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Kolmar Korea to develop AI-driven cosmetics factory under government project SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Cosmetics manufacturer Kolmar Korea said Monday that it has been chosen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to lead the development of an artificial intelligence–integrated autonomous manufacturing system for cosmetics — an ambitious effort to transform how beauty products are made. The initiative, known as the AI Factory Project, aims to surpass current “smart factory” systems by using real-time data and AI models to autonomously optimize production. The company said it plans to modularize each stage of production — from planning and manufacturing to quality control and packaging — and apply AI. Kolmar Korea expects the system to cut rework caused by defects, boost efficiency and allow its facilities to quickly adjust to shifting consumer preferences in the fast-paced beauty market. The project will run from September 2025 through December 2029. The company’s key responsibilities include building an integrated production data platform and developing AI systems capable of autonomously controlling manufacturing processes. Kolmar Korea began automating its operations in 2019, when it introduced a smart factory system that has since reduced manufacturing defects by 42 percent. “Being selected as the sole lead company in the cosmetics industry for this project recognizes our technological and innovative leadership,” the company said in a press release. “We aim to strengthen K-beauty’s global competitiveness and raise productivity across the industry.” Headquartered in Seoul, Kolmar Korea operates production facilities in South Korea, the United States, Canada and China. The company said it plans to expand the AI manufacturing system to its global bases and gradually apply it across its subsidiaries. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 16:21:14 -
Security alert to be raised ahead of APEC summit SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - In preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju next week, the government is set to implement a series of anti-terrorism measures while raising the country's alert levels later this week. According to the Prime Minister's Office on Monday, the measures are part of coordinated efforts by relevant agencies to ensure a proactive response to a potential rise in terror threats and other crimes during the multilateral gathering scheduled for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Specifically, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, the alert level will be further raised in the summit venue of Gyeongju, as well as in nearby provincial areas including Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan. Authorities will also boost security and increase patrols at major venues and public facilities, while reinforcing joint response systems to address any incidents promptly. "While increased security measures, such as traffic controls and expanded screenings, may cause inconvenience to citizens and visitors, they are necessary to ensure safety during the summit. We ask for your understanding and cooperation," said an official from the office. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 16:01:43 -
KAIST develops light-based process that boosts hydrogen catalyst efficiency sixfold SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - A research team at KAIST has developed a light-powered process that can produce high-performance hydrogen catalysts using only a fraction of the usual energy. The technique uses an ultra-short flash of light to generate extreme heat, enabling the rapid creation of advanced materials for clean energy applications. The study, led by Professor Il-Doo Kim, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor Seongyool Choi, School of Electrical Engineering, introduced a platform called "direct-contact photothermal annealing." By flashing light for just 0.02 seconds, the system reaches 3,000 degrees Celsius—enough to transform nanodiamond particles into carbon nano-onions, a highly conductive and stable material suited for hydrogen production. The new approach consumes about one ten-millionth of the energy required by conventional heating while making the process hundreds of times faster. During the reaction, metal atoms such as platinum, cobalt, and nickel bond individually to the surface of the carbon nano-onions, creating a highly efficient single-atom catalyst. The platinum-based version showed up to six times higher hydrogen production efficiency using much smaller amounts of metal. Professor Kim said the method marks the first demonstration of a direct-contact photothermal process capable of reaching such high temperatures in milliseconds. "By cutting energy use more than a thousandfold, this integrated process could speed up the commercialization of clean hydrogen and other catalyst technologies," he said. The research was carried out by KAIST doctoral candidate Jeon Kyung-do, Dr. Shin Ha-min (now at ETH Zurich), and Dr. Cha Jun-hoe (now at SK hynix), under the supervision of Professors Kim and Choi. The findings were published as a supplementary cover article in the September issue of ACS Nano, published by the American Chemical Society. 2025-10-20 15:55:12 -
JW Pharma's hemophilia A treatment added to WHO's Essential Medicines List SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea's JW Pharmaceutical said Monday that Hemlibra, its treatment for hemophilia A, has been added to the World Health Organization’s 2025 Essential Medicines List (EML) and the Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc). Hemlibra is the only preventive therapy available for both patients with and without inhibitors, offering sustained protection against bleeding through a single subcutaneous injection every four weeks — a major improvement in convenience compared with traditional intravenous infusions. The WHO’s decision followed an extensive review of Hemlibra’s efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, based on global clinical data evaluated at the request of the World Federation of Hemophilia, the company said. Clinical trials have shown that the drug helps maintain low annual bleeding rates and significantly reduces joint bleeding, with most side effects limited to mild reactions such as pain at the injection site. “The WHO listing recognizes Hemlibra’s global clinical value and safety,” JW Pharmaceutical said in a press release. “We will continue working to provide stable and consistent prophylactic treatment for patients in Korea.” * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 15:24:26 -
Director Park Chan-wook wins award at film festival in Spain SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Award-winning director Park Chan-wook added another gong under his belt as he won an award given to the best director with his latest film "No Other Choice." Park won the award at this year's Sitges Film Festival, which wrapped up in Spain last Sunday. The festival, the world's largest genre film festival, showcases fantasy and horror films celebrated for their creativity. Park has long been the festival's favorite, having previously won awards for "Oldboy" (2003), "Three… Extremes" (2004), "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" (2006), "Night Fishing" (2011), and "The Handmaiden" (2016). Earlier the thriller was invited to the Venice International Film Festival last month, becoming the first South Korean film in more than a decade to compete there. About a week later, it also won the International Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Park's 12th feature, an adaptation of 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 must find a new job to support his family. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 15:21:54 -
