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  • KT Partners with Seoul National University Hospital to Develop Medical AX Platform
    KT Partners with Seoul National University Hospital to Develop Medical AX Platform KT is collaborating with Seoul National University Hospital to establish an artificial intelligence transformation (AX) platform that encompasses all areas of healthcare, including treatment, nursing, research, and operations. On August 17, KT announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Seoul National University Hospital at the KT Gwanghwamun West Building in Seoul. This partnership aims to combine KT's medical AX strategy with the clinical expertise and research capabilities of the country's largest public medical institution. The two organizations will work on joint projects that include discovering and applying standard models for the medical AX platform, demonstrating and commercializing government policy projects such as AI-native hospitals, supporting clinical decision-making with AI, and expanding the healthcare market. The roles of each organization have been clearly defined. KT will collaborate throughout the entire process of planning, developing, validating, and commercializing the integrated medical AX platform that combines AI, cloud, and data. Seoul National University Hospital will leverage its expertise in clinical practice and research to identify applicable projects for the platform and provide medical consultation and efficacy evaluation. Seoul National University Hospital has established a system that organically links clinical and AI research. The integration of KT's AX platform and infrastructure capabilities is expected to support the hospital's initiative to build a 'group integrated DX platform' and contribute to the creation of a medical AX ecosystem that connects research, development, demonstration, and commercialization. Through this collaboration, KT plans to enhance its capabilities in the medical AX business and continue to expand platform-based cooperation with medical institutions. The goal is to discover and disseminate AI innovation models applicable to the public healthcare sector. Kim Bong-kyun, head of KT's Enterprise Division, stated, "KT is assisting various industries with proven AX platform technology and know-how. Starting with our collaboration with Seoul National University Hospital, we aim to create AI-based innovation models for the public healthcare market." 2026-08-17 10:16:00
  • LG and NVIDIA Deepen Physical AI Alliance as Jensen Huangs Daughter Visits LG Robotics Hub
    LG and NVIDIA Deepen Physical AI Alliance as Jensen Huang's Daughter Visits LG Robotics Hub LG and NVIDIA's collaboration on physical AI is rapidly moving from executive agreements to the robotics development field. Madison Huang, NVIDIA's Senior Director of Physical AI, is set to visit LG Electronics' robotics data factory, signaling a concrete step in the companies' humanoid collaboration.According to industry sources, Madison Huang will visit LG's data factory, currently under construction at the Yangjae R&D campus in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on August 18. She plans to hold confidential discussions with senior LG officials regarding their partnership.This visit follows the strategic business cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on August 13 between LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at NVIDIA's headquarters in the United States. The immediate visit by a key NVIDIA executive to LG's development site underscores the commitment to collaboration.The focus of this partnership is LG's data factory, a facility designed for robots to learn from data collected in environments similar to homes and factories. It is considered a crucial infrastructure for enhancing the cognitive and decision-making abilities of humanoid robots.The two companies have already outlined plans for humanoid development. LG aims to unveil a bipedal humanoid robot based on NVIDIA's platform in the first quarter of next year. This robot will be equipped with NVIDIA's robotics chip module, Jetson Thor, and will utilize NVIDIA's humanoid foundation model, Isaac Groot, along with the robotics safety system, Halos for Robotics.LG and NVIDIA's collaboration is expanding from integrating robotic hardware and AI platforms to sharing data and learning infrastructure. In June, the companies agreed to pursue cooperation encompassing physical AI, AI infrastructure, and mobility. LG plans to enhance its collaboration with NVIDIA