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  • LG Electronics Showcases Next-Gen Wireless Wallpaper TV at Harrods
    LG Electronics Showcases Next-Gen Wireless Wallpaper TV at Harrods LG Electronics is showcasing its next-generation wireless wallpaper TV at Harrods, a luxury department store in London. The company aims to differentiate the TV as a premium interior product rather than just an appliance, emphasizing its ultra-slim design and wireless transmission technology.From August 7 to 26, LG is holding a special exhibition of the 'LG Signature OLED W' on the Brompton Road window display at Harrods. This area attracts approximately 1.1 million visitors each month, allowing customers to view the product before entering the store to see it in person.The exhibition aligns with Harrods' summer theme, 'Golden Hour,' featuring amber lighting that highlights the ultra-slim TV's integration with the surrounding space.The LG Signature OLED W is notable for its slim profile, measuring just 0.9 cm thick, achieved by minimizing the size of key components such as the panel, power board, and speakers. Its design, which adheres closely to the wall, combined with wireless connectivity, reduces the visibility of surrounding devices and cables.First unveiled at CES 2026 in January, the W6 model is available in 77-inch and 83-inch sizes in the U.S., with the 77-inch model priced starting at $5,499.99, positioning it within LG's premium OLED lineup.The wireless transmission capabilities have also been enhanced. The product has received certification from the German testing organization TÜV Rheinland for 'true wireless low-latency vision,' capable of transmitting video and audio wirelessly at up to 4K resolution and 165Hz refresh rate.The 'Zero Connect Box' that connects peripheral devices is 35% smaller than previous wireless TVs, reducing installation space constraints and focusing on a screen-centered interior design.For picture quality, LG has implemented a third-generation Alpha 11 4K AI processor, which reportedly increases NPU performance by 5.6 times and improves graphics processing performance by 70% compared to the previous generation.Considering the bright window display environment, LG has also applied low-reflection technology. The company claims that its display technology, certified by Intertek as 'Reflection Free Premium,' reduces light reflection to half of previous levels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:04:00
  • Samsung and NTT Docomo Use AI to Predict Communication Quality, Halving Downtime Frequency
    Samsung and NTT Docomo Use AI to Predict Communication Quality, Halving Downtime Frequency Samsung Electronics has validated a technology in collaboration with Japan's NTT Docomo that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict communication quality degradation for individual users and automatically adjust the network. The AI-RAN technology, applied to base station operations, has reduced the frequency of quality degradation incidents by nearly half, accelerating the competition for next-generation 6G networks.On August 10, Samsung announced the successful verification of the AI-RAN-based 'user-customized communication quality optimization technology' developed jointly with NTT Docomo.The technology analyzes user-specific movement patterns, service usage, and real-time wireless network conditions. If a drop in transmission speed is anticipated during video streaming, the system automatically selects appropriate network settings, such as frequency bands, before quality degradation occurs.Using data from NTT Docomo's commercial network and 5G test network in Japan, simulations conducted in January showed that the frequency of service transmission speed degradation dropped from 13.1% to 7.2%, representing a reduction of about 45%.AI-RAN integrates AI into base stations to analyze traffic and radio conditions in real-time, automatically allocating network resources. As the volume of data processed by communication networks increases with the expansion of AI services, this technology is expected to be a key factor in network operation efficiency for future 6G.The two companies have also developed technology to reduce network load that may arise from applying AI. Instead of collecting all wireless environment information, the system selectively processes only the data necessary to address user issues.Since beginning their collaboration on 5G network supply in 2021, Samsung and NTT Docomo expanded their support for Open RAN equipment in 2022 and have recently broadened their partnership to include AI-RAN and 6G research.Jung Jin-guk, Vice President and Head of Samsung Research's Next-Generation Communication Research Center, stated, "This achievement demonstrates that AI can significantly improve individual users' service experiences. We will continue to collaborate with NTT Docomo on the advancement and standardization of AI-RAN technology."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:04:00
