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Next-Generation Displays Featuring AI and Robotics Showcase at K-Display 2026 The largest display exhibition in South Korea is taking place at COEX in Seoul. This year's event will focus on the future of the next-generation display industry, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing and physical AI technology that combines AI and robotics.The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is hosting the '2026 Korea Display Industry Exhibition (K-Display 2026)' from July 22 to 24. Now in its 25th year, K-Display is the only international exhibition in South Korea dedicated to the latest display technologies and products.A total of 142 companies and organizations, including the leading domestic panel manufacturers in the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) sector and various materials, components, and equipment firms, are participating in this year's exhibition. The event features 446 booths, aiming to showcase the development direction of next-generation display technologies integrated with future industries.The exhibition includes a central theme hall where attendees can explore the future of display manufacturing with M.AX and the physical AI technology that combines displays, AI, and robotics. Additionally, business programs and trade consultations will support the global expansion of domestic materials and components companies. A job fair will also connect industry players with young talent.Six awards from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy will be presented. Samsung Display will showcase a high-brightness, high-efficiency, long-life laptop panel, while LG Display will present the world's first 5K ultra-high-definition OLED panel for monitors. SoluM will feature ultra-low-power electronic paper products, and Integrit will display products that combine AI robots with displays. Youngpoong GSI will present optical measurement equipment for OLED and micro LED, and T-Robotics will showcase a dual vacuum robot for ultra-clean production processes.This exhibition demonstrates that the competitive landscape of the display industry is expanding beyond simple panel performance to include AI transformation and application ecosystems. As competition with China intensifies, the domestic display industry must be supported by not only cutting-edge technology but also innovations in the materials, components, and manufacturing processes. Manufacturing AI and physical AI can enhance production efficiency and quality while broadening new demand sources.Choi Woo-hyuk, Director of the Advanced Industry Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated, "Displays are evolving beyond mere screens to become a core element driving changes in future industries. The government will actively promote the M.AX of the display industry, support the creation of regionally centered ecosystems, and help domestic companies' innovative new products enter the global market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 06:04:00
International Oil Prices Drop, Producer Prices Stabilize Last month, a decline in international oil prices led to a stabilization in the producer price index for the first time in ten months.According to preliminary statistics released by the Bank of Korea on June's producer price index, the index stood at 130.03, unchanged from the previous month. This marks the end of a nine-month streak of increases that began in September of last year.Prices for manufactured goods fell by 0.3% compared to the previous month, influenced by the drop in international oil prices. Notable declines were seen in coal and petroleum products (-5.3%) and chemical products (-1.8%). In contrast, prices for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products rose by 0.7%, while electricity, gas, water, and waste services increased by 1.0% and services by 0.2% respectively.Among specific items, prices for potatoes (-22.9%), other fish (-12.5%), naphtha (-23.5%), and jet fuel (-23.4%) saw significant declines. Conversely, prices for computer memory (10.3%), industrial instruments (18.2%), and industrial city gas (10.6%) increased.Lee Moon-hee, head of the price statistics team at the Bank of Korea, stated, "Wholesale prices for industrial city gas rose as the spike in international oil prices following the Middle East conflict was reflected in raw material costs with a lag. Service prices increased primarily due to higher commission fees in financial and insurance services, driven by rising stock prices."The domestic supply price index, which includes price fluctuations for imported goods, rose by 0.7% compared to the previous month. Prices for intermediate goods (0.5%), raw materials (2.1%), and final goods (0.5%) all increased. The rise in the won-dollar exchange rate and the reduced impact of the previous month's drop in international oil prices on customs import prices contributed to this increase.The total output price index, which includes domestic shipments and exports, rose by 0.4% from the previous month. Agricultural, forestry, and fishery products saw a 0.9% increase due to both domestic shipments and exports rising. While domestic shipments of manufactured goods decreased, exports increased, resulting in a 0.4% rise compared to the previous month.Lee added, "The average international oil price based on Dubai crude from July 1 to 20 fell by about 10% compared to the previous month, and surcharges for air cargo and passenger flights have also decreased, contributing to downward pressure. However, the potential for renewed military conflict between the U.S. and Iran and further increases in wholesale prices for industrial city gas present upward pressures, creating a mixed outlook for prices." 2026-07-22 06:04:00