throughout the entire robot development process, from data construction and simulation to learning and action.Madison Huang's visit is significant as it allows NVIDIA to directly assess LG's data factory and robotics development capabilities, potentially shaping the scope of their future humanoid co-development.Since joining NVIDIA in 2020, Madison Huang has led product marketing related to the expansion of the physical AI ecosystem. In April, she discussed physical AI collaboration with LG Electronics CEO Ryu Jae-cheol at LG Twin Tower in Yeouido, Seoul. She also accompanied Jensen Huang during his visit to South Korea in June, where he met with leaders of major domestic groups.LG Electronics is expanding its physical AI business by combining NVIDIA's AI platform with its own robotics technology and manufacturing capabilities. CEO Ryu Jae-cheol previously highlighted the establishment of LG's data factory using NVIDIA's platform and the development of a robot mass production system as key areas for collaboration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 10:12:00
  • Stray Kids Achieve Second Place All-Time on Billboard 200 with Ninth No. 1 Album
    Stray Kids Achieve Second Place All-Time on Billboard 200 with Ninth No. 1 Album 그룹 스트레이 키즈가 미국 빌보드 메인 앨범 차트 ‘빌보드 200’에서 9연속 1위 진입 기록을 세웠다.미국 빌보드가 16일 현지시간 발표한 예고 기사에 따르면 스트레이 키즈(Stray Kids)는 지난 7일 발매한 새 미니 앨범 ‘디스 앤 댓(THIS & THAT)’으로 8월 22일 자 ‘빌보드 200(Billboard 200)’ 1위에 올랐다.‘빌보드 200’은 실물 음반과 디지털 앨범 판매량, 스트리밍 횟수를 앨범 판매량으로 환산한 수치, 디지털 음원 다운로드 횟수를 앨범 판매량으로 환산한 수치를 합산한 앨범 유닛으로 순위를 매긴다.빌보드에 따르면 ‘디스 앤 댓’은 앨범 판매량 35만7000장, 스트리밍 환산 수치 1만1000장, 디지털 음원 다운로드 환산 수치 1000장을 더해 총 36만9000유닛을 기록했다. 이는 전작 대비 25% 증가한 수치로, 스트레이 키즈의 미국 내 발매 첫 주 자체 최고 판매 기록이다.이로써 스트레이 키즈는 통산 아홉 번째 ‘빌보드 200’ 1위 앨범을 보유하게 됐다. 2022년 미니 앨범 ‘오디너리(ODDINARY)’로 해당 차트에 처음 진입함과 동시에 1위에 오른 뒤, 이후 발표한 8개 작품을 연이어 정상에 올렸다.스트레이 키즈는 이번 기록으로 21세기 ‘빌보드 200’에서 가장 많은 1위 앨범을 보유한 그룹이라는 성과를 이어갔다. 2020년대 전체 아티스트 기준으로는 테일러 스위프트(Taylor Swift)와 1위 앨범 수 최다 타이를 이뤘다. 역대 그룹 기준으로는 비틀스(The Beatles)에 이어 롤링스톤스(The Rolling Stones)와 어깨를 나란히 했다.스트레이 키즈는 그동안 직접 작업한 음악을 바탕으로 빌보드 성과를 쌓아왔다. 2024년 스키즈합 힙테이프(SKZHOP HIPTAPE) ‘합 (합)(合 (HOP))’으로 ‘빌보드 200’ 6연속 1위 진입 기록을 세웠고, 2025년 정규 4집 ‘카르마(KARMA)’와 스키즈 잇 테이프(SKZ IT TAPE) ‘두 잇(DO IT)’으로 기록을 이어갔다.새 앨범 ‘디스 앤 댓’은 그룹 내 프로듀싱 팀 쓰리라차(3RACHA)가 타이틀곡 ‘디스 앤 댓(This & That)’을 포함한 총 8곡 전곡 크레디트에 이름을 올린 앨범이다. 칠하고 쿨한 무드의 음악과 비주얼을 통해 무엇이든 ‘이것저것 다’ 해낸다는 자신감을 담았다.국내 음반 판매량도 상승세를 보였다. ‘디스 앤 댓’은 국내 음반 집계 사이트 한터차트 기준 초동 328만9269장을 기록했다. 전작 ‘두 잇’보다 100만 장 이상 늘어난 수치다.스트레이 키즈는 ‘디스 앤 댓’으로 미국과 국내 음반 시장에서 모두 자체 기록을 새로 쓰며 글로벌 음반 시장 내 입지를 다시 확인했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 10:12:00
  • LG Uplus Expands Partnership with Toss Mobile for Affordable Phone Plans
    LG Uplus Expands Partnership with Toss Mobile for Affordable Phone Plans LG Uplus is expanding its partnership with Toss Mobile to enhance promotional plans on its budget phone platform, Al-Dot, by integrating the Face Pay payment service. This initiative is gaining traction among customers in their 20s and 30s.On August 17, LG Uplus announced the expansion of its promotional plans in collaboration with Toss Mobile, linking them to everyday customer experiences.Toss Mobile, which operates on the LG Uplus network, introduced five new budget phone plans featuring Face Pay benefits earlier this month. This follows the launch of the 'Toss X CU' plan, which offers discounts at CU convenience stores, thereby broadening the benefits of mobile plans to include commonly used payment services. Face Pay allows customers to make payments using only their face, provided they have registered their facial recognition and payment method in advance.Among the customers who signed up for the 'Face Pay Partnership Plan' launched on August 3, 56% are in their 20s and 30s, indicating strong interest in efficient spending. LG Uplus reports that young customers, familiar with mobile finance and payment services, are increasingly interested in budget phone products that combine telecommunications with everyday benefits.The 'Face Pay Partnership Plan' consists of five options based on data usage: △7GB+ △10GB+ △71GB+ △100 minutes & 15GB+ △100GB+. Customers can subscribe for monthly fees ranging from 8,000 to 16,000 won for the first seven months.Subscribers will receive Face Pay coupons worth 2,000 won each month for up to 24 months, starting two months after activation. Additionally, after four months, they will receive a coupon worth 10,000 won, totaling up to 58,000 won in Face Pay benefits.However, the benefits are not limited to the Face Pay