  • LunatE Holds First Fan Concert Off-Zone in Seoul
    LunatE Holds First Fan Concert 'Off-Zone' in Seoul 그룹 루네이트가 데뷔 첫 단독 팬콘을 통해 팬들과 특별한 시간을 보냈다. 루네이트는 지난 8일 서울 광진구 예스24 라이브홀에서 2026 단독 팬콘 '오프-존(OFF-ZONE)'을 개최했다. '오프-존'은 루네이트가 데뷔 3년 만에 국내에서 처음 진행한 팬콘이다. 팬클럽 선예매를 무료로 진행하는 팬 혜택을 마련해 개최 전부터 러베이트의 호응을 얻었다. 이번 팬콘에서 루네이트는 아지트를 콘셉트로 다채로운 무대와 코너를 선보였다. 장치물을 타고 내려오며 공연의 포문을 연 루네이트는 인트로를 더한 '백(BACK)' 무대로 등장부터 팬들의 환호를 이끌었다. 이어 데뷔곡 '와일드 하트(Wild Heart)'부터 지난달 발매한 네 번째 미니앨범 '오프 더 그리드(Off the Grid)'의 타이틀곡 '스니커즈(SNEAKERS)'까지 대표곡을 망라한 세트리스트로 공연을 채웠다. 무대 구성도 폭넓었다. 루네이트는 에너제틱한 분위기의 '슈퍼 파워(SUPER POWER)', 밝고 청량한 여름 무드의 '투 더 문(TO THE MOON)', 자유롭고 힙한 '윕(WHIP)', 감성적인 발라드 '나의 가장, 아름다운 세상' 등을 선보이며 라이브 퍼포먼스 역량을 드러냈다. 이번 팬콘은 음원으로만 공개됐던 수록곡 무대를 처음 선보이는 자리이기도 했다. 루네이트는 그동안 무대에서 만나볼 수 없었던 곡들을 각기 다른 분위기의 퍼포먼스로 풀어내며 팬들의 호응을 얻었다. 게임 코너 '언발란스하게'에서는 멤버별 챌린지가 이어졌다. 진수는 태민 '길티(Guilty)', 카엘은 프로미스나인 '슈퍼소닉(Supersonic)', 타쿠마는 비 '나로 바꾸자', 준우는 씨스타 '터치 마이 바디(Touch My Body)', 이안은 블랙핑크 '포에버 영(Forever Young)', 유우마는 에이티즈 '아드레날린(Adrenaline)' 챌린지에 도전하며 반전 매력을 보여줬다. 공연 중간 상영된 VCR 영상에서는 서로 영혼이 뒤바뀐 루네이트 멤버들의 캐릭터 연기가 웃음을 안겼다. 루네이트는 공연 내내 팬들과 가까이 호흡하며 아지트 콘셉트에 맞는 편안하고 친밀한 분위기를 만들었다. 앙코르 무대는 '리브 인 더 모먼트(Live In The Moment)'와 '먼투선(MON2SUN)'으로 꾸몄다. 마지막까지 에너지를 쏟아낸 루네이트는 팬들에게 감사 인사를 전했다. 루네이트는 "더운 날씨에도 와주셔서 감사드린다. 많은 러베이트와 함께 이 자리에 서 있는 것 자체가 너무 감동이다. 앞으로 이런 날이 더 많았으면 좋겠다"고 소감을 밝혔다. 이어 "이 자리를 빌어 더욱 성장하는 루네이트가 되도록 노력하겠다. 다음에는 더 멋있는 무대를 보여드릴 수 있도록 하겠다"고 전했다. 한편 루네이트는 10일 바르샤바를 시작으로 12일 암스테르담, 14일 런던, 16일 쾰른, 18일 뮌헨, 21일 부다페스트, 23일 파리, 25일 리스본 등 8개 도시를 순회하는 두 번째 유럽 투어 '비욘드 더 문(BEYOND THE MOON)'을 개최한다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:00:00
  • Defense Minister Faces Backlash for Quoting Mao Zedong
    Defense Minister Faces Backlash for Quoting Mao Zedong Ahn Gyu-baek, the Minister of National Defense, has sparked controversy after quoting Mao Zedong during a speech at the Air Force Academy. Ahn referred to Mao's saying, "To remain unperturbed in the face of changing circumstances," as his personal motto, which has drawn criticism for its inappropriateness given Mao's role as the leader of China during the Korean War.The backlash intensified as critics pointed out that quoting the leader of a nation that was an adversary during the Korean War, and a key figure in the division of the Korean Peninsula, was highly inappropriate in front of future military leaders. Ahn's comments have raised questions about his understanding of national security and historical context.In response to the growing criticism, the Ministry of National Defense clarified that Ahn's remarks were intended as a philosophical metaphor about responding to changing situations, and not an endorsement of any political figure or ideology. However, many within the military and the public have expressed skepticism, labeling the use of Mao's words as a significant breach of decorum for a public official.The incident has also led to a reevaluation of Ahn's qualifications and expertise. Born in 1961, Ahn served in the Army as a defense personnel before entering politics in 1987 with the Peace Democratic Party. He has since held various roles, including serving as a reporter for the party's political journal and later as a member of the National Assembly, where he has been involved in defense legislation and policy.Online commentators have criticized Ahn for lacking the basic security awareness expected of someone in his position, suggesting that the administration that appointed him shares responsibility for his remarks. Some have questioned how Ahn, with limited professional experience outside of political activity, rose to such a significant role in national defense. The recent comments come amid growing discontent among military cadets and personnel regarding the proposed integration of military academies, leading to calls for Ahn's resignation and further scrutiny of the military's protocol and oversight systems.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:52:10
  • 90% of Starbucks Summer Coupon Users Opt for Iced Drinks
    90% of Starbucks Summer Coupon Users Opt for Iced Drinks According to Starbucks Korea, 90% of customers who redeemed drinks using the summer coupon opted for iced beverages. The company analyzed the usage of summer coupons provided to reward members last month and reported this finding on August 10.The most popular item was the iced café Americano, which accounted for 42% of all coupon redemptions. The ongoing heatwave has likely influenced the demand for cold drinks, as reflected in the coupon usage.The 30% discount food coupon was most frequently used for the 'Soft Cream Castella.' Other popular items included the 'Blueberry Marble Cheesecake' and the 'Ham & Arugula Pesto Sandwich,' which were also favored as meal replacement desserts.In July, Starbucks provided two types of summer coupons to reward members. The drink coupons allowed customers to choose one beverage from café Americano, café latte, or vanilla latte. Customers could also switch the coffee beans to blonde, decaf, or half-decaf, and size changes were available for an additional fee. The food coupons offered a 30% discount on sandwiches, cakes, and bakery items.The coupon usage period ends on the 14th. Members holding the coupons can check their usage status and expiration date through the Starbucks app before redeeming them at stores nationwide.A Starbucks representative stated, "In the midst of the ongoing heat, it appears that customers are enjoying iced drinks through the summer coupons. We plan to continue offering various customer benefits and services in the future."