South Korea's AI and climate goals on collision course SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korea plans to invest $17 billion by 2030 to build an "AI expressway" and take the lead in the global AI race, a vision strengthened by NVIDIA's pledge to supply next-generation GPUs powerful enough to anchor five hyperscale AI data centers. Yet how the country intends to reconcile this ambition with its climate commitments is increasingly unclear. Under an energy rationalization strategy released this week, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment aims to cut national energy consumption to 211 million tons of oil equivalent (toe) by 2029 from 212 million toe in 2024. Climate Minister Kim Sung-hwan described the shift as the foundation for "a transformation toward a carbon-free green civilization." But the core drivers of Korea's AI goals demand the opposite direction. SK Group and Amazon Web Services are pushing ahead with more than $5 billion in hyperscale data center investments. Each server requires up to four times the power of a conventional unit, while cooling needs run four to ten times higher to sustain heavy GPU workloads. Hyperscale facilities—warehouse-sized sites with upward of 5,000 to over a million servers—consume electricity equivalent to at least 100,000 households. A new facility under construction in Ulsan could demand twenty times that amount, according to industry estimates. "The government's AI roadmap could derail on power shortages," Lee Young-tak, head of SK Telecom's growth support office, warned during a National Assembly forum in September. The numbers suggest a significant mismatch. Korea's total generation capacity is roughly 109 gigawatts. Yet government data show the country will need 732 new data centers by 2029, requiring nearly 49 gigawatts of electricity—almost half of today's available capacity. "That's equivalent to constructing 53 additional nuclear reactors," Lee said, arguing that such risks are absent in current policy planning. These projections do not include NVIDIA's more recent commitment to deliver an additional 260,000 GPUs to Korean customers. People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyung-won noted that each high-end NVIDIA GPU draws roughly 1.4 kilowatts. The total would require around 400 megawatts—demanding dense power racks, advanced liquid-cooling systems, and high-speed networking infrastructure. She estimated this load alone would match the entire annual output of the Shin-Kori Unit 1 or Saewool Unit 1 reactor for six to twelve months. The Yongin semiconductor cluster adds to the strain. Once fully operational, the cluster is expected to require 16 gigawatts, an amount equal to about 60 percent of the combined apparent capacity of the Seoul and Namseoul substations, according to the National Assembly Research Service. Yet Korea's current grid struggles even with existing facilities. Among 318 power system impact assessment requests submitted to Korea Electric Power Corporation since August, only 21 received final approval as of September—a 6.6 percent success rate—according to PPP lawmaker Kim Sung-won. Infrastructure projects face chronic delays as well. A major high-voltage direct current line designed to move surplus power from the East Coast to the Seoul metropolitan area is seven years behind schedule due to local opposition. Transmission bottlenecks have forced coal plants in the Yeongdong region to operate at just 20 to 30 percent capacity despite available supply. Layered onto these constraints is the government's reluctance to expand nuclear power. The energy ministry is pursuing a nuclear reduction policy focused on raising renewable capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2030. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has continued to postpone a restart decision for Kori Unit 2, despite the near-completed approval process. Ten large reactors will reach the end of their operating licenses by 2029. Failing to extend those reactors could leave a power gap larger than Seoul’s annual electricity consumption by 2030—just as AI, semiconductor fabrication, and hyperscale data centers place unprecedented stress on the grid. 2025-11-06 16:48:22

KCC unveils glass designed to prevent bird collisions SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - KCC Glass said Thursday it has developed South Korea’s first bird-safe glass. The product, named SAVIRDS, employs a sandblasting technique that etches subtle patterns across the surface of the glass. The markings, spaced five centimeters apart, are visible to birds and recognized as obstacles — reducing the risk of fatal collisions that have become a growing environmental concern. SAVIRDS recently received certification from the American Bird Conservancy, meeting the organization’s standards for bird-collision prevention. The launch comes amid increasing alarm over bird fatalities caused by glass structures. A 2019 report estimated that nearly eight million birds die each year in South Korea after flying into transparent or reflective windows. In response, the government amended the Wildlife Protection and Management Act in 2022, requiring public buildings to incorporate bird-safety measures into their designs. Conventional solutions — such as applying films or stickers — have proven difficult to maintain over time. KCC says SAVIRDS offers a more durable alternative, with permanently etched patterns that require no additional maintenance. The glass can also be processed like standard glass and features a special coating that improves insulation, combining wildlife protection with energy efficiency. KCC plans to promote SAVIRDS first for use in public buildings, before expanding to commercial and residential structures. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 15:46:27

Two rescued, at least seven missing after structure collapse at power plant in Ulsan SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - A large structure collapsed at a thermal power plant in the southeastern city of Ulsan on Thursday, trapping believed to be seven people under the debris, authorities said. The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. at the state-run utility company Korea East-West Power. According to firefighters, two individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, while search efforts continue for the remaining victims. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse and assessing the extent of the damage. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 15:45:01

