POSCO joins bid to acquire Australia's historic steelworks SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korean steel firm POSCO has joined an international consortium to pursue the acquisition of the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia, as part of a broader strategy to secure low-carbon raw materials and bolster its green transition. The consortium, which includes Australia’s BlueScope Steel, Japan’s Nippon Steel, and India’s JSW Group, has submitted a non-binding expression of interest to the South Australian government. If successful, the acquisition would mark a rare convergence of Asia-Pacific steelmakers collaborating on a major industrial project, amid growing global pressure to cut emissions from heavy industries. BlueScope confirmed the group’s intent, saying it views Whyalla as a promising hub for producing and exporting low-carbon steel. If selected to advance in the bidding process, the consortium plans to conduct joint due diligence and enter talks with both state and federal authorities about potential financial assistance. Located on the southern coast of Australia, the Whyalla facility began operations in 1941 and has the capacity to produce 1.2 million metric tons of structural steel annually. In recent years, the plant has struggled with operational setbacks, eventually prompting a state-led search for new ownership. For POSCO, the Whyalla site offers a strategic opportunity. The facility is linked to a magnetite mine — an essential input for making direct reduced iron (DRI) and hot briquetted iron (HBI), which are both critical to reducing emissions in steel production. South Australia’s ample renewable energy resources further enhance the site’s appeal as a potential center for low-carbon steelmaking. POSCO officials said the move aligns with POSCO’s broader ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company has ramped up investment in green steel technologies and is actively seeking overseas assets that can help diversify and decarbonize its raw material supply chain. 2025-08-05 10:07:34

KAIST study finds that inflammation during pregnancy may cause childhood asthma and allergies SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - KAIST researchers have discovered how inflammation in the placenta during pregnancy can alter a baby's immune system, leading to stronger allergic reactions such as asthma after birth. The study is the first in the world to show exactly how this prenatal inflammation affects immune development and raises new possibilities for early prediction and prevention of childhood allergic diseases. The findings were announced on August 4 by KAIST, whose research team was led by Professor Lee Heung-kyu from the Department of Biological Sciences. According to the team, inflammation in the mother's body during pregnancy can influence the fetus through the placenta by disrupting its ability to regulate stress hormones. This, in turn, changes how the baby's immune system develops, especially the activity of T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the body's immune memory. The researchers conducted an experiment using pregnant mice. To create an inflammatory condition, they injected the animals with a toxin called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is commonly used to trigger immune responses in lab studies. As expected, the inflammation spread to the placenta. The team found that the inflamed placenta produced increased levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a chemical signal that activates neutrophils. Neutrophils are immune cells that form the largest portion of white blood cells in the human body, making up between 40 to 75 percent. They play a key role in the body's innate immune system by attacking bacteria and fungi. When neutrophils became active in the placenta, they caused tissue damage, which triggered stress in the fetus. As a result, the fetus began producing large amounts of a stress hormone known as glucocorticoid. This hormone caused a shift in the development of the fetus's immune system. Specifically, the T cells in the fetus, immune cells responsible for remembering threats like viruses or allergens, lived longer and developed stronger memory functions. After birth, this change had consequences. When these offspring were repeatedly exposed to allergens such as house dust mites, their immune systems reacted more aggressively than usual. The mice showed strong eosinophilic inflammation, a type of allergic response that plays a key role in asthma. Eosinophils are immune cells that become overactive in people with allergies and contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. "Through this study, we were able to demonstrate for the first time how a mother's immune response during pregnancy, particularly inflammation, affects the allergy-related immune system of the fetus through the placenta," said Lee Heung-kyu. "This will serve as a scientific basis for developing early detection biomarkers and preventive strategies for childhood allergic diseases." The first author of the paper is Kwon Myung-seung, a Ph.D. graduate of KAIST's Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering and currently a clinical fellow in gynecologic oncology at Konyang University Hospital. The study was published on July 1 in the journal Mucosal Immunology, a leading publication in the field of immune responses related to the body's mucous membranes. The paper is titled Placental inflammation-driven T cell memory formation promotes allergic responses in offspring via endogenous glucocorticoids. The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of South Korea, under the Basic Research Program and the Biomedical Technology Development Program. 2025-08-04 17:37:03

[[K-Film]] Park Chan-wook's new thriller to open Busan film fest next month SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - Award-winning director Park Chan-wook's latest film will open this year's Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which is slated to be held in the southern port city next month. According to organizers of the annual film fest on Monday, "No Other Choice" starring Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin has been chosen as the curtain-raiser for BIFF, which kicks off its 10-day run on Sept. 17, with Lee set to host the festival's opening ceremony. The thriller, based on American writer Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Ax," revolves around a man who believes he has achieved everything in life until he is suddenly laid off and struggles to find a new job to support his family. Park's 12th feature has also been invited to compete at this year's Venice International Film Festival, which runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 9. Meanwhile, more than 240 films will be screened during BIFF, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, with around 14 films competing for the best Asian film award. The top prize winner will bring the festival to a close on Sept. 26. 2025-08-04 16:56:44

