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[[K-Tech]] LG CNS will build Indonesia's largest AI data center SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - LG CNS said Wednesday it had secured a contract to build Indonesia’s largest artificial intelligence data center, marking the first time a Korean firm will construct such a facility abroad. The project, located in Jakarta, involves the development of an 11-story hyperscale AI data center with a power capacity of 30 megawatts and a total floor space of roughly 46,000 square meters. Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2026. Once operational, the facility will house more than 100,000 servers and is estimated to cost around 100 billion won, or about $75 million. The company said it sees the project as a strategic foothold for entering key regional markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, where demand for AI infrastructure is rapidly accelerating. LG CNS signed the construction deal on Monday through its joint venture, LG Sinarmas Technology Solutions, with Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group — the country’s third-largest conglomerate. The client, Kuningan Mas Gemilang (KMG), is a joint venture between Sinar Mas and Korea Investment Real Asset Management. The company plans to increase the facility’s power capacity to 220 megawatts in later development phases. KMG tapped LG CNS as its construction partner after the Korean firm completed consulting and design services for the project in 2024. To accommodate the demands of AI workloads, the facility will employ a hybrid cooling system that combines conventional air-based cooling with advanced liquid cooling technologies — necessary for handling the extreme heat produced by high-performance GPUs. The data center will also support high-density racks with power demands of up to 130 kilowatts each — more than 20 times that of typical racks — and will be equipped with dual power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations. Cooling solutions will be supplied by LG Electronics, and energy storage systems will come from LG Energy Solution. “This project demonstrates our ambition to be a global leader in AI data infrastructure,” said Hyun Shin-gyoon, chief executive of LG CNS. “We will leverage our expertise to deliver a next-generation AI data center that creates exceptional value for our client and expands our presence across Southeast Asia.” 2025-08-06 10:37:35
[[K-Pop]] Jimin earns first solo MTV VMA nomination for 'Who' SEOUL, August 06 (AJP) - BTS member Jimin has earned his first solo nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards, marking a new milestone in his career apart from the group's global dominance. MTV officially announced Wednesday through its X (formerly Twitter) account that Jimin's solo track "Who" is nominated for Best K-Pop at this year's awards ceremony. The nomination places him among a formidable lineup of K-pop stars, including aespa, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Stray Kids, and Rosé. While BTS has taken home multiple VMAs in past years, this is Jimin's first time contending for the trophy as a solo artist. The MTV Video Music Awards, launched in 1984, have long been considered one of the most influential music award shows in the world. Often regarded as the pop music industry's answer to the Oscars, the VMAs have hosted some of the most iconic performances and career-defining moments in modern music history. The addition of the Best K-Pop category in 2019 reflected the genre’s growing presence on the global stage and recognized the rising influence of South Korean artists in mainstream pop. "Who," released last year, has been praised for showcasing Jimin’s distinct vocal tone and emotional depth. The song charted well globally and has contributed to his growing recognition as a standalone performer. With the nomination, Jimin joins the ranks of other K-pop idols making strong individual statements beyond their group identities. Fan voting for the 2025 VMAs is currently open on MTV's website. The awards ceremony will take place on September 7. 2025-08-06 09:19:25
[[K-Beauty]] CJ Olive Young courts American consumers at K-pop festival in LA SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - CJ Olive Young, South Korea’s leading beauty retailer, drew a crowd of 36,000 visitors over three days at KCON LA 2025 with its largest K-beauty booth to date, the company said Tuesday. The immersive 430-square-meter installation spotlighted 164 products from 66 Korean brands, aiming to deepen engagement with U.S. consumers at the annual K-pop and culture festival held at the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. At the center of the experience was a skincare zone, where attendees sampled over 40 products ranging from essences and serums to suncare, sheet masks, and moisturizing creams — all curated to reflect Korean skincare rituals. A UV protection testing device allowed visitors to measure sunscreen efficacy on the spot, while a newly introduced skin scanning service provided personalized skincare recommendations based on facial analysis. To further entice attendees, Olive Young offered complimentary skincare starter kits featuring products from six popular brands. Long lines formed throughout the event as visitors waited to participate in the interactive skincare sessions, the company said. The booth also served as a platform for promoting smaller Korean beauty labels. A dedicated section highlighted 34 products from 30 small and mid-sized enterprises chosen through government-backed programs supporting global market entry. Meanwhile, Olive Young’s own private-label brands — Bio Heal BOH, Bring Green, and COLORGRAM — were prominently featured in stand-alone installations. 2025-08-05 17:29:31
