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Gwangju City Enhances Safety Management for Eco-Friendly Rice Amid Pest Control Season Gwangju City is intensifying on-site management to ensure the safety of eco-friendly rice as the peak season for pest control approaches.Due to the hot and humid weather leading to increased pest occurrences and control efforts, Gwangju City announced that it will conduct joint inspections of eco-friendly rice complexes throughout August in collaboration with local governments and the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.The inspections will focus on preventing the use of synthetic pesticides and the mixing of non-eco-friendly materials during the joint pest control process, as well as ensuring compliance with eco-friendly agricultural product certification standards.August and September are critical months for rice pest control, requiring heightened attention to the safety management of eco-friendly agricultural products.In response, Gwangju City will systematically manage the pest control process, centering on the 'pre-notification for joint pest control' system.Those conducting joint pest control must submit a notification form to the relevant local government at least seven days before the scheduled pest control date, detailing the date, materials to be used, and public notice numbers. After the pest control is completed, a confirmation form must be submitted, including the actual date of control, materials used, and quantities.On-site management will also be strengthened. Representatives of eco-friendly agricultural complexes will directly participate in the pest control process to verify that the materials used are organic and to check for any prohibited substances, such as synthetic pesticides.Materials that are difficult to verify for public notice numbers or active ingredients, as well as those delivered in opened conditions, will be prohibited from use.Even if farmers do not use pesticides directly, there is a risk of unintended contamination from pesticides applied on nearby conventional farms or from improper cleaning of pest control equipment. Therefore, preventive measures will also be implemented.Buffer zones will be established, and barriers and warning signs will be installed. Additionally, when pest control is conducted on adjacent conventional farmland, representatives from eco-friendly agricultural complexes will be present on-site to oversee the process.To enhance safety management, pre-education has also been conducted. On July 30, Gwangju City held a training session at the Agricultural Technology Center for over 100 representatives from complexes and pest control companies, covering safety management guidelines from the purchase to the transportation, storage, and application of eco-friendly agricultural materials, as well as the operation of the pre-notification system for joint pest control.Kim Young-seok, head of the Eco-Friendly Agriculture Division in Gwangju City, emphasized the importance of thorough management from the pest control stage to maintain consumer trust in eco-friendly agricultural products.He urged, “Representatives of complexes and pest control companies must strictly adhere to the pre-notification system and eco-friendly certification standards, and focus on on-site management to ensure the production of safe eco-friendly agricultural products through pre-monitoring and damage prevention.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:56:00 -
Semiconductor parts maker Dongwon Parts seeks KOSDAQ listing SEOUL, August 07 (AJP) — South Korean semiconductor parts maker Dongwon Parts has launched its initial public offering (IPO) process, seeking a KOSDAQ listing after a sharp rise in earnings driven by stronger demand from global chip equipment makers. The company said Friday it submitted a preliminary listing application to the Korea Exchange (KRX), with Samsung Securities serving as the lead underwriter. Revenue rose to 92.3 billion won ($64.7 million) last year from 59.5 billion won a year earlier, while operating profit jumped to 7.8 billion won from 1.1 billion won, as demand from global semiconductor equipment makers increased. Founded in 1997, Dongwon Parts manufactures parts used in semiconductor equipment for etching, deposition and cleaning — processes used to shape, build and clean the thin layers that make up semiconductor chips. Its main products include showerheads and chamber parts used inside chipmaking equipment. Showerheads spread gases evenly across semiconductor wafers during production, while chamber parts form part of the enclosed space where chips are processed. The company has not unveiled the names of its core clients. Using technology that drills tiny holes with high precision, Dongwon Parts supplies parts to major U.S. chip equipment makers, including Lam Research and Applied Materials. Direct exports and sales to global equipment makers account for 51 percent of its revenue. To support those customers, it handles most of the manufacturing process itself, from preparing and machining materials to assembling and inspecting finished products. Keeping these steps in-house allows the company to supply assembled modules and develop prototypes more quickly. The company plans to follow the standard listing process, backed by its earnings and global customer base. It will not use a special listing track that allows promising technology companies to go public even if they do not yet meet standard financial requirements. Cho Deok-hyung, CEO of the company, said rising investment in equipment used to produce AI chips, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and more advanced chip packages is creating new opportunities for the company. “The KOSDAQ listing will help us strengthen our semiconductor parts business and expand into new industries using metal 3D printing technology,” he added. AJP Takeaways: • Dongwon Parts applied for preliminary approval to list on South Korea's KOSDAQ market on Aug. 7, 2026, formally launching its initial public offering (IPO) process. Samsung Securities is the lead underwriter. • Dongwon Parts recorded revenue of 92.3 billion won ($64.7 million) and operating profit of 7.8 billion won in 2025, up from 59.5 billion won and 1.1 billion won, respectively, in 2024. • Founded in 1997, Dongwon Parts makes parts for semiconductor equipment used in chipmaking processes such as etching, deposition and cleaning. Its customers include major U.S. chip equipment makers Lam Research and Applied Materials. • Dongwon Parts plans to pursue the standard KOSDAQ listing process and expand beyond semiconductor parts by using metal 3D printing technology in new industries. 2026-08-07 10:51:33 -