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:52:00
  • Taxi Service Grows as Users Call 114 Instead of Using KakaoT App
    Taxi Service Grows as Users Call 114 Instead of Using KakaoT App The use of a service that allows users to call a taxi with a phone call instead of using the KakaoT application is growing. By providing the starting point and destination over the phone, a consultant calls a KakaoT taxi on behalf of the user. This service has become a vital transportation option for users, particularly the elderly, who struggle with digital services.Kakao Mobility announced on August 10 that its 'Call a Taxi Instead' service, operated in partnership with KT is, has grown to over 20,000 calls per month. Since signing a memorandum of understanding with KT is in March of last year, the total number of calls has reached approximately 150,000, with around 60,000 users.Users can call 02-114, provide their starting point and destination, and a consultant will arrange a KakaoT taxi for them. The consultant also provides information about the assigned vehicle and estimated arrival time. This service allows users who find it difficult to use a smartphone app to access KakaoT taxis simply by making a phone call.Analysis of actual call data from January to July this year revealed that 61.5% of calls originated from areas outside of Seoul, indicating that calls from outside the capital exceeded half of the total.The service area has also steadily expanded. The number of cities, counties, and districts where calls were made increased from 125 in January to 153 in July. Over the past seven months, calls have been made in 221 cities, counties, and districts, covering 1,715 towns and villages nationwide.In terms of destinations, medical facilities such as hospitals and pharmacies, as well as transportation hubs like subway stations, train stations, and bus terminals, were among the most common. There were also many calls for trips to residential areas, markets, and government offices, reflecting everyday needs.Kakao Mobility is also working to enhance digital accessibility by utilizing offline locations in addition to phone-based calls.In March, the company introduced a 'Kakao T Taxi Web Call System' at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. This system allows hospital staff to call a KakaoT taxi on behalf of elderly patients or foreign visitors who request taxi assistance at the information desk using a work PC.Kakao Mobility aims to lower the barriers to using existing mobility services that rely on app usage and reduce the mobility gap for users who struggle with digital services through various touchpoints, including phone calls and offline information desks. 2026-08-10 09:52:00
  • Jeju Air Sees Surge in Chinese Route Passengers Thanks to Visa-Free Policy
    Jeju Air Sees Surge in Chinese Route Passengers Thanks to Visa-Free Policy Jeju Air has recently experienced a significant increase in passengers on its Chinese routes, driven by rising travel demand following the Korea-China visa-free policy. The airline is expanding its route capacity to meet this demand and is considering launching new routes by the end of the year.As of August 10, Jeju Air reported that it supplied over 494,300 seats on its Korea-China routes from January to July this year, a 26.8% increase compared to approximately 389,900 seats during the same period last year.During the same timeframe, the number of passengers reached over 427,300, marking a 37.4% rise from last year's 311,000. The load factor improved from 79.8% last year to 86.4% this year, an increase of 6.6 percentage points.Jeju Air attributes the rapid recovery in travel demand to the visa-free policy between Korea and China, along with a growing preference for short overseas trips. The shift in travel patterns from group tours to individual and small group travel has also contributed positively, as travelers seek to enjoy local culture through culinary experiences and sightseeing.Notably, the increase in travelers from the 20s and 30s age groups has been pronounced. From January to July, over 158,500 passengers in this age group used the Chinese routes, accounting for 37.1% of total passengers. Popular routes among younger travelers