Lee invites former presidents to large-scale inauguration celebration next week SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Ex-presidents will be among attendees to a large-scale event in celebration of the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung, to be held in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul next week, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said on Tuesday. Coinciding the 80th anniversary of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day, the event comes about two months after Lee took office with a low-key ceremony on June 4. Lee had no time to spare for a full transition period as he was elected through a snap election to replace former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol who was impeached over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year. During a press briefing, Kang said, "Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sang-ho is set to deliver invitation letters to guests including former President Moon Jae-in and his wife, as well as former first lady Kwon Yang-sook, the widow of the late President Roh Moo-hyun." Invitations will also be sent to other former presidents and their widows, but Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee were excluded as they are currently under investigation over a slew of allegations. The move is part of Lee's efforts to promote national unity through "respect for former presidents and their spouses," according to Kang. Roughly 10,000 citizens including independence fighters against Japanese colonial rule, patriots, war veterans, and residents of the northernmost border town of Goseong in Gangwon Province, will also be invited to the event. 2025-08-05 16:35:26
[[K-Tech]] Samsung's Galaxy S25 hits 3 million sales in Korea — fastest pace yet for 5G Galaxy phone SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said Tuesday that its Galaxy S25 smartphone series has surpassed 3 million domestic sales, achieving the milestone faster than any previous 5G Galaxy S device. Launched in February 2025, the Galaxy S25 lineup reached the 3 million mark two months earlier than its predecessor, while maintaining steady momentum throughout the first half of the year. Pre-launch anticipation was particularly high, with Samsung recording 1.3 million pre-orders — the highest in the Galaxy S series’ history. Much of the enthusiasm was driven by upgrades in performance and the debut of Galaxy AI features, including the personalized “Now Brief” function. Samsung cited widespread use of new on-device AI tools such as generative photo editing, automatic slow-motion rendering, and audio eraser features as key factors in sustaining sales after the launch period. The company’s Galaxy AI subscription club, which offers a 50 percent residual value guarantee after one year, also proved popular — accounting for 30 percent of purchases made through Samsung’s direct sales channels. The company’s success extended into the second half of the year with the recent launch of its foldable flagships, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, on July 25. The duo generated a record 1.04 million pre-orders — surpassing all previous foldable Galaxy models — fueled by a slimmer design and the foldable-optimized ONE UI 8 interface. Samsung credited the strong showing to its continued integration of advanced AI and hardware innovation across its product lineup. 2025-08-05 16:29:33
[[K-Tech]] S. Korean firm lands $79 million deal for Singapore power grid expansion SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s Taihan Cable & Solution has secured a major contract with Singapore’s state-run electricity provider to deliver and install a 400-kilovolt underground power network as part of a regional initiative to expand clean energy transmission. The deal, announced Tuesday, was signed with SP PowerAssets Limited and is valued at approximately 110 billion won, or $79.2 million. The project will form a critical piece of Singapore’s energy infrastructure as the city-state prepares to import renewable electricity from Indonesia. Under a turnkey model, Taihan will oversee the full construction of the high-voltage system — from initial design and cable manufacturing to underground installation, connection, and testing — delivering a fully operational network to SP PowerAssets. The new transmission line will feed power to a substation on Singapore’s West Jurong Island, a key industrial hub. The contract comes as Singapore's electricity demand surges, fueled by a growing number of data centers and AI-driven infrastructure. The cross-border grid project is part of a broader push by Southeast Asian nations to decarbonize energy systems and enhance regional connectivity. “This contract once again proves Taihan’s competitive edge in Singapore’s ultra-high voltage power grid market,” the company said in a statement. “As a key supplier in the region, we plan to accelerate our push into high-value markets by leveraging our technological leadership in strategic products such as HVDC and subsea cable systems.” 2025-08-05 16:22:30
[[K-Food]] Young chefs explore Korean cuisine in Indonesia SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Riding a global wave of enthusiasm for Korean food culture, South Korean food firm CJ CheilJedang has concluded its first overseas culinary competition, aimed at fostering the next generation of Korean food ambassadors abroad. The event, part of the company’s Cuisine.K initiative, was held in Indonesia in partnership with Akademi Sages, a leading culinary institute in the country. CJ CheilJedang served as the exclusive sponsor of the two-month competition, which attracted over 100 aspiring chefs eager to fuse Korean flavors with local traditions. The contest began in May with an online preliminary round, challenging participants to create original dishes under the theme of Indonesian-Korean main courses using Korean ingredients. Competitors drew on a variety of CJ products widely available in Indonesia — such as Bibigo dumplings, seaweed, and gochujang (red pepper paste) — to craft dishes that reflected both culinary cultures. Michael Ken Samuel, who emerged as the grand prize winner, impressed judges with his inventive use of dumplings and fermented soybean paste. “This competition not only deepened my understanding of Korean cuisine but also solidified my dream of becoming a Korean food chef,” Samuel said following his win. The initiative comes as Korean cuisine continues to gain international attention through popular media, including Netflix’s hit cooking show Culinary Class Wars, which has helped spotlight Korean food culture on screens worldwide. “For CJ CheilJedang, this was more than a competition — it was a meaningful opportunity to inspire lasting interest in Korean cuisine and share the DNA of K-food with the next generation of chefs in Indonesia,” said Kim Sang-myeong, who oversaw the project. The company said it plans to expand the Cuisine.K program to other countries in the coming years, in line with its broader efforts to globalize Korean food and elevate local talent with a passion for Korean flavors. 2025-08-05 16:16:26