Nicaragua Cancels Next Year's Elections as Ortega Declares 'No More Elections' Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has announced the cancellation of next year's elections, stating he will continue to hold power without a vote.Ortega, who has been in office since 2007, confirmed his decision not to hold elections in a report by the Associated Press on July 21. Analysts suggest this move is aimed at maintaining his two-decade-long authoritarian rule and suppressing opposition.According to the New York Times, Ortega made his declaration during a government rally in Managua on July 19, commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution. He stated, "There will be no more elections here," claiming that the opposition uses elections as a means to seize power. He also emphasized that parties established by the U.S. and the Somoza regime would not be able to gain power.In his speech, Ortega devoted much of his remarks to criticizing the U.S. and the opposition, labeling them as agents supported by the U.S. He pledged that his government would enact new laws to create barriers against coup plotters and traitors.Ortega came to power through the Sandinista Revolution, which overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. He was first elected president in 1985 and served a full five-year term. After losing three elections, he returned to power in 2007 and has since maintained the presidency through four consecutive terms, totaling 20 years in office.The Associated Press noted that Ortega has increased his control over the government by amending the constitution and suppressing opposition. His administration violently repressed large protests in 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths. In the 2021 elections, he imprisoned all viable opposition candidates and declared victory with 76% of the vote. The U.S. government does not recognize Ortega's presidency.The New York Times analyzed Ortega's announcement as a sign that Nicaragua will no longer pretend to be a democracy. Felix Maradiaga, who was imprisoned after running in the 2021 elections and later fled to the U.S. in 2023, stated, "Ortega buried Nicaraguan democracy a long time ago," adding that this announcement reveals the complete removal of the mask of legitimacy he tried to wear. The newspaper reported that human rights organizations and the U.N. have documented the Ortega government executing protesters and imprisoning journalists, opposition politicians, critics, and even loyalists.This public address marked a rare appearance for Ortega, who has largely avoided official events in recent years. The New York Times reported that his wife, Rosario Murillo, who became 'co-president' following a constitutional amendment last year, has been handling external engagements. During the speech, Ortega appeared frail, spending most of the time seated and speaking slowly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-22 05:04:00
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Event Generates Buzz in London Ahead of Launch London is buzzing with excitement as it transforms into a massive advertisement for Samsung Electronics' upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, set to unveil a new foldable phone. Iconic locations such as Piccadilly Circus and the Outernet are filled with Galaxy Unpacked promotions, even wrapping the famous red double-decker buses. As preparations continue at the Old Billingsgate venue, Samsung is ramping up anticipation for its foldable product launch.The Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event will take place at Old Billingsgate on July 22 at 2 p.m. local time (10 p.m. KST). The event will showcase the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series, along with the latest Galaxy Watch. Samsung is also expected to reveal details about its intelligent eyewear, developed in collaboration with Google.Advertisements for Samsung's new foldable phones are prominently displayed throughout London. A massive digital billboard in Piccadilly Circus continuously plays promotional videos for Galaxy Unpacked. This area is a well-known tourist attraction where major roads in London's West End converge. The ads alternate between split-screen formats and full-screen displays, captivating both tourists and locals who stop to watch or take photos.The outdoor advertising campaign began on July 8, featuring a video that depicts a ticket booth with a ticket shaped like a box representing the Unpacked event. The ticket's left side reads, 'A New Shape Unfolds,' hinting at the introduction of a new foldable phone with a unique 4:3 aspect ratio.The iconic red double-decker buses also feature Galaxy Unpacked advertisements, effectively serving as moving billboards that attract the attention of residents and visitors alike. The blend of historic London architecture and futuristic Galaxy promotions creates a striking visual experience.At Old Billingsgate, final preparations are underway for the event. The venue is