South Korea’s Imported Car Sales Jump 37.6% in January to 20,960, Led by BMW BMW continued to lead South Korea’s imported-car market in January. The Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association said Tuesday that new registrations of imported passenger cars totaled 20,960 in January, up 37.6% from a year earlier. The figure was down 26.7% from December. By brand, BMW ranked first with 6,270 registrations, ahead of Mercedes-Benz with 5,121. It was followed by Tesla (1,966), Lexus (1,464), BYD (1,347), Volvo (1,037), Audi (847) and Porsche (702). By engine displacement, vehicles under 2,000cc accounted for 9,711 (46.3%). Models from 2,000cc to under 3,000cc totaled 5,781 (27.6%); 3,000cc to under 4,000cc, 694 (3.3%); and 4,000cc or more, 344 (1.6%). Other categories, including electric vehicles, totaled 4,430 (21.1%). By origin, European brands made up 15,132 registrations (72.2%), followed by the United States with 2,291 (10.9%), Japan with 2,190 (10.4%) and China with 1,347 (6.4%). By fuel type, hybrids led with 13,949 (66.6%), followed by electric vehicles with 4,430 (21.1%), gasoline with 2,441 (11.6%) and diesel with 140 (0.7%). Of the 20,960 vehicles sold, individual buyers accounted for 12,200 (58.2%) and corporate buyers for 8,760 (41.8%). Among individual purchases, registrations were highest in Gyeonggi (3,711, 30.4%), Seoul (2,464, 20.2%) and Incheon (726, 6.0%). For corporate purchases, Incheon led with 2,930 (33.4%), followed by Seoul with 2,678 (30.6%) and South Gyeongsang with 1,335 (15.2%). The best-selling model in January was the Mercedes-Benz E 200 with 1,207 registrations. The BMW 520 (1,162) and Tesla Model Y (1,134) also ranked near the top. KAIDA Vice Chairman Jeong Yun-young said January registrations rose from a year earlier due to increased electric-vehicle sales and the impact of new brands. 2026-02-04 10:12:00

Samsung Biologics joins global vaccine network to bolster pandemic preparedness SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics has signed a partnership agreement with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to join the Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network, positioning the South Korean drugmaker as a key player in global pandemic response efforts. Under the deal signed Tuesday, Samsung Biologics will serve as a "preferred" manufacturer for vaccines developed with CEPI support. The company will be capable of producing up to 50 million vaccine doses and drug substances convertible into 1 billion doses of finished vaccine products upon request during a pandemic outbreak. The partnership, backed by an initial investment of about $20 million, forms part of CEPI's "100 Day Mission" initiative, which aims to secure early vaccine approvals and large-scale manufacturing readiness within 100 days of a pandemic declaration. Samsung Biologics will also conduct simulation exercises assuming a wild-type H5 influenza outbreak to verify its rapid response capabilities. "This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting a reliable and agile vaccine supply ecosystem through continued innovation and strong collaboration. It also contributes to Korea's ability to secure timely access to vaccines during urgent public-health situations," said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. CEPI, headquartered in Norway, was launched at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos to develop vaccines against emerging infectious diseases. The coalition counts more than 30 governments, including South Korea, and numerous global pharmaceutical companies among its members. The agreement also stipulates that vaccines produced by Samsung Biologics will be supplied to South Korea on a priority basis at CEPI's request during a pandemic. The company previously demonstrated its manufacturing prowess in 2021 when it became the first in South Korea to produce Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, delivering doses just five months after signing a contract. 2026-02-04 10:11:09

POSCO seeking to deploy Persona AI's humanoid robots for steelworks SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - POSCO Group is moving to deploy humanoid robots in steel logistics operations in cooperation with U.S.-based startup Persona AI. The group said Wednesday that POSCO, POSCO DX, POSCO Technology Investment and Persona AI signed a memorandum of understanding a day earlier to jointly pursue on-site deployment of industrial humanoid robots. Under the agreement, POSCO will identify steel mill tasks suitable for humanoid robots and assess their operational feasibility. POSCO DX will design automation systems and jointly develop robot models optimized for steelworks, while POSCO Technology Investment will support proof-of-concept testing. Persona AI will develop and supply humanoid robot platforms tailored to harsh industrial environments. Starting in February, the partners plan to conduct a test using Persona AI’s robots to manage logistics for steel coils produced at POSCO plants. Handling finished coils, which can weigh tens of tons, typically requires crane operations. The companies aim to have humanoid robots assist workers in fastening crane belts to coils, enabling safer collaboration between humans and machines. The group said it has been reviewing humanoid robot applications in logistics processes, including transport and material preparation at terminals, since last year, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of heavy industry operations. If the pilot confirms operational safety and effective human-robot collaboration, POSCO plans to expand deployment and introduce the robots across broader logistics operations. Persona AI, founded in 2024 by robotics engineers and industry specialists, is developing industrial humanoid robots combining NASA-derived robotic hand technology with proprietary precision-control systems. POSCO Group invested a total of $3 million in the startup last year ahead of the partnership, aiming to support technologies capable of handling tasks ranging from fine assembly work to moving heavy industrial materials. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-04 09:50:08

