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

Korean Air Launches Generative AI Chatbot for Customer Service Korean Air said Tuesday it has launched the “Korean Air AI Chatbot,” adding generative artificial intelligence to its online customer-service chatbot. The chatbot is built on generative AI trained on a large volume of data, including airline rules, the company said. Customers can type questions in everyday language — for example, asking how many checked bags are allowed for an economy-class trip from Incheon to Paris — and receive an answer tailored to the request. To improve reliability, Korean Air said the chatbot provides the source of its answers along with links to related pages. The airline also said it has completed an AI-focused database designed to minimize “hallucinations” and deliver verified responses. The service is available on Korean Air’s official website and mobile app. Korean Air expanded language support from four — Korean, English, simplified Chinese and Japanese — to 13 by adding traditional Chinese, French, Russian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Thai and Vietnamese. If users need more help beyond the chatbot’s response, they can type “connect to an agent” to move directly from the chatbot screen to a customer-service representative, the airline said. Agent support is available only in Korean and English. Korean Air said it plans to add features in stages based on customer experience, expanding beyond information such as airline policies to functions including ticket purchases and reservation lookups. “With the AI chatbot service, customers can experience more accurate and faster support, as well as convenient and smart service for global customers,” a Korean Air official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 09:00:00

Hyundai, Kia Post Record January U.S. Sales on Hybrid and SUV Demand Hyundai Motor and Kia said they set new January sales records in the U.S. market. Hyundai Motor’s U.S. unit said Tuesday that it sold 55,624 vehicles in January, up 2% from 54,503 a year earlier, marking its best-ever January. The automaker said results were driven by surging demand for hybrid electric vehicles, growth in electrified models and continued strength in its core SUV lineup, which accounted for 77% of total sales. A Hyundai official said the Santa Fe and the all-new Palisade stood out, helping the company strengthen its lead in the family SUV segment. Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said the company and its dealers met customer demand despite challenging weather across the United States, delivering a 2% year-over-year increase in total sales. He said hybrid demand rose more than 60% and led January performance. Kia’s U.S. unit also reported a record January, saying it sold 64,502 vehicles, up 13% from 57,007 a year earlier. Kia said the Carnival (up 60%), Sportage (up 23%), K5 (up 8%), Telluride (up 7%), Seltos (up 6%) and K4 (up 2%) each posted best-ever sales for the month. It said sales of electrified models rose 45% and SUV sales increased 14%. Eric Watson, vice president of sales for Kia America, said the record January followed three straight years of annual sales records and showed the company’s growth is continuing. He said Kia is drawing attention this year with a new Telluride and is expanding customer choice by adding hybrid models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:57:00

Min Hee-jin Teases Feb. 5 Announcement as OK Records Launches Amid NewJeans Dispute Min Hee-jin, who was removed as CEO amid a management dispute with HYBE, has signaled an independent move tied to her recently established entertainment agency, OK. On Feb. 3, Min posted a photo on social media with the message, “20260205 10AM Coming soon.” The image shows a satin shirt bearing the OK Records logo. It also includes the label’s website and social media addresses. Visitors to the website see an animation in which images shaped like eyes, a nose and a mouth change as a whistling sound plays. Min-produced group NewJeans held an emergency news conference on Nov. 28, 2024, saying their demands for corrective action were not accepted and declaring they would leave ADOR. The members said their exclusive contracts would be terminated as of 12 a.m. on Nov. 29, 2024. They later prepared to promote independently under the new name “NJZ,” but the plan fell through. During the dispute, the members compared ADOR to “a dad who committed domestic violence” and HYBE to “a school bully,” underscoring the rift. A court later granted an injunction to preserve the agency’s status and bar advertising contracts, halting the group’s independent activities. Min established a new corporate entity, OK, on Oct. 16 last year and completed formal registration, making her independent path clear. OK Records later posted a nonpublic audition notice in December and began work on producing an idol group; Min has also said she plans to produce a boy band. Since then, members Haerin and Hyein returned to ADOR first, and Hanni also decided to work with ADOR. Minji is in talks with ADOR, but Danielle’s exclusive contract has been terminated. ADOR says Danielle’s mother is a key helper in suspected tampering involving Min. Earlier this month, ADOR filed a lawsuit seeking a total of 43.1 billion won in penalties and damages against Min, Danielle and Danielle’s family. Min has denied the “NewJeans tampering” allegations that sparked the legal fight. At a news conference on Jan. 28, Min’s side claimed a family member of one of the NewJeans members was involved in the suspected tampering and said Min bears no responsibility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:54:00