PHOTOS: Architectural biennale in Seoul draws visitors with eye-catching installations SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The biannual architectural biennale in central Seoul has attracted over 500,000 visitors since its opening in late September. Marking its fifth year, this year's event, directed by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick and hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is taking place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul and runs until Nov. 18. Under the theme "Radically More Human," which reflects Heatherwick's signature style of innovative and unconventional architecture infused with humanism, vividly colored installations and structures are on display at multiple venues including a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno. Beautifully blended with seasonal foliage, autumnal trees and flowers, they immediately capture the attention of passersby and tourists. Among the impressive works is a 90-meter-long installation dubbed "Humanise Wall," standing at the center of the park that is slated to be turned into an art gallery by 2028. The twisted steel structure is a tapestry of about 1,428 metal panels featuring images and stories from Seoulites and people around the world, illustrating how their lives and ideas can be manifested in public space. Along the path, the structure, resembling a Möbius strip, that divides the park's space, guides visitors to a chair shaped like a spinning top, made of spun steel and copper, offering them a place to rest. About two dozen giant walls also greet visitors. While identical in size, they each have their own distinct and diverse styles. Now, with just two weeks remaining until its finale, visitors can explore and appreciate art installations alongside various projects from about 21 cities across 15 countries at Gwanghwamun Plaza and nearby areas. One of the exhibits highlights Seoul's past, present, and future, showing how the city's landscape has evolved through its key landmarks and buildings. Another project features an artificial intelligence–assisted interactive exhibition that explores how urban space and architecture connect with people. 2025-11-06 15:19:07

Ethiopia's gold mining boom fuels record sales of Korean excavator SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Infracore said on Thursday that sales of its construction equipment in Ethiopia have risen nearly fivefold this year, propelled by a surge in gold mining activity. The company’s Develon brand sold about 1,300 machines in 2025, a 470 percent increase from a year earlier. Much of that growth came from the popularity of its 36-ton excavator, the DX360, which accounted for roughly 90 percent of total sales, or more than 1,100 units. Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding mining sector has been a key driver. A government report in September said the industry grew by 162 percent in the 2024–25 fiscal year, with gold exports climbing to a record $3.4 billion. To strengthen its foothold, HD Hyundai Infracore has expanded its local network through the “Develon Care” program, which provides regular inspections, training for dealer engineers and after-sales support. The company said the initiative has helped build customer trust and improved its ability to respond to market needs. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 14:43:18

HJ Shipbuilding wins nod from Britain's Lloyd's Register for new LPG, ammonia carrier SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korea's HJ Shipbuilding said it has received an approval from Lloyd’s Register for the design of its new 45,000-cubic-meter liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia carrier. The new design adds to HJ’s lineup, which already includes a 38,000-cubic-meter LPG carrier and an 88,000-cubic-meter ammonia carrier. The approval follows a four-month collaboration launched in July between HJ Shipbuilding and the British classification society to meet rising global demand for gas carriers. During that period, HJ developed a mid-sized carrier focused on safety, efficiency, and fuel flexibility. The vessel uses low-temperature steel and advanced tank systems designed to withstand the extreme conditions required for transporting liquefied gases. Lloyd’s Register reviewed and verified the vessel’s compliance and structural integrity before issuing its certification. Measuring 190 meters in length and 30.6 meters in width, the ship can carry up to 45,000 cubic meters of cargo and is capable of transporting a range of liquefied gases, including propane, butane, ammonia, and vinyl chloride monomer — providing shipowners with greater operational flexibility. Given ammonia’s corrosive and toxic nature, the design includes safety measures such as leak detection systems, automated ventilation control, and materials engineered to reduce the risk of cracking. HJ Shipbuilding said it plans to continue expanding its research and development efforts in alternative-fuel vessels, including methanol-powered, dual-fuel, hydrogen, and ammonia-fueled ships. “Receiving approval from Lloyd’s Register reaffirms our design and technical capabilities,” HJ Shipbuilding said in a press release. “We intend to strengthen our competitiveness in the global eco-friendly ship market through continuous innovation and R&D.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 14:19:42