Korea's Smart Factory ODA Project Launches in Vietnam with Hanoi Office Opening The Small and Medium Business Technology Information Promotion Agency's AI Innovation Promotion Team is officially launching the 'Vietnam Smart Factory ODA Project.'On July 29, the agency held an opening ceremony for its local office in Hanoi, Vietnam, along with a briefing on process improvement consulting aimed at fostering a smart manufacturing and AI innovation ecosystem between Korea and Vietnam.This event was organized to ensure the successful implementation of the 'Vietnam Smart Factory ODA Project,' which will commence in 2026, and to promote collaboration in smart manufacturing innovation and AI.Notably, the local briefing attracted over 100 attendees, including representatives from the Vietnamese government and business leaders, as well as around 50 local manufacturing companies. The session aimed to identify the technology needs of local firms for preliminary consulting on smart factories, targeting 20 companies.The promotion team provided information on the establishment of Korean-style smart factories, details on local consulting support, participation conditions, and application methods. Following the briefing, networking opportunities and one-on-one consultations were conducted to assess the specific technology needs and process challenges faced by the companies.Additionally, the agency previously announced a call for participants in the '2026 Smart Factory Support Project Best Practices Consortium' to discover and disseminate exemplary cases of smart factory implementations.Director Ahn Kwang-hyun stated, 'With the opening of this local office in Hanoi, we have established a foundation for business operations in Vietnam. We will diligently pursue consulting projects to achieve tangible process improvement results for local manufacturing companies.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:48:10
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Muan Youth Center Concludes Environmental Education Program 'Green Summer' The Muan Youth Center in Jeonnam has highlighted the importance of resource circulation and eco-friendly living through hands-on environmental education tailored for youth.The center announced the conclusion of its July program, 'Green Summer,' designed to help young people experience the value of the environment and resource circulation firsthand.This program focused on upcycling, moving beyond simple crafting to add new value to discarded or underutilized resources. Participants engaged in the production process, allowing them to naturally understand the meaning of resource circulation.Youth participants created items such as paper air fresheners and doorbells made from sea glass, as well as standing mirrors from coffee grounds and earth soaps.They learned that materials often discarded in daily life can be transformed into new household items and artworks, emphasizing that resource recycling and environmental protection can start with small actions in everyday life.The youth center aimed to make the concepts of resource circulation and eco-friendly practices more accessible and enjoyable for young people by integrating experiential activities into environmental education.One participant remarked, "It was fascinating to see discarded materials transformed into beautiful creations, and I enjoyed learning about environmental protection in a fun way."The Muan Youth Center plans to continue developing programs that reflect the interests and needs of youth, expanding its role as a space for activities that combine experience and education.Jang Young-sun, head of the Muan County Resident Life Division, stated, "I hope that by experiencing the value of the environment firsthand, young people will be inspired to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. We will continue to offer various programs to ensure the youth center remains a place where young people can learn and grow joyfully."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:48:10
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K-Fashion Expands Globally with Partnership Between Content Agency and Hyundai Department Store South Korea's Content Agency and Hyundai Department Store have joined forces to support the international expansion of domestic small and medium-sized fashion designer brands.The two organizations announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on August 6 at the CKL Business Support Center in Seoul.The Content Agency will handle brand selection and marketing, while Hyundai Department Store will manage overseas distribution networks and local store operations.Key figures at the signing ceremony included Kim Young-soo, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Kim Yoon-ji, head of the Content Agency; and Jung Ji-young, CEO of Hyundai Department Store. Deputy Minister Kim emphasized the potential for K-culture to expand beyond traditional content and arts into fashion, beauty, food, and tourism, projecting it to become a $400 billion export industry by 2030. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing the global competitiveness of K-fashion.The first initiative will launch in Tokyo, Japan. Starting September 25, a pop-up store featuring domestic designer brands will open on the fourth floor of the Shibuya Parco department store, with the first brand being 'Yase.' This series of pop-up stores will continue until April 2027, featuring five initial brands: Verso, SEO, Lee, Noang, and Yase. A second round of brand recruitment will take place this month, aiming to support a total of 11 brands.The two organizations plan to expand their collaboration to other major international markets, including Paris, following the Tokyo initiative.Jung Ji-young, CEO of Hyundai Department Store, stated, 'We will continue to play a responsible role in expanding the global ecosystem of K-brands and ensuring sustainable growth through differentiated brand discovery and incubation capabilities, as well as content planning.'Kim Yoon-ji, head of the Content Agency, added, 'We will actively support the enhancement of the global competitiveness of excellent domestic fashion brands and secure stable export channels based on public-private cooperation, aiming to expand K-content into K-culture through synergies with related industries.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:48:00
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Aekyung Industry Donates $4.5 Million in Products to Vulnerable Communities in Seoul Aekyung Industry has donated products worth 5.3 billion won (approximately $4.5 million) to support vulnerable communities in Seoul. This initiative, which began in 2012, marks the 15th year of the company's support for low-income households, bringing the total donations to 61.9 billion won (about $52 million). On August 6, Aekyung Industry held a product donation ceremony at Seoul City Hall in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Community Chest of Korea, and the Hope Sharing Association. Attendees included Aekyung Industry CEO Kim Sang-jun, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul Community Chest of Korea Chairman Kim Jae-rok, and Hope Sharing Association Chairman Kim Jung-an. The donated items include household products such as laundry detergent, shampoo, and toothpaste, as well as cosmetics and sanitary products, totaling 5.3 billion won. These products will be distributed to social welfare facilities, independent living facilities, and vulnerable households in Seoul through the Seoul Community Chest of Korea and the Hope Sharing Association. Aekyung Industry launched the 'Warm Companionship, Beautiful Sharing' project in partnership with the Seoul Community Chest of Korea to support low-income households. Over the past 15 years, the company has provided essential goods and cosmetics valued at 61.9 billion won. In July of last year, Aekyung donated 6 billion won worth of household items to vulnerable communities in Seoul, surpassing a cumulative donation total of 54.3 billion won. This effort, along with 14 years of social contribution activities, earned the company a plaque of appreciation from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Community Chest of Korea. In November of the same year, Aekyung provided 'Hope Packages' consisting of daily and hygiene products to 5,000 households in Seoul, increasing the cumulative donation amount to 56.6 billion won. Aekyung Industry also received an A+ rating in the social (S) category from the Korea ESG Standards Institute, achieving an overall A rating for five consecutive years. Kim Sang-jun, CEO of Aekyung Industry, stated, "We will continue to engage in various social contribution activities that provide practical help to those in need, based on our corporate mission and management philosophy of 'Love and Respect.'" * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:48:00
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Korea-U.S. Science and Technology Conference Kicks Off in Orlando More than 1,000 scientists and engineers from South Korea and the United States gathered to discuss joint research and technology commercialization in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), biohealth, aerospace, and semiconductors.The Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) announced that the '2026 Korea-U.S. Science and Technology Conference (UKC 2026)' opened on August 6 in Orlando, Florida, co-hosted by the Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association and the Korea-U.S. Science Cooperation Center.UKC is a Korean scientific and technological conference held in North America. It was first held in 1994 and has been conducted in collaboration with KOFST since 2002. This year's theme is 'From Imagination to Innovation – Into Reality.' Over 1,000 participants from Korea and the U.S. are discussing joint research and technology commercialization strategies in key strategic technology areas, including AI, biohealth, aerospace, semiconductors, and clean energy.In his opening remarks, KOFST President Kwon Oh-nam stated, "It is meaningful to open a venue for innovation where Korean and American scientists and engineers can turn imagination into reality in Orlando, the center of global technological innovation. When scientists and engineers from Korea and the U.S. resonate beyond borders and academic boundaries, great achievements that can change the future of humanity will be created."Following the opening ceremony, an 'AI Forum' was held, focusing on the 'Genesis Mission' led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), discussing ways to connect high-performance computing, AI, basic science, and industrial sites.Kwon emphasized the need for strategic cooperation between Korea and the U.S. in the AI era during the forum. KOFST plans to strengthen its role as a science and technology cooperation platform connecting domestic and international industry, academia, and research.UKC 2026 will feature not only academic programs but also initiatives for industry-academia-research collaboration, technology commercialization, science and technology policy, entrepreneurship, and nurturing the next generation of researchers. Programs such as SEED workshops, FIRE symposiums, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Symposiums (IES) will support international joint research and networking for emerging scientists and technologists. Additionally, KOFST will hold the 'KOFST Next Generation Alumni Forum (YGF·YPF)' to facilitate exchanges among young scientists and engineers, including next-generation Korean American scientists and emerging researchers from Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:44:00