Samsung Heavy deepens Gulf ties with Qatar shipyard agreement SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Samsung Heavy Industries said Wednesday it has signed sign an agreement with Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions (QSTS), a state-owned shipyard operator, to explore joint projects involving eco-friendly technologies. QSTS, located in eastern Qatar, is a subsidiary of Nakilat, the country’s state-owned shipping company and the world’s largest operator of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. The yard has completed repair work on roughly 2,000 vessels, including LNG carriers, Samsung Heavy said. Under the agreement, the two companies will initially cooperate in ship retrofits and after-market services. They will also explore joint projects involving eco-friendly technologies, including decarbonization and energy-saving systems, onboard carbon-capture equipment, small offshore projects and newbuilds of specialized vessels. “Business cooperation with QSTS will be an important milestone in expanding our global operations,” Namgung Geumseong, vice president and head of Samsung Heavy’s shipyard business, said in a press release. “We aim to further strengthen our competitiveness through active global partnerships.” The MOU was signed on the sidelines of LNG 2026, an industry conference currently being held in Doha. Samsung Heavy Chief Executive Choi Seong-an and other executives attending the event also held discussions on potential cooperation with global energy companies, including Qatar LNG and ExxonMobil. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-04 09:39:02

Singer Bada Offers Support to DJ Koo After Death of Actress Barbie Hsu Singer Bada shared a message of support for Koo Jun-yup. On Monday, the S.E.S member posted on social media, “I can’t begin to understand that pain, but I’ll pray with you in my heart,” and shared a video showing Koo mourning the late Seo Hee-won.  Koo and Hsu, also known as Barbie Hsu, dated in the late 1990s, then reunited more than 20 years later and married in 2022. Hsu died Feb. 3 last year at age 48 after catching the flu during a trip to Japan and developing pneumonia complications. Taiwan’s Central News Agency and other local outlets, along with Yonhap News Agency, reported Monday that Koo attended an unveiling ceremony the previous day for a statue honoring Hsu at the Jinbaoshan cemetery in New Taipei City, along with her mother, younger sibling, relatives and friends. Kang Won-rae, who performed with Koo in the group Clon, attended in a wheelchair. Choi Si-won of Super Junior was also there.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:39:00

Buddhist Temple-Style Jumbo Dumplings Hit Online Stores and Supermarkets DobanHC Co., the business holding company of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and CJ CheilJedang are releasing a limited run of “temple-style jumbo dumplings.” DobanHC said Tuesday the dumplings are filled only with selected plant-based ingredients — including cabbage, zucchini and mung bean sprouts — to boost texture and deliver a clean, nutty flavor. The company said it strictly follows traditional Buddhist practice-food rules, using no meat and no “five pungent vegetables” — garlic, green onion, chives, wild chives and asafoetida. It said the product is aimed at consumers seeking a gentler eating experience and was released as part of a recent CJ CheilJedang collaboration collection. The dumplings come in a 1.05-kilogram family-size pack. They will be sold at all E-Mart stores and E-Mart Everyday, and can also be ordered nationwide through DobanHC’s online store, Seungso Mall, and CJ CheilJedang’s online mall, CJ The Market. A “temple-style jumbo dumpling” tasting demonstration is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 6 at the Salim Food Research Institute in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, run by temple-food expert Prof. Park Seong Hui of Hyejeon College. Park will present cooking methods to highlight the dumplings’ mild flavor and lead a live cooking and tasting session so participants can experience “K-temple food” with all five senses. 2026-02-04 09:33:00

BYD Korea Opens Jeonju Service Center, Targets 26 Sites by Year-End 비야디(BYD)코리아는 4일 BYD 오토 전주 서비스센터를 열고 전북 지역 전기차 고객을 위한 전문 애프터세일즈 서비스를 강화한다고 밝혔다. BYD 승용 부문의 17번째 서비스 네트워크인 전주 서비스센터는 전주를 포함해 익산, 군산, 김제, 완주 등 전북 전역 고객이 보다 안정적이고 체계적인 전기차 정비 서비스를 받을 수 있도록 마련된 통합 거점이다. 전주 도심과 주요 간선도로에서 접근이 쉬운 점도 특징이라고 BYD코리아는 설명했다. 이 센터는 1월에 문을 연 전주 전시장과 함께 운영되는 통합형 시설로, 전시(Showroom)·서비스(Service)·부품(Spare parts)을 한 공간에서 제공하는 3S 체계로 운영된다. BYD코리아는 전시장과의 연계를 통해 이력 관리와 고객 응대의 연속성을 강화해 같은 공간에서 차량 관리 서비스를 받을 수 있다고 밝혔다. 운영은 BYD코리아 공식 딜러사 비전모빌리티가 맡는다. 전주 서비스센터는 대기 시간을 줄이기 위해 예약 기반으로 운영되며, BYD코리아의 정규 테크니컬 교육 과정을 이수한 전문 테크니션이 상주해 BYD 전기차에 맞춘 진단과 정비를 수행한다고 회사는 밝혔다. BYD코리아는 현재 17개인 서비스 네트워크를 연말까지 26개로 늘리는 것을 목표로 하고 있다. 회사는 양적 확대뿐 아니라 전국 어느 지점에서나 일관된 수준의 서비스를 제공할 수 있도록 테크니컬 인력 육성 교육 강화 등 품질 개선에도 나설 계획이라고 밝혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:30:18