[[PHOTOS]] S. Koreans enjoy scorching summer SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - As the peak of summer sets in, vacation spots across South Korea are bustling with people making the most of the season. Beaches and festival grounds are filled with crowds enjoying their summer break. Here is a glimpse of how people are spending their summer days. 2025-08-04 16:02:00

[[K-Tech]] Korea selects five teams to develop national AI models in major push for technological sovereignty SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - The South Korean government has selected five elite teams to spearhead the development of foundational artificial intelligence models, marking a major step in the country’s effort to build a sovereign AI ecosystem. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced Monday that the teams — Naver Cloud, Upstage, SK Telecom, NC AI, and LG AI Research — were chosen following a government-led evaluation of proposals based on technological capability, strategic vision, feasibility, and potential contributions to Korea’s broader AI landscape. Each team brings a distinct approach to the ambitious national project. Naver Cloud was recognized for its development of core technologies supporting a general-purpose AI model designed for broad, real-world usability and public accessibility. Upstage earned praise for its commitment to building world-class AI models grounded in proprietary technology, with an eye toward strengthening Korea’s AI research and industrial base. SK Telecom was selected for its work on next-generation multimodal AI capable of processing language, images, and behavioral data to deliver uniquely “Korean-style” AI services. NC AI stood out for its focus on building scalable generative models for industrial applications, while LG AI Research received high marks for EXAONE — a hyper-scale AI system developed entirely using domestic technologies. Formal agreements with the five teams are expected to be signed by the end of August. Upon signing, the groups will be at the forefront of Korea’s national AI strategy. But the path forward will be highly competitive. A first-phase evaluation in December will reduce the number of teams from five to four. Subsequent performance reviews will take place every six months, with only two teams ultimately remaining by 2027 under what the ministry described as a “survival-based” system. The initiative reflects growing momentum in South Korea to assert greater technological independence in foundational AI — the large-scale models that underpin applications ranging from search and translation to robotics and advanced analytics. The move also echoes similar efforts in the European Union and China to build national alternatives to dominant platforms developed by U.S. tech giants. Analysts say the project signals Seoul’s intent not only to catch up in the global AI race, but to shape its own path in defining ethical, accessible, and nationally controlled AI systems. “It’s not just about building powerful models,” said Lee Jae-hyuk, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Policy. “It’s about defining what Korean AI looks like — and ensuring it reflects the country’s values, industries, and strategic priorities.” 2025-08-04 15:57:59

[[K-Tech]] Ground broken for South Korea's first renewable biofuel plant SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - LG Chem has begun construction on South Korea’s first hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) production facility, marking a major step in the country’s push to expand its footprint in sustainable energy and materials. The plant, located in the coastal city of Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, is being developed by LG-Eni Biorefining, a joint venture between LG Chem and Italian energy company Eni. Completion is expected by 2027, the company said in a statement Monday. Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce approximately 300,000 tons of HVO annually. The renewable fuel — made by hydrogenating plant-based oils such as used cooking oil — is seen as a next-generation alternative to fossil fuels, offering significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while retaining high performance, especially in low temperatures. In addition to its use as a diesel substitute, HVO can be further refined into sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel, and bio-naphtha. The latter is an increasingly valuable raw material in the petrochemical industry, particularly for producing ethylene, a core building block in plastics and other materials. LG Chem plans to integrate bio-naphtha into its existing product lines to expand its portfolio of environmentally certified goods. These include components for electronics, automotive parts, hygiene products, and sporting equipment — all of which are manufactured in compliance with international sustainability standards. “This facility will serve as a critical foundation for our transition toward low-carbon, high-efficiency materials,” said Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem. “We will continue to drive technological innovation and commercialization in eco-friendly fuels and biomaterials to strengthen our global competitiveness.” The project builds on a strategic partnership announced in December 2024 between LG Chem and Enilive, a subsidiary of Eni. The Italian firm already operates HVO production sites in Italy with a combined annual capacity of 2 million tons and maintains extensive supply networks across Europe, Africa, and Asia. 2025-08-04 15:48:11

[[K-Pop]] aespa to release sixth mini album "Rich Man" next month SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - SEOUL, Aug. 4 (AJP) – K-pop girl group aespa will release their sixth mini album titled "Rich Man" on September 5, their agency SM Entertainment announced on Monday. The album will include six tracks, led by the title song "Rich Man." SM said the group is taking a different musical direction from their previous release "Dirty Work" and aims to continue their commercial momentum. Since debuting in 2020, aespa has become one of South Korea's leading girl groups. Known for blending digital avatar concepts with music and storytelling, they have gained international attention with hits such as "Next Level" and "Savage." The group has also performed at global events including Coachella and major music awards across Asia. A teaser video released earlier introduced the slogan "I am enough as I am, I am a 'Rich Man'," highlighting the group's confident and bold new visual concept. Pre-orders for "Rich Man" began on August 4 at both online and offline music retailers. 2025-08-04 15:21:29