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OpenAI Reveals Design of New AI Device: A Screenless 'Doughnut-Shaped Speaker' OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has unveiled the design of a new artificial intelligence (AI) device being developed in collaboration with Jony Ive. The device is a portable speaker shaped like a doughnut, without a screen, and is targeted for release next year.According to Bloomberg on August 6, the device is roughly the size of a hockey puck and features a circular design with a hole in the center. It includes a built-in battery, allowing users to move it around the home without being tethered to a power source.Users will interact with the device through voice commands instead of a screen. While it resembles the voice mode of ChatGPT, it is being developed with a more advanced AI model to facilitate natural conversations.The device will also be equipped with a camera and various sensors to recognize its surroundings, including people and objects. When responding to users, some components will move or lights will activate, indicating that the device is operational.The anticipated price is expected to exceed $300, making it more expensive than typical smart speakers but still cheaper than smartphones like the iPhone.However, an ongoing trade secret lawsuit with Apple poses a potential obstacle to the launch schedule. Apple has alleged that OpenAI improperly utilized its hardware design and manufacturing trade secrets and has filed for an injunction to prevent the use of that information.OpenAI has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit, asserting that it did not use Apple’s trade secrets and that the device under development is distinct from Apple products.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:40:20
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Hyein Shares Surge on AI Data Center Expansion Hopes Hyein's shares soared to the daily limit on expectations of benefiting from the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 10:31 a.m., Hyein's stock was trading at 5,910 won, up 1,360 won (29.89%) from the previous trading day.Market analysts are focusing on Hyein's role as the official dealer for global construction and mining equipment company Caterpillar in South Korea. Hyein primarily engages in the supply of generators and engines, as well as maintenance services, and is expanding its presence in the emergency generator market for data centers.With the rapid growth of the AI industry, competition to build large-scale data centers is intensifying. As reliable power supply is essential for data centers, the importance of emergency generators is increasing, drawing investor interest toward companies supplying related equipment.Hyein has participated in major domestic data center projects, reportedly supplying Caterpillar emergency generators to data centers for Samsung Electronics and Kakao, and is also expanding its involvement in overseas data center projects.Additionally, Hyein supplies engines for high-speed vessels and large transport ships in the defense sector. Industry experts believe that the growth in AI infrastructure investment and the defense business is enhancing expectations for Hyein's performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:40:00
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hy Expands Research on Probiotic HP7 from Stomach to Intestine hy is expanding its research on its proprietary probiotic HP7, originally isolated from kimchi, from the stomach to the intestine. Comparative studies of live HP7 and heat-treated, inactive HP7 under the same conditions showed improvements in intestinal motility indicators in animal models for both forms. Based on these findings, hy plans to broaden the application of HP7 not only as a live probiotic but also as a postbiotic material. On August 7, hy announced that its research paper on HP7's effects on intestinal motility and gut barrier function has been published in the international journal Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (JMB). According to the company, this is the seventh research paper related to HP7. HP7 is a kimchi-derived probiotic developed by hy, which has been assigned a strain number. Research has primarily focused on its ability to inhibit Helicobacter pylori and its effects on gastrointestinal motility, emphasizing stomach health. Experimental results indicated that both groups receiving live and heat-treated HP7 showed improvements in bowel movement frequency, stool moisture content, and small intestine content movement. Changes were also observed in genes involved in water transport, mucus production, and gut barrier maintenance. In colon tissue, the tissue changes associated with reduced intestinal motility were alleviated. There were differences in how the two forms affected gut microbiota. Live HP7 caused a relatively broad change in the gut microbiome structure, while heat-treated HP7 exhibited selective changes in specific microbial groups. The research team concluded that heat-treated HP7 retains biological activity and merits further investigation as a potential postbiotic candidate for regulating intestinal motility. Kim Joo-yeon, head of the New Material Development Team at hy's Central Research Institute, stated, "This research expands the scope of HP7 from the stomach to the intestine and confirms the similarities and differences between live probiotics and postbiotics. We will continue to accumulate scientific evidence for each strain and develop products and materials that consider the characteristics of each form." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-07 10:40:00