South Korea's KGM launches eco-friendly cars in Israel, Turkey SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korea's KGM is stepping up its global expansion drive with the rollout of new eco-friendly vehicles in Israel and Turkey, as the automaker seeks to strengthen its foothold in key overseas markets. On Nov. 5, the company introduced its Torres Hybrid (HEV) at a launch event held at the Shefayim Event Hall near Tel Aviv. The ceremony was attended by KGM’s Head of Overseas Business, Lee Byung-gil, along with about 40 Israeli journalists. The debut marks KGM’s second major overseas launch in recent months. In September, the company unveiled its Musso EV and Torres HEV in Germany. Israel has emerged as a promising market for eco-friendly cars, fueled by rising fuel costs, higher taxes on combustion engines, and government incentives favoring low-emission vehicles. KGM said it expects the Torres Hybrid to help accelerate its growth across Europe and the Middle East. In late October, the automaker also launched the Musso EV in Istanbul. KGM’s sales in Turkey have surged fivefold, from 2,217 vehicles in 2023 to 11,870 last year, earning the brand recognition as one of the country’s fastest-growing automotive names. The company’s overall exports have been robust this year. As of October, KGM shipped 57,436 vehicles abroad — an 18 percent increase from 48,691 units during the same period a year earlier and the highest level in more than a decade. Eco-friendly models, including the Musso EV and Torres HEV, have played a pivotal role in that momentum, with 1,952 units exported in October alone, accounting for nearly a third of total sales. “With exports at an 11-year high, we will continue to introduce new products tailored to individual markets and pursue differentiated marketing strategies to drive further growth,” a KGM representative said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 13:53:22

Asian markets recover early Thursday from AI rout SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Asian stocks rebounded Thursday as investors shrugged off a brief scare over stretched valuations in the AI boom. Seoul’s KOSPI gained 1.3 percent to 4,054.56 after a near 3-percent plunge the previous day, while the KOSDAQ edged up 0.25 percent to stay above 900. Retail investors led the recovery, while foreign and domestic institutions continued to take profits after weeks of heavy buying. Hyosung Heavy Industries rose 4.1 percent to 2.3 million won ($1,591). The stock has surged 462.6 percent year-to-date through Tuesday, far outpacing the KOSPI’s 71.8 percent rise over the same period. Analysts downplayed the fears of an AI bubble. "KOSPI has sufficient grounds to attract global investors over the long term," said Kim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities. "We see the current rally as the beginning of the third bullish era in five decades of the Korean stock market," he added, reaffirming the brokerage's target of 5,000 points in 2026. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 1.3 percent to 50,850.12, rebounding from Wednesday’s 2.5 percent drop driven by U.S. tech volatility and concerns about an extended federal government shutdown. Japanese and Korean shares have been sensitive to sentiment around artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and power infrastructure, sectors that form the backbone of regional supply chains. SoftBank Group, involved in the U.S. AI infrastructure project “Stargate” with OpenAI, inched up 0.2 percent to 216.4 yen ($1.4), recovering from a double-digit decline the day before. China also posted modest gains. The Shanghai Composite added 0.3 percent to 3,982.56, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.7 percent to 26,109.72. Newly listed autonomous-vehicle stocks underperformed in Hong Kong. WeRide dropped more than 12 percent and Pony.ai fell nearly 8 percent in their trading debut. Pony.ai, which is also listed in the United States, raised HK$6.7 billion ($862 million) through its IPO, according to regulatory filings. 2025-11-06 13:24:16

Former North Korean figurehead laid to rest in state funeral SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - A state funeral for North Korea's former nominal head of state Kim Yong-nam was held in Pyongyang on Wednesday with its leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, according to state media. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday that the funeral service began with a eulogy by premier Pak Tae-song, praising the late senior official's "lifelong dedication" to the reclusive country. Mourners observed a moment of silence, followed by a gun salute. The perennial titular head, who had served under the hereditary dynasty from founder Kim Il-sung through his son Kim Jong-il to his grandson and current leader, died at the age of 96 earlier this week from multiple organ failure caused by complications related to cancer. Despite having no relation to the ruling Kim family, the nonagenarian held the ponderous title of "president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly" from 1998, maintaining his position as the titular head through leadership changes without facing demotion or political purges while playing a key role in foreign affairs until his retirement in 2019. A handful of South Korean officials who had interacted with him in the past expressed their condolences and sought to pay their respects but were unable to do so, as North Korea did not respond. 2025-11-06 11:11:08

Samsung Heavy expands into US shipbuilding market with new partnership SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Samsung Heavy Industries said on Thursday that it had signed a strategic partnership agreement with DSEC, a ship design and procurement company, in a move to expand into the U.S. shipbuilding market. DSEC, which works closely with American shipyards in areas such as vessel design, equipment supply, maintenance and technical consulting, is expected to provide a key bridge for Samsung’s entry into the U.S. market. The company’s expertise in U.S. regulatory standards and shipyard operations is seen as a competitive advantage for the partnership. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on a range of projects, including medium-sized commercial vessel construction, shipyard modernization, ship retrofitting, liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo tank repairs, and the development of green and digital solutions. The partnership will also extend to joint research and development facilities in South Korea and abroad. Samsung Heavy Industries said it plans to integrate its shipbuilding and offshore engineering technologies with DSEC’s U.S.-based design and procurement capabilities to enhance efficiency in its global supply chain, particularly for the company’s MASGA project — a strategic initiative to strengthen its global shipbuilding network. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-06 10:49:14