[[K-Bio]] Korean pharma firms post record earnings despite US trade uncertainty SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies reported their strongest second-quarter results on record, brushing aside investor concerns over potential U.S. trade restrictions under President Donald Trump. Biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion led the charge, posting revenue of 961.5 billion won, or approximately $692.4 million, for the April-to-June period — a 9.9 percent increase from the same quarter last year. The company’s operating profit soared 234.5 percent to 242.5 billion won, fueled by strong global demand for its high-margin biosimilar therapies, including its flagship subcutaneous treatment for autoimmune diseases, Remsima SC. Samsung Biologics also posted historic gains, breaching the 2 trillion won ($1.44 billion) sales mark for the first time over the first half of the year. The company reported second-quarter revenue of 1.289 trillion won, up 11.5 percent year-on-year, with operating profit rising 9.5 percent to 475.6 billion won. Executives attributed the gains to increased output at its state-of-the-art Plant 4 facility and a broader biosimilar pipeline developed by its subsidiary, Samsung Bioepis. The robust earnings come despite growing geopolitical headwinds. U.S. President Trump has repeatedly signaled an intent to impose tariffs on foreign biotechnology and pharmaceutical imports, including from South Korea, as part of his broader “America First” economic platform. While no formal measures have been enacted, the warnings have cast a shadow over the sector’s longer-term outlook. Still, for now, South Korean pharmaceutical firms are showing resilience. Yuhan Corporation, known for its lung cancer treatment pipeline, reported a 9.6 percent rise in revenue alongside a 168.9 percent leap in operating profits. GC Biopharma, formerly Green Cross, posted sales of 500.3 billion won — up 19.9 percent year-on-year — while Daewoong Pharmaceutical reported an 11.8 percent increase in revenue over the same period. “Despite the policy uncertainty coming from Washington, Korean biopharma continues to outperform thanks to its manufacturing efficiency, global partnerships, and increasing presence in high-value therapeutic areas,” said Kim Hyun-soo, a healthcare analyst at Shinhan Investment Corp. Industry observers say the sector’s performance underscores not only the growing maturity of South Korea’s biotech ecosystem but also its ability to adapt to shifting global regulatory and political environments. “South Korean pharmaceutical firms are no longer simply following global trends — they’re setting them,” said Park Eun-jung, director at the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association. “And that makes them increasingly difficult to ignore.” 2025-08-04 15:10:41

Lee takes summer vacation while preparing for upcoming summit with Trump SEOUL, August 4 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung started his weeklong summer vacation on Monday, about two months after taking office in early June. While staying on a tiny islet off Geoje Island South Gyeongsang Province, Lee is reportedly preparing for his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which is expected to take place in Washington in the coming weeks. According to the presidential office, he is reviewing the agenda for the summit, along with follow-up measures to a tariff deal reached last week, under which both sides agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent. Jeodo, a favored summer retreat for several past presidents, has a nine-hole golf course along a sandy beach stretching 200 meters, one of the reasons Lee chose it for his summer holiday. He is reportedly likely to practice golf there in preparation for a round with Trump, as the two discussed during their first phone call shortly after Lee's inauguration on June 4. While Trump abruptly said the bilateral summit would be held within "the next two weeks," it is expected to take place either before or after a large-scale ceremony in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, slated for Aug. 15 Liberation Day, celebrating Lee's inauguration following the previous low-key ceremony. But it is unlikely to be delayed further. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who returned from Washington last weekend, also told reporters upon his arrival that the summit will take place "within this month." During the upcoming summit, the two leaders are expected to discuss further details of the trade deal, along with a wide range of issues including defense cost-sharing, regional security, and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 2025-08-04 14:44:28

[[K-Pop]] Day6 marks 10th anniversary with stadium concert and first full album in six years SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - K-pop rock band Day6 is celebrating a decade together with a large-scale concert and the release of a new full-length album, JYP Entertainment said on Monday. The band’s fourth studio album, "The Decade", will be released on September 5 at 6 p.m., nearly six years after their last full album, "The Book of Us: Entropy", which came out in October 2019. To kick off the celebrations, Day6 will hold a solo concert titled "Day6 10th Anniversary Tour " on August 30 and 31 at the Goyang Sports Complex north of Seoul. The venue will be the first of its kind for a South Korean band to headline, marking a milestone for the group. All four members, Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon, are scheduled to perform. The anniversary project was announced through a video titled "Day6 10th Anniversary Announcement: The Decade of Us", which was posted on the band's official social media channels at midnight on August 4. Additional details about the upcoming anniversary concert will be released through Day6's social media, the agency said. Day6 debuted on September 7, 2015. Over the past decade, the group has carved out a distinct identity within the K-pop scene with their band format and emotionally driven music, earning a loyal fanbase known as "My Day". In May, the band released a digital single titled "Maybe Tomorrow", which reached the top ranks of domestic music streaming charts. That same month, they drew approximately 96,000 fans to a six-show run at the KSPO Dome in Seoul as part of their "3rd World Tour ". In July, they hosted their fourth official fan meeting, "Day6 4th Fanmeeting ", over two weekends at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. 2025-08-04 14:36:43