Actor Kim Woo Bin Named Polestar Brand Ambassador Swedish electric-vehicle brand Polestar said Tuesday it has selected actor Kim Woo Bin as a brand ambassador. Under the partnership, Kim will experience Polestar products and the brand firsthand and take part in a range of online and in-person activities, including brand events and digital content, to broaden engagement with Polestar customers. Polestar Korea said it focused on Kim’s polished, trustworthy image, saying it aligns with Polestar’s core values of Scandinavian design, performance and sustainability. The company said his emphasis on restrained aesthetics and authenticity is expected to help deliver Polestar’s brand message. Ham Jong Sung, CEO of Polestar Korea, said, “Actor Kim Woo Bin has been loved for a long time based on his distinct style and trustworthy image,” adding that he is expected to convey Polestar’s values of design, performance and sustainability to customers “more sincerely.” Kim said, “I’m happy to be with Polestar. I want to share the brand’s appeal honestly and sincerely.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:30:00

National Library of Korea to Expand AI Training Data and Public Access The National Library of Korea said Tuesday it has released its “2026 key work plan” to modernize national knowledge and information services using artificial intelligence and to move toward a next-generation library model. A central task is building and opening high-quality training data that underpin the AI industry. The library said it will continue compiling AI training text data, focusing on materials whose copyright has expired or been cleared, and provide them to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “independent AI foundation model project.” The project refers to a general-purpose AI model trained and operated directly using domestic technology and resources. The library also plans to open a “Shared Bookshelf” section on its website to make the data available to the public, aiming to support AI technology development and innovation in the K-content industry. To strengthen the foundation for South Korea’s knowledge growth, the library set a goal of comprehensively collecting about 330,000 print items, including books and nonbook materials, and about 400,000 digital items, including e-books and K-content. It said it will use tools such as crowdfunding platforms to survey independent publications and actively identify unstructured publications such as conference materials from international events. To expand overseas Korea-related holdings, the library said it will broaden the countries targeted for rare-book investigations to include the United Kingdom and Germany, and plans to secure about 88,000 pages of Korea-related records held by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The library also said it will significantly expand AI literacy education so more people can benefit from AI. It plans to increase AI-related offerings from seven courses held 25 times to 10 courses held 32 times, and to subdivide programs into step-by-step tailored training and AI-based creative education. For children and teenagers, it plans hands-on programs that combine new technology and reading, including creative programs using AI platforms, an AI digital ethics experience center with interactive content to build digital ethics awareness, and expanded augmented reality musical content. For academic researchers, the library said it will run training programs on using AI models and data. It also said a research support program for K-content creators, piloted last year, will be launched in earnest this year, aiming to create a virtuous cycle in which the library’s knowledge resources and AI technology become sources for new creative works. The library said it will also host a “National Librarians Meeting” in connection with the “2026 World Library and Information Congress,” set to be held in Busan in August 2026. It said the international meeting, expected to bring together heads of national libraries from about 100 countries, will help lead global discussions on libraries’ roles and vision in the AI era and raise the profile of South Korean libraries. Kim Hee Seop, director of the National Library of Korea, said the library will “faithfully serve as a repository of national knowledge and information” while becoming “an innovative institution leading the era of AI transformation,” so that all people can fully enjoy knowledge and culture.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:18:00

Seoul, Washington reaffirm alliance including cooperation on nuclear subs, shipbuilding SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - South Korea and the U.S. agreed to continue close cooperation to strengthen the bilateral alliance, the U.S. Department of State said on Tuesday. In a press release, the department's principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington, D.C., where they "discussed ways to advance" the bilateral alliance. Pigott added that the two "agreed to continue to work closely on civil nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines, shipbuilding, and increasing investments to rebuild critical U.S. industries." Rubio, expressing his gratitude, was also quoted as saying that South Korea has played an important role in "building secure, resilient, and diversified critical minerals supply chains." Cho's talks with Rubio came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned last Monday that he would raise reciprocal tariffs on Seoul from 15 percent back to 25 percent, citing delays in implementing the broader deal, which includes Seoul's massive investment pledges to the U.S. Before returning home, Cho is set to attend a U.S.-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals on Wednesday, which brings together G7 countries and other mineral-rich nations to discuss ways to stabilize and diversify supply chains, as the U.S. ramps up efforts to reduce its reliance on Chinese critical minerals after China's restrictions on exports of rare earth materials. 2026-02-04 09:00:11