adorned with large Galaxy brand graphics in the event's signature lavender color. Journalists and event staff are already arriving, contributing to the growing excitement surrounding the Unpacked event.Old Billingsgate, a historic building remodeled from the world's largest fish market in the 19th century, now serves as a premier event space for global fashion shows, exhibitions, and corporate events. Samsung chose this location to host the Unpacked event, symbolizing its commitment to presenting new mobile experiences in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI).A Samsung representative stated, 'We are unveiling a new lineup of Galaxy devices that have defined the foldable category in a city that continuously creates trends and innovates. The next-generation Galaxy products, combining innovative form factors with advanced intelligent features, will provide users with a more personalized and optimized mobile experience, setting a new standard in the AI era.' 2026-07-22 01:03:59
LG Electronics Shifts Business Model with webOS and Subscription Services LG Electronics is transforming from a traditional appliance manufacturer that sells products once to a company that generates ongoing revenue after the sale. The strategy involves adding advertising, content, subscription, and management services to hardware like refrigerators and TVs, creating a structure that allows for continuous earnings post-sale.According to industry sources, LG Electronics aims to derive half of its total revenue and 75% of its operating profit from platform-based services, business-to-business (B2B) transactions, and new ventures by 2030. The company envisions redefining its identity from a maker of appliances to a 'smart life solution provider.'The most advanced example of this shift is in its television segment. LG has developed the webOS operating system, acquired in 2013, into an advertising and content platform. Each TV sold generates revenue through ads and content displayed on the screen. Devices running webOS have surpassed 200 million globally, with a goal to reach 300 million. The company is not only focusing on its own TVs but also supplying the platform to other manufacturers and expanding its reach into Genesis and Kia vehicles as well as commercial signage. This strategy capitalizes on the nature of platform businesses, where increased device numbers lead to higher advertising revenue.In the appliance sector, subscriptions play a similar role. Customers pay a monthly fee instead of making a one-time purchase. LG bundles consumable replacements and maintenance visits to maintain customer engagement post-sale. The company plans to expand rental and care services to manage the entire home, transforming appliances into a service that oversees the living space. The share of B2B business has also increased from 27% in 2021 to the mid-30% range recently.This transition is driven by the limitations of hardware growth. Refrigerators, washing machines, and TVs have already achieved high penetration rates and long replacement cycles. Sales can fluctuate with economic conditions and housing transactions, making it difficult to rely solely on device sales for stable revenue. Recurring revenue helps mitigate this weakness. Subscriptions provide consistent income throughout the contract period, while platforms continue to generate advertising revenue even when sales stop.LG's second-quarter results demonstrate that this strategy is translating into actual profits. The company's preliminary operating profit for the second quarter reached 1.5788 trillion won, a 146.9% increase from the previous year. While sales grew by only 14.9%, the profit increase was ten times that amount. The operating profit margin rose from 3.1% to 6.6%. The company cited the growth of high-margin businesses like webOS, subscriptions, and online services as key contributors to this profit improvement. This indicates that how products are sold is becoming as important as what is sold.Industry observers note that the speed at which this transition is taking hold is crucial. LG Electronics is set to disclose performance by business unit at an earnings briefing on the 30th, which will provide insight into the company's progress toward its goal of achieving 75% operating profit from these new initiatives. 2026-07-21 22:28:00
Samsung Shifts Focus to Robotics, Aiming to Surpass Boston Dynamics Samsung Electronics has established a new "Robotics Experience (RX) Division" directly under CEO Noh Tae-moon, marking a significant organizational shift towards the future robotics market. This move signals a clear commitment to developing robotics as a core revenue driver alongside semiconductors, moving beyond basic research and exploratory projects.The reorganization focuses on creating a centralized control tower for robotics. Previously fragmented teams across the company have been unified under the RX Division. This includes the Future Robotics Team, led by KAIST Emeritus Professor Oh Joon-ho, as well as advanced R&D teams from Samsung Research and the robotics development team from the Production Technology Research Institute.By elevating the division to a direct report to the CEO, Samsung aims to facilitate rapid decision-making and large-scale investments, while also attracting external talent to drive business growth.The establishment of the RX Division comes amid a sense of urgency within the DX sector, which has faced challenges from declining home appliance sales and stagnation in the smartphone market, even as the semiconductor division enjoys record performance due to a supercycle. Samsung plans to cultivate robotics as the next key business area for the DX division.Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong emphasized the growing demand for robots not only in industrial settings but also in homes, restaurants, hospitals, and nursing facilities. He stated that the company would expand investments in robotics alongside its internal AI data center.The competition for leadership in next-generation robotics is already intense, with Hyundai Motor Group making strides to secure technological advantages through Boston Dynamics, while LG Electronics is significantly enhancing its commercial robotics lineup.As part of this competitive strategy, Samsung has appointed Lee Dong-geon, a former Hyundai executive, as the head of its robotics strategy team and has recruited renowned scholars such as Professor Kim Hyun-jin from Seoul National University and Professor Kim Ui-gyeom from Ajou University.Samsung plans to leverage its extensive manufacturing data across all divisions to rapidly close the technology gap. The company aims to utilize data from home appliances, smartphones, semiconductors, and sectors like construction and heavy industry. It will establish a "robot data factory" in Gumi and accelerate the development of robotic intelligence and control technologies in conjunction with its Seoul R&D campus.Industry experts predict that Samsung's robotics business will unfold in three phases. Initially, the company will introduce innovative home and commercial robots that incorporate proprietary AI and user experience technologies to capture early market share. Subsequently, it will push for the early commercialization of industrial and manufacturing robots using its AI factories and manufacturing sites. The plan includes applying these technologies in semiconductors, smartphones, and construction to maximize production efficiency before expanding into the large-scale B2B market.Samsung will also accelerate the development of humanoid robots, previously in the research phase. The strategy involves combining Rainbow Robotics' humanoid robot platform and autonomous control technology with Samsung's AI capabilities to create next-generation humanoids.Industry insiders note that while Samsung's integration of manufacturing data and R&D resources is a clear advantage, the key to successful commercialization will be the rapid and precise implementation of control solutions in real-world environments, where variables are numerous.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 22:28:00
Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Struggles Due to Compromised Firewalls 인천 쿠팡물류센터 화재, 방화구획 무력화로 진압 난항인cheon's Coupang logistics center fire faced significant challenges due to compromised firewalls. The Incheon Fire Department reported on July 21 that the intense flames melted the fire shutters, which were unable to contain the blaze. "The warehouse was loaded with a large amount of combustible materials, leading to high fire loads and intense radiant heat," the department stated. They added that the compromised firewalls severely hindered efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding areas.Additionally, the fire department noted that the building's height of 10 meters made it difficult for firefighting water to penetrate the upper levels where combustible materials were stored. The fire, which broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18 at Coupang's 32nd logistics center in Seongnam-dong, Incheon, was complicated by the complex structure of the building and the presence of flammable materials. Firefighters managed to control the main blaze after 61 hours, around 8 p.m. the previous day, and are currently working to extinguish remaining hotspots.靑 "李대통령, 주택 매수인과 사적인연 주장 사실무근"On July 21, the Blue House denied claims regarding personal ties between President Lee and the buyer of his home in Bundang, Seongnam. Following reports that the President and his wife established a mortgage of 1.77 billion won after selling their house, some raised suspicions of a conflict of interest. The spokesperson clarified, "The registration was completed considering the buyer's circumstances, and the mortgage was established transparently based on a civil agreement between the parties." They added that the mortgage pertains to unpaid balances due by the end of October.Furthermore, they emphasized that the designation of the property for redevelopment occurred during the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration in November 2024, when the mayor of Seongnam was also affiliated with the People Power Party, dismissing claims of preferential treatment as unfounded.제주항공 참사 유해 재수색 100일…누적 유해 추정물 1582점As of July 21, the search for remains and belongings of victims from the December 29 Jeju Air tragedy has reached its 100th day, with 1,582 items recovered. Among these, 195 items have been confirmed as remains of the victims, while DNA analysis is ongoing for the remaining items. Yun Jae-bok, head of the victims' families' association, stated, "Although 100 days have passed since the search began, many families have yet to receive their loved ones' remains. We hope for a swift resolution to both