TRAVEL: Seeking solace in cold valleys of Mount Geumsu JECHEON, August 05 (AJP) - In the thick of a Korean summer, when the humidity clings to your skin and the sun bakes the city streets, the idea of hiking a mountain may seem more ordeal than escape. But in the highlands of the Korean Peninsula, nature offers a surprising reprieve. At Mount Geumsu, which straddles the regions of Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, chilled streams and shaded trails provide relief even in the hottest months. Rising to 1,016 meters and nestled within Woraksan National Park, Mount Geumsu is one of the few places where a midsummer trek ends not in exhaustion, but exhilaration. What makes this mountain especially unique is the phenomenon known as "eoreumgol" — literally “Ice Valley.” Here, even during August’s peak heat, icy air seeps from deep rock crevices, cooling the surrounding area and forming frost under the right conditions. The crevices are wide enough for two or three people to sit inside, and the cold draft is so strong it seems to breathe new life into tired limbs. Only a handful of such valleys exist across the country, found in places like Mount Palgong in Gunwi and Mount Juwang in Cheongsong. But Mount Geumsu's eoreumgol, combined with the mountain’s dense pine forests and mineral springs, makes it a rare refuge — a natural air-conditioner built into the landscape. For weary hikers, the moment of dipping sun-warmed hands into the icy waters of a mountain stream is a kind of instant therapy. The stream winds through mossy rocks beneath the forest canopy, its glass-clear water offering moments of quiet reflection and pure sensory pleasure. The reward for reaching the summit is a sweeping view of the Namhangang River and the sprawling lakes formed by the Chungju Dam — known as Chungju Lake in Chungju and Cheongpung Lake in Jecheon. On clear days, the glinting expanse of water, framed by green peaks, feels worlds away from the thick summer air below. In a season when many seek comfort in air-conditioned rooms and beach crowds, Mount Geumsu offers something quieter, cooler, and altogether more rejuvenating — proof that, sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to climb toward it. 2025-08-05 16:06:46
Former first lady to appear for questioning on Wednesday SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - While disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been stalling questioning, his wife and ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee is expected to appear for questioning on Wednesday over a slew of allegations. Once she does, Kim will become the first former first lady to be publicly summoned in the country's modern history. She has been accused of accepting bribes including a luxury handbag and jewelry, being involved in a stock manipulation scheme, and interfering in candidate nominations during the 2022 by-elections. Some of her charges had previously been dismissed, but fresh evidence uncovered by independent prosecutors has led to the reopening of related probes. Kim earlier said she would faithfully undergo questioning, though it remains to be seen whether she will fully cooperate. Meanwhile, prosecutors, who failed to forcibly bring in Yoon for questioning from a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province last week, are expected to make another attempt later this week before a warrant to arrest him, issued by the Seoul Central District Court, expires on Thursday. They had to leave the prison empty-handed, as Yoon reportedly protested vehemently by lying almost bare-naked on the floor of his cell, refusing to comply with prosecutors' repeated requests to respond to questioning. But Yoon claimed he had to do so because of health issues, including difficulty regulating his body temperature, denouncing prosecutors for "publicly shaming" him by inappropriately revealing these personal ailments. 2025-08-05 15:54:31
Tajik teachers attend digital learning program in S. Korea SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - A seminar on digital education for teachers from Tajikistan kicked off on Monday in a central South Korean city, as part of growing educational cooperation between South Korea and Tajikistan. The two-week program, hosted by the Office of Education in Sejong city, South Korea’s administrative capital, brings together 30 Tajik teachers to explore Korea’s experience with digital tools in classrooms, teacher training, and online learning platforms. The initiative comes as Tajikistan accelerates its efforts to reform the education system through digital transformation. In recent years, the country has introduced a national roadmap for education digitalization and launched a five-year ICT program for schools. The country’s president Emomali Rahmon has also declared 2025 to 2030 the "Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development." "The knowledge and experience shared through this program will not only enhance the capabilities of teachers but also inspire countless students to become active participants in the digital age," said Salohiddin Kirom, Tajikistan’s ambassador to Seoul, expressing gratitude to the Sejong Office of Education. 2025-08-05 15:52:14