included Busan to Shanghai (Pudong), Jeju to Beijing (Daxing), and Incheon to Qingdao, with load factors of 89.0%, 89.7%, and 93.5%, respectively.In response to the growing demand, Jeju Air is also considering expanding its Chinese routes. The airline plans to review the increase in flights and operations for routes from Busan to Guilin and Shanghai, Daegu to Shanghai, and Jeju to Chengdu and Chongqing, for which it received route allocations from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in April.A Jeju Air official stated, "We will enhance the competitiveness of our Chinese routes by flexibly operating based on travel demand from both Incheon and regional airports."As of August, Jeju Air operates 11 routes to China, including Incheon to Qingdao, Weihai, Yanji, Harbin, Jiamusi, Shijiazhuang, and Busan to Shanghai (Pudong), Shijiazhuang, Zhangjiajie, as well as Jeju to Beijing (Capital) and Beijing (Daxing).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:48:00
  • Portable Fans and Air Conditioners from China Fly Off Shelves Amid Heatwave
    Portable Fans and Air Conditioners from China Fly Off Shelves Amid Heatwave As summer heat grips South Korea, portable fans and air conditioners from China are flying off the shelves. According to trade data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on August 7, the value of goods exported to South Korea in July reached $18.1195 billion, a 46.6% increase compared to the same period last year. On August 10, the Chinese state-run Global Times analyzed that exports to South Korea surged due to the heatwave. The report noted that since the onset of the heat, a variety of products, including frozen beverages, portable handheld fans, and cooling products for pets, have been exported in large quantities to South Korea. The geographical proximity allowed China to respond quickly to the rising demand for these products driven by the heat. In line with South Korea's beverage demand, there was a significant increase in the export of frozen fruit juices from China, along with a surge in exports of cooling mats and collars for pets. Additionally, air conditioning units ranked sixth among the top export items to South Korea based on HS codes, with sales of air conditioners also expected to show high growth rates. Meanwhile, the value of South Korean imports from China soared by 97.78% year-on-year to $31.046 billion. This increase is attributed to a spike in DRAM prices, which boosted South Korea's semiconductor exports to China. In July, South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $12.9 billion with China. According to the General Administration of Customs of China, the cumulative value of exports to South Korea in July reached $110.8 billion, a 33.3% increase, while imports rose by 67.0% to $169.6 billion. South Korea's trade surplus with China for the year to date stands at $58.8 billion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:48:00
  • President Yoon to Lead Mega Project Meeting with Government, Military, and Corporations
    President Yoon to Lead Mega Project Meeting with Government, Military, and Corporations President Yoon Suk Yeol will hold the second public-private joint review meeting for mega projects on August 10, assessing the progress and impact of large-scale investment initiatives.The meeting will focus on ensuring that the benefits of these investments extend beyond specific companies and regions to the entire national industrial ecosystem.According to the Blue House, President Yoon will preside over the meeting at 2 p.m. at the Blue House, bringing together government officials, military representatives, local governments, and corporate stakeholders for the first time since the initial review meeting on July 6.This session will not only confirm the progress of mega projects but also broadly discuss regulatory relief, improvements to government support systems, and strategies for cooperation with local and industrial sectors.The focus will be on accelerating large-scale investments while ensuring that their benefits are distributed across local economies and related industries.Attendees will include Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, and National Security Chief Wi Sung-lak, among other Blue House officials. From the government, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun will participate, along with defense, industry, land, climate, and budget ministers.Also attending will be Lim Gi-geun, head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung, Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seok-lak, and the Mayor of Gwangju, Min Hyung-bae. Corporate representatives include Samsung Electronics President Kim Yong-kwan and SK Group Future Growth Chief Executive Jeong Seung-il, who will provide input on necessary government support and collaboration during the investment process.The meeting will begin with President Yoon's opening