LG Energy Solution, Hanwha Qcells to build 5GWh solar-plus-storage infrastructure in U.S. LG Energy Solution said Tuesday it has signed a contract to supply a total of 5 gigawatt-hours of energy storage system, or ESS, batteries to the U.S. unit of Hanwha Solutions’ Qcells division, known as Hanwha Qcells. The products are LFP batteries for ESS use that will be made at LG Energy Solution’s plant in Holland, Michigan. Deliveries are scheduled to roll out from 2028 through 2030 for Hanwha Qcells’ grid-scale ESS projects in the United States. The deal is the companies’ second ESS agreement, following a 4.8GWh ESS project contract announced in May 2024. The companies said they plan to pursue energy infrastructure projects in the United States that link batteries and solar modules, using their U.S. manufacturing bases. LG Energy Solution’s batteries will be produced in Michigan, while Hanwha Qcells’ solar modules will be made in Georgia. The companies said the project will rely on U.S.-based production from batteries through solar modules. Park Jae Hong, head of LG Energy Solution’s Vertech unit, said the company will strengthen cooperation with Hanwha Qcells by supporting the project end to end and continue a long-term partnership based on what he called differentiated value. He said the joint projects are expected to support customers’ long-term business success and help stabilize the U.S. power grid. Chris Hodrick, head of Hanwha Qcells’ EPC business division, said the partnership gives Hanwha Qcells a foundation to respond effectively to large-scale ESS demand in the U.S. power market. He said the company plans to provide integrated energy solutions spanning solar and ESS and build a differentiated position in the global energy market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:42:00

Renault Korea Adds ChatGPT-Based Generative AI to Renault Filante Tips App Renault Korea said Tuesday it has added ChatGPT-based generative artificial intelligence to “Tips,” its vehicle guide application for Renault Filante. Tips is an integrated guide service designed to help drivers quickly resolve questions that come up while using the vehicle, the company said. Its main feature, “AI My Car Assistant,” uses generative AI to provide information in a conversational format. Unlike keyword-based searches, it allows users to continue exploring information through dialogue for more natural guidance, Renault Korea said. The app also offers a digital owner’s manual so drivers can view vehicle information at a glance. Users can browse categories such as getting to know the car, driving, convenience features, multimedia, maintenance and vehicle information, or ask the AI assistant directly. For information that may be needed immediately while driving, the app provides separate menus. A news section offers the latest vehicle-related updates and key notices, while a warning-lights section explains dashboard warning indicators to help drivers quickly understand the situation. “While vehicle functions have become more advanced and the amount of information provided has continued to grow, many drivers still struggle to find what they need during actual driving,” said Choi Seong Gyu, head of Renault Korea’s research center. “Renault Korea has actively introduced AI-based features so customers can use their vehicles more easily and conveniently,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:30:00

Strong dollar pressures Korea's FX reserves, down for 2nd month SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell by more than $2 billion in January, extending a decline for a second consecutive month as the won remained weak against the U.S. dollar. The Bank of Korea said Wednesday that reserves stood at $425.91 billion at the end of January, down $2.15 billion from $428.05 billion a month earlier. Holdings of securities, including government and corporate bonds, rose $6.39 billion to $377.52 billion. However, deposits dropped $8.55 billion to $23.32 billion. Special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund remained unchanged at $15.89 billion, while gold holdings were also steady at $4.79 billion, as they are recorded at purchase price rather than market value. A Bank of Korea official said deposits typically increase at quarter-end or year-end as financial institutions adjust balance sheets to meet regulatory ratios. This time, however, overall deposits declined despite an increase in foreign-currency deposits at financial institutions. The official added that market-stabilization operations, including foreign exchange swaps and reserve requirement management, appeared to have influenced the overall reserve level. South Korea ranked ninth globally in foreign exchange reserves as of the end of December, with holdings of $428.1 billion. China held the largest reserves at $3.36 trillion, followed by Japan with $1.37 trillion and Switzerland with $1.08 trillion. Other countries ahead of South Korea included Russia, India, Taiwan, Germany and Saudi Arabia, according to central bank data. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-04 08:18:31

South Korea Culture Minister Choi Hwi Young Visits Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics Choi Hwi Young, South Korea’s minister of culture, sports and tourism, will attend the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics as the government’s representative. The ministry said Choi will stay in Milan from Feb. 4-8 to cheer on the national team and review on-site support. On Feb. 5, Choi will visit the athletes’ village to encourage South Korean athletes in final training ahead of the opening and hear their concerns. He will also tour a meal-support center to check preparations for Korean boxed meals provided twice daily to help manage athletes’ nutrition, and thank support staff. On Feb. 6 and 7, he will attend major events, including the figure skating team competition, to support South Korean athletes. On Feb. 7, Choi will visit the Main Media Center to encourage the South Korean press corps covering the Games. The trip will also include sports diplomacy. On Feb. 5, Choi will attend the opening of Korea House and meet officials from the International Olympic Committee and national Olympic committees. The opening will feature K-culture programs including a winter hanbok fashion show, a cover dance to the theme song of “K-pop Demon Hunters,” and a vocal performance. On Feb. 6, he will attend a reception hosted by Italy’s minister for sport and youth to discuss expanding sports exchanges between the two countries. He will also attend the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium as part of the government delegation and greet the South Korean team as it enters. “I will personally check every factor that affects performance — including the training environment and support — so that our athletes’ hard work is not in vain on the Olympic stage,” Choi said. “We will support them through the end so they can compete without regrets and finish the competition safely without injury.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 08:12:00