South Korea's Hanwha Systems showcases high-resolution radar satellite SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Systems has revealed a new radar satellite that can capture extremely detailed images from space, marking a major step in South Korea’s space and defense ambitions. The company, along with Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Ocean, showcased the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Ultra High Resolution (UHR) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite for the first time at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025 in Ilsan, Monday. Operating at altitudes below 400 kilometers, the VLEO UHR SAR satellite can detect objects as small as 15 centimeters — like a cell phone or a water bottle — surpassing the resolution of current top-tier radar satellites. The breakthrough could transform how South Korea observes and gathers data from space. Hanwha Systems said it plans to expand beyond building satellites to offer satellite imaging services and AI-based image analysis. The company also displayed a range of advanced radars, including systems for the KF-21 fighter jet, unmanned combat aircraft, and Gray Eagle-STOL drone. In a joint effort with Italy’s Leonardo, Hanwha unveiled the GRIFO-EK radar for light combat aircraft, attracting strong interest from the defense sector. Hanwha also presented an AI-powered integrated air defense system that can identify and respond to threats at various altitudes and distances. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 14:29:24 -
Speculation mounts over Trump–Kim meeting as Panmunjom tours suspended during APEC summit SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Tours to the truce village of Panmunjom will be suspended from late October to early November, coinciding with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju next week. "There will be no tours to Panmunjom provided by the ministry during that period," said Gu Byung-sam, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification on Monday, adding that any further inquiries should be directed to the United Nations Command (UNC), which governs the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. In coordination with the UNC, the ministry has offered group tours twice daily of up to 40 people, mostly consisting of government officials and researchers from state-run institutions. The temporary halt is fueling speculation about a possible surprise meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to make a brief visit to the historic city for the summit, which is scheduled to take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Talks of such a meeting have already surfaced after CNN reported over the weekend that U.S. officials are "quietly discussing" it, "though many are skeptical that it will ultimately happen." In 2019, Trump and Kim had a photo-op at Panmunjom with only about a day's notice, shortly after exchanging messages on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting a similar event could occur again. But the UNC merely said it would not comment on hypothetical situations related to the matter, adding that requests for access to the Joint Security Area (JSA) are handled in accordance with safety and relevant procedures. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 14:26:06 -
KAI teams up with US defense firm to develop manned-unmanned aircraft systems SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Monday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a U.S. defense company known for its unmanned aerial systems, to collaborate on manned-unmanned teaming technology. The agreement seeks to establish a partnership in developing systems that integrate piloted aircraft with drones — known as manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T — for the domestic market, with an eye toward future expansion overseas. KAI has identified MUM-T platforms as one of its six next-generation growth areas. Earlier this year, the company unveiled KAILOT, an artificial intelligence pilot brand, as part of a broader push to advance autonomous flight technology. Kratos, based in San Diego, has built a reputation as a key player in the U.S. defense sector, producing systems such as the XQ-58 Valkyrie and BQM-167 aerial target drones. Over the past decades, the company has supplied high-performance drones for the U.S. military and recently achieved milestones in collaborative combat aircraft and MUM-T operations. The partnership comes as South Korea seeks to merge artificial intelligence and autonomous flight into its next generation of combat systems. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 14:16:07 -
South Korean Air Force to work with science ministry to develop quantum-based weapons SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - The Ministry of Science and ICT and the South Korean Air Force signed an agreement Monday to collaborate on developing next-generation weapon systems powered by quantum technology. The signing took place at the KINTEX convention center in Ilsan, northwest of Seoul. Quantum technologies — long touted for their potential to revolutionize both civilian and military systems — could enable GPS-independent navigation, stealth detection, and even the disruption of encrypted communications. Under the agreement, the ministry will provide the Air Force with technical consulting and infrastructure support, while the Air Force plans to incorporate quantum applications into future weapons development requirements. “This agreement will promote the development of advanced weapon systems using quantum technology, strengthening national defense and achieving technological independence,” said Ryu Je-myung, the second vice minister of science. “It is also expected to enhance the competitiveness of K-defense.” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak added that the military would “actively cooperate with the science ministry to secure innovative technologies such as quantum radar and hybrid combat systems.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-20 14:03:39 -
Asian shares broadly higher early Mon, led by Nikkei's rally to new highs SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Asian markets opened higher across the board Monday, led by Japan, as political uncertainties eased following Sanae Takaichi’s likely premiership and sentiment in China improved after the central bank left its loan prime rates unchanged for October. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.6 percent in early trading to hit fresh record highs after reports of a political breakthrough in Tokyo — a coalition deal between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party — paving the way for Takaichi’s appointment as prime minister. The KOSPI opened 0.71 percent higher at 3,775.4 but soon hovered near flat as investors took a breather from last week’s record-setting rally driven by optimism over a possible tariff deal with the United States. Market participants also stayed cautious ahead of Thursday’s Bank of Korea monetary policy meeting and Friday’s release of the U.S. consumer price index. Among major movers, SK hynix extended its record-breaking climb, rising 2.3 percent to 477,500 won (US$ 335.69), while Samsung Electronics slipped 0.6 percent to around 97,000 won. LG Electronics jumped 5.6 percent to about 89,000 won after its third-quarter earnings beat market expectations. In China, the Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.6 percent to around 3,862, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 2 percent to 25,753, recovering losses from last week. Taiwan’s TAIEX rose 1.7 percent to 27,761, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index traded higher in off-market hours. 2025-10-20 11:28:18