remarks, followed by a report from the head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination on "Regulatory and Government Innovation Measures for Mega Project Support." This will involve reviewing potential regulatory and administrative hurdles that companies may face during project implementation and discussing a government-wide coordination and support system.The Minister of Industry and the Deputy Minister of Science will report on "Cooperation Strategies for the Three Major Mega Projects." The discussion will focus on connecting the investment effects of mega projects with materials, parts, and equipment companies, local small and medium-sized enterprises, and talent development across the industrial ecosystem.The meeting will also assess the progress of projects in different regions. The Minister of Industry and the Deputy Prime Minister will present the current status and future plans for mega projects in the Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions, confirming the readiness of each project and outlining government support tasks.Regarding the semiconductor cluster, discussions will address not only site selection but also issues related to power and water supply. The Minister of Defense, Air Force Chief of Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment will sequentially present plans for site selection and infrastructure supply.In the area of regulatory reform, the application of the 52-hour workweek exemption for research and development personnel in mega special zones is expected to be a key issue. The Ministry of Industry argues for the need to relax work hour regulations to facilitate intensive research and development in advanced industries and to respond to global technological competition.The draft special law for mega special zones includes provisions to exempt R&D personnel, high-income professionals, and key startup personnel from work hour, holiday, overtime, and night work regulations, based on labor-management agreements. It is also reported that expanding the unit period for flexible work systems and managing overtime will be considered.Conversely, the Ministry of Labor is said to be cautious about broadly applying the 52-hour cap based on the competitiveness of specific regions or industries, as the need for work hour flexibility for industrial competitiveness may conflict with the protection of workers' health and rest rights, necessitating inter-departmental coordination.Following the presentations, a comprehensive discussion involving relevant ministries, local governments, and businesses will take place. President Yoon is expected to review the implementation status of follow-up measures by each ministry and call for a swift government-wide response to resolve any delays in project execution. 2026-08-10 09:48:00
  • Shinhan Card Partners with Home & Shopping to Support Traditional Markets
    Shinhan Card Partners with Home & Shopping to Support Traditional Markets Shinhan Card is utilizing card consumption data to identify traditional markets with high growth potential and support small businesses in expanding their sales channels.On August 10, Shinhan Card announced that it has signed a business agreement with Home & Shopping to revitalize traditional markets nationwide and enhance sales opportunities for local small businesses.The two companies plan to combine their strengths in finance and retail to support the growth of traditional markets and small businesses that have not received much attention.The initiative will utilize Shinhan Card's proprietary 'Market Leap Index,' which quantifies the growth potential of 1,324 traditional markets and approximately 103,000 affiliated stores based on consumption data.Rather than focusing solely on sales volume, the index analyzes various consumer variables, including customer visitation patterns, usage behaviors of affiliated stores, and market locations, to assess future growth potential.Shinhan Card will analyze the commercial districts of each traditional market using this index and share the results with local merchants. The company will also provide training on the characteristics and case studies of high-potential markets, helping small businesses understand their commercial areas and customer characteristics based on data.Home & Shopping will select target markets based on Shinhan Card's analysis and will be responsible for expanding sales channels. The company plans to support the inclusion of high-quality small business products in home shopping broadcasts and mobile applications, as well as provide 'scale-up mentoring' to enhance product competitiveness.A Shinhan Card representative stated, “This agreement is an example of how Shinhan Card's data capabilities can be transformed into tangible value for local economies and small businesses. We will continue to expand our data-driven win-win model.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 09:44:20