance and concerts; the discount applies even if the ticket is not for a National Theater Company production. Tickets are available through the National Theater Company and NOL Ticket websites. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 13:30:33

South Korea’s National Museum to Open Earlier, Add Pondside ‘Water-Gazing’ Steps "To fully implement a K-museum that leads the world, we will innovate the future viewing environment and visitor experience." Yu Hong-jun, director of the National Museum of Korea, said at a New Year news briefing on Feb. 3 that the museum has entered an era of 6.5 million visitors a year. He said the key was not treating it as a place that simply displays old artifacts, but as a complex cultural space where culture is shared. Under this year’s vision of “a museum for everyone,” the museum said it will redesign how people visit and how it operates, aiming to become a participatory cultural complex open to all. Starting March 16, it will move opening time up from 10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Yu said visitors line up by 8:30 a.m., adding that he felt it was unreasonable for people to stand for an hour and a half. In August, the museum will expand outdoor amenities to reposition itself as a place where people want to stay. It plans to build “water-gazing steps,” a set of steps where visitors can rest while looking out over the pond, similar to rest areas found at major museums worldwide. Yu said the museum is “absolutely short” on cafes and restaurants, and that a glasshouse-style cafe will be added above the restaurant by the Mirror Pond. He said the museum also aims to revive the visitor route from the main entrance to the Mirror Pond. The museum said it will build a customer relationship management system by December to improve the visitor environment and operations and ease congestion. It also plans to develop online reservations and ticketing, on-site ticketing, contactless electronic ticket checks and mobile QR tickets, in preparation for paid admission. By 2029, it plans to expand and rebuild the children’s museum to about twice its current size. Yu said one of the museum’s biggest points of pride is that many young people visit. “Directors of foreign museums ask me to tell them the secret to attracting young people,” he said. “I think it’s because it’s fun, you can learn, and you can enjoy the museum even without going into the galleries.” The museum also outlined major exhibitions planned for 2026, combining public appeal and academic value. They include “Our Table” (July 1-Oct. 25), which looks at the origins and evolution of Korean food culture amid global interest in K-food; “Thai Art” (June 16-Sept. 6), the first Thailand art exhibition of its kind in South Korea; “War, Art and Life” (Nov. 27-’27.3.21.); and “Marie Antoinette Style” (Dec. 18-’27.3.31.). It also plans to upgrade how it runs permanent exhibitions. The “Daedongyeojido” display on the “Path of History” (2.12.) will be created as a symbolic space where the visitor route itself becomes a historical experience. Other plans include reopening the Korean Empire gallery in April and a special public showing of Dunhuang Buddhist sutras in October.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 13:30:00

UAE push into digital finance signals shift to nation-level blockchain adoption SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - The United Arab Emirates is signaling a fundamental shift in the global cryptocurrency market as digital assets enter a "nation-level phase" of adoption, according to Xin Yan, the CEO of blockchain technology company Sign. Yan, whose firm has supported government blockchain initiatives in multiple countries including the UAE, said the transition is marked by a move from experimental pilot programs to systematic execution. This shift is expected to accelerate the use of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, while integrating real-world assets into the traditional financial system. "It is a strong signal that crypto has entered a nation-level phase," Yan said. "Systematic adoption by governments will accelerate stablecoin and CBDC payments." According to Yan, the UAE has adopted a strategy similar to Singapore, leveraging its status as a smaller territory with significant regional influence. By prioritizing digital infrastructure over restrictive regulation, the country aims to export its standards to the broader region. Yan noted that while many countries announce blockchain pilots, few successfully transition to real-world infrastructure. He attributed this gap to the challenge of balancing government oversight with user privacy. The executive argued that successful implementation requires systems where regulation is enforced through code, using encryption techniques like zero-knowledge proofs to protect data privacy. The CEO also highlighted a practical distinction between private stablecoins and government-backed currencies. He described private stablecoins on public blockchains as operating under "jungle rules" where asset recovery is often impossible. In contrast, he noted that CBDCs function as legal tender on permissioned networks, offering clear legal protections and eliminating the risk of de-pegging. Despite the momentum, Yan warned of significant execution risks for governments engaging with blockchain technology. He cited the lack of a mature user base in the industry's early years, which led to many systems being untested under real-world conditions. "Choosing the wrong partner can be fatal," Yan said. "I have seen projects run for three years, spend tens of millions of dollars, and still fail to launch." Looking forward, Yan suggested that the focus for national governments will shift from establishing sovereignty to ensuring connectivity. He predicts that once countries develop their own domestic digital infrastructures, they will move to link these local networks to global liquidity and cross-border payment systems. 2026-02-04 12:56:17