plan. Al-Dot also offers the 'Toss X CU' plan, which provides customers who sign up by the end of this month with a 20% discount on purchases at CU offline stores, up to a maximum of 5,000 won per month, along with a potential 5% points accumulation benefit, including CU membership. These CU partnership benefits will be available for up to 24 months after signing up.Park Dae-yong, head of LG Uplus's MVNO business, stated, "There is a growing demand for differentiated services that enhance customer experience in the budget phone market. LG Uplus plans to continue expanding partnerships to offer products and benefits that provide real value in customers' daily lives beyond telecommunications services."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 10:12:00
  • KB Financial Group Integrates Natural Capital into Decision-Making with New Report
    KB Financial Group Integrates Natural Capital into Decision-Making with New Report KB Financial Group is enhancing its natural capital management system to incorporate risks and opportunities arising from environmental changes into its decision-making processes. On August 17, KB Financial announced the release of its "2025 KB Financial Group Natural Capital Disclosure Report - Connecting Nature and Finance," which analyzes the interaction between the natural environment and finance, detailing related risks and opportunities. The report is based on recommendations from the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). KB Financial assessed the dependency, impact, and exposure of its financial portfolio, including investments, loans, and insurance, while examining nature-related risks and opportunities across various industries. KB Financial is expanding its natural capital analysis beyond portfolio risk management to include actual financial support activities. For instance, in its "Youth Housing Construction Project near Transit Stations" aimed at vulnerable populations, the company evaluated the biodiversity impacts of location characteristics and development. Additionally, it offers "KB ESG Consulting Services" and the "KB Carbon Management System" to help small and medium-sized enterprises proactively address natural capital risks and facilitate green transitions. As of the end of last year, KB Financial managed and operated environmental financial products worth 20.8 trillion won, with a goal to increase this to 25 trillion won by 2030. A KB Financial representative stated, "We will systematically incorporate nature-related risks and opportunities into financial decision-making to support a sustainable industrial transition."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 10:08:00
  • Lotte Launches LIFT Program to Guide Youth Employment in Retail and Hospitality
    Lotte Launches 'LIFT' Program to Guide Youth Employment in Retail and Hospitality Lotte is set to provide practical training for over 200 young people preparing for jobs in the retail, hotel, and service sectors. The program will focus on imparting know-how from the field, including the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), resume writing, and interview skills over a 12-week period. Starting on the 18th, Lotte will launch its Youth Job Academy 'LIFT' (Lifetime Inspiration For Tomorrow), as part of the K-New Deal Academy initiative led by the Ministry of Employment and Labor. Lotte selected the participants through a document review and online interviews. The training will be divided into two tracks: retail and hotel/service sectors. It will begin with foundational job training, followed by hands-on experience, mentoring from industry professionals, and practical assignments aimed at enhancing essential workplace skills. The opening ceremonies were held on the 13th and 14th in Busan and Seoul, respectively. The program will also include training necessary for job placement, such as job-specific consulting, resume writing, and mock interviews. Skills in AI usage will be part of the regular curriculum, allowing participants to practice generative AI applications and learn about real-world cases of AI implementation in Lotte's operations. Lotte has structured LIFT into two courses: one for retail and another for hotel and service sectors. The retail course will involve Lotte Department Store, Lotte Mart, Lotte Super, Lotte Duty Free, and Korea Seven, while the hotel and service course will include Lotte Hotel, Lotte GRS, and Lotte JTB. Outstanding participants will receive preferential treatment in the document screening process when applying for jobs within related subsidiaries. A Lotte representative stated, “LIFT is a practical training program that shares the experience and expertise Lotte has accumulated in the retail and hotel/service industries with young people. Lotte will continue to provide field-oriented education and support to help young job seekers enhance their job skills and competitiveness.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:52:00
  • NH Nonghyup Financial Strengthens Retirement Pension Competitiveness
    NH Nonghyup Financial Strengthens Retirement Pension Competitiveness NH Nonghyup Financial is consolidating the capabilities of its subsidiaries in banking, securities, and asset management to enhance its competitiveness in the retirement pension business. On August 17, Nonghyup Financial announced that it will strengthen its pension operations at the group level by integrating the retirement pension management and asset management capabilities of its affiliates. As of the end of June, NH Nonghyup Bank reported that the one-year return on non-guaranteed principal products for retirement pensions was 25.04% for defined benefit (DB) plans, 57.33% for defined contribution (DC) plans, and 59.69% for individual retirement pensions (IRP). NH Investment & Securities also recorded the highest recent five-year annualized returns among securities firms with over 1 trillion won in reserves, at 12.57% for DC plans and 11.83% for IRPs. The ten-year annualized return for IRPs was 10.35%. NH Amundi Asset Management's flagship pension product, 'Hanaro Qualified TDF 2035 (C-P2e Class),' achieved a cumulative return of 45.96% over the past five years as of the end of July. Since its establishment in June 2019, it has accumulated a return of 82.81%. Nonghyup Financial plans to enhance its digital-based pension management services while utilizing its nationwide sales network to support customers with limited access to pension and asset management services. A Nonghyup Financial official stated, "Retirement pensions are an important asset that supports the stable livelihood of citizens in their later years. We will leverage our financial expertise, global management capabilities, and community connections to support the formation of stable retirement income." 2026-08-17 09:52:00
  • Samsung Partners with Activision Blizzard for New Call of Duty Game
    Samsung Partners with Activision Blizzard for New Call of Duty Game Samsung Electronics has engaged in the development of the new installment of the popular FPS game 'Call of Duty' from its early stages, optimizing its display technology for gaming. This collaboration marks a shift from a hardware-centric gaming business to one that integrates content development.On August 17, Samsung announced its official partnership with global game developer Activision Blizzard for 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.' The two companies have worked together since the game's initial development phase to incorporate Samsung's 'HDR10+ gaming' and a 32:9 super ultra-wide aspect ratio into the new title.The 32:9 aspect ratio is utilized in Samsung's Odyssey G9 gaming monitor, allowing players to have a wider field of view in the game. HDR10+ gaming technology enhances the representation of brightness and color across various scenes, from dark interiors to bright outdoor settings.'Call of Duty' is a leading FPS game series that has been ongoing for over 20 years. The latest installment features the Korean Peninsula as a primary backdrop, with a South Korean soldier as the protagonist and battlefields in Seoul and other locations in Korea. According to Yonhap News, this marks the first time since 2014's 'Advanced Warfare' that Korea has been a playable setting in the series.In conjunction with the game's release, Samsung plans to expand its online and offline marketing efforts. On August 21, Activision will host a live launch event, 'Call of Duty: Next,' which will be broadcast on Samsung's gaming platform, Samsung Gaming Hub. Users of the gaming hub will receive 50,000 PC codes to participate in the new game's beta test.From August 26 to 30, Samsung will operate an experience zone for 'Modern Warfare 4' at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, allowing attendees to preview the game ahead of its official release in October.This collaboration signifies Samsung's commitment to utilizing its display technology not just as content for monitor sales but as an integral part of actual game development.Samsung aims to enhance the differentiated user experience of its gaming products by expanding collaborations with global gaming companies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:48:00
  • Kakao Bank to Burn 270,000 Shares to Enhance Shareholder Value
    Kakao Bank to Burn 270,000 Shares to Enhance Shareholder Value Kakao Bank plans to burn 270,000 of its treasury shares to enhance shareholder value. The remaining shares will be used for employee compensation.On August 17, Kakao Bank announced that it intends to burn approximately 51% of its total treasury shares, which amount to 530,334 shares, within the legal deadline.As of the end of June, Kakao Bank held a total of 530,334 treasury shares. After the burn, the remaining 263,334 shares will be allocated for employee compensation.However, the actual number of shares burned or disposed of may vary during the related procedures.Kakao Bank plans to present a 'Treasury Stock Disposal Plan' detailing its specific holding and disposal strategies for approval at next year's annual shareholders' meeting.A Kakao Bank representative stated, "By burning treasury shares, we aim to enhance shareholder value, and the remaining shares will be utilized for employee compensation to contribute to the company's continuous growth and increase in corporate value."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:44:10
  • LG Electronics Launches New Refrigerator Plant in Brazil, Aiming for 600,000 Units Annually
    LG Electronics Launches New Refrigerator Plant in Brazil, Aiming for 600,000 Units Annually LG Electronics has secured an annual production capacity of 600,000 refrigerators in Brazil. This move marks the establishment of the company's second production base in the country, reinforcing its strategy for local manufacturing and exports to South America.According to industry sources, LG Electronics began operations at its new factory in Paraná on August 13. This facility is the company's second production site in Brazil, following the establishment of its Manaus plant in Amazonas in 1996. The Paraná plant is capable of producing 600,000 refrigerators annually.The new factory incorporates smart factory technology utilizing AI and industrial robots. Vision AI is employed for product quality inspection, while digital twin technology monitors production line anomalies. Automated equipment is used for tasks such as transporting refrigerator doors.The shift to local production is also aimed at reducing logistics costs. LG Electronics plans to increase the proportion of locally produced goods, moving away from its previous model of importing products from Southeast Asia. This change will enable the company to respond more swiftly to fluctuations in demand within the Brazilian market.Products will be tailored to local consumption needs. Brazil uses both 127V and 220V voltage depending on the region, so the Paraná plant will manufacture refrigerators that support both voltages. Features such as LED sterilization and rapid cooling have been designed with the country’s hot and humid climate and lifestyle in mind.The growth potential of Brazil's home appliance market is also a factor behind the expansion of local production. According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, Brazil's home appliance market is projected to grow from $33.6 billion in 2026 to $45.3 billion by 2031, with an average annual growth rate of 6.12%.The Paraná plant will serve not only the domestic market but also as an export hub for South America. Its location in southern Brazil provides proximity to key markets such as Argentina and Uruguay, and it can take advantage of Mercosur's tariff benefits.LG Electronics links this expansion of production facilities to its global growth strategy in the Global South. The company aims to enhance local production and product localization in high-growth markets like India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. LG has set a goal to double its revenue in these three countries by 2030.According to local media in Brazil, LG Electronics plans to increase production capacity at the Paraná plant based on market demand after initially starting with an annual output of 600,000 units.Baek Seung-tae, Vice President of LG Electronics' Home Appliance Business Division, stated, "With the expanded production capacity of the new Paraná plant, we will ensure stable product supply and introduce locally tailored home appliances." LG Electronics plans to further expand its production and export range in the South American market based on the Paraná facility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-17 09:44:00