Korea Zinc teams up to commercialize composite copper foil for drone, robot batteries Korea Zinc is partnering with Taesung and Neo Battery Materials Korea to speed commercialization of composite copper foil, a next-generation anode current collector used in batteries. The company said Tuesday it signed a memorandum of understanding with the two firms on Jan. 28 at its Onsan smelter to develop high-performance battery technology using composite copper foil for drones and robots. Attendees included Korea Zinc Onsan smelter chief Kim Seung Hyun and R&D center chief Choi Heon Sik, Taesung CEO Kim Jong Hak, and Neo Battery Materials Korea Vice President Jeong Jun Sik. Compared with conventional copper foil made only of copper, composite copper foil uses less copper and has a polymer core, which the companies said improves price competitiveness. They also said it is lighter while maintaining high density and offers safety advantages. Korea Zinc said commercialization still requires stable yields and a mass-production system. Under the MOU, the three companies will work across the full process, from materials development and manufacturing to feasibility checks and demonstrations. Planned steps include optimizing and verifying material performance; evaluating and improving processes for battery cells and stacks using the foil; making small battery prototypes; and producing and testing prototypes of small mobility devices such as drones and robots. The companies aim to build capabilities to compete in the composite copper foil market. Wise Guy Reports forecasts the global market will grow about 1.5 times, to US$10.18 billion in 2032 from US$6.88 billion in 2023. A Korea Zinc official said that if the partners successfully demonstrate prototypes of small mobility devices such as drones using composite copper foil by the end of this year, it would be the first such case among South Korean companies. The official said the effort would help diversify the company’s battery materials portfolio and secure technology to respond to market changes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 11:24:00

Korean markets enjoy solo record-setting run despite broad Asian retreat SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) – South Korean bourses on Wednesday remained unfazed by broad Asian retreat following overnight Wall Street fall on concerns over disruption in the software sector. The KOSPI pushed onto new territory of 5,300, up 0.8 percent at 5,331.98 as of 11:00 a.m. and the secondary KOSDAQ also up 0.8 percent at 1,153.36. Shares of Hyundai Motor and Kia rose in early trading as their U.S. units reported record sales results. Hyundai Motor’s U.S. subsidiary said it sold 55,624 vehicles in January, the highest January total on record. Kia’s U.S. unit likewise posted a monthly record, with sales of around 57,000 vehicles. Hyundai Motor was trading at 509,000 won, up 3.56 percent, from the previous session. Kia rose 1.43 percent, to 156,200 won in the early trade. Global markets turned cautious after U.S. stocks fell overnight, as concerns grew that advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt the traditional software industry. Tensions in the Middle East also added to investor unease after reports that the United States shot down an Iranian drone near a U.S. aircraft carrier. The Korean won added 0.90 to 1,450.1 versus the U.S. dollar. Individual and institutional investors purchased a net 180.2 billion won ($124 million) and 322.8 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 555.2 billion won. Gains were spread across sectors, though technology and defense-related shares lagged. Among heavyweight stocks, Samsung Electronics fell 2.09 percent to 164,000 won. SK hynix down 2.32 percent to 886,000 won, while LG Energy Solution rose 2.05 percent to 399,000 won. Samsung Life Insurance gained 1.40 percent to 188,900 won, and Samsung Biologics advanced 0.23 percent to 1,753,000 won. Defense and aerospace shares traded lower, with Hanwha Aerospace down 0.08 percent at 1,298,000 won. Meanwhile, shipbuilders posted gains, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained 0.52 percent to 585,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean advanced 1.06 percent to 142,900 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Japanese shares were lower, with the Nikkei 225 Index falling 0.74 percent to 54,313.53. The China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.90 percent to 4,065.84. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index was trading down 0.045 percent to 26,822,64. 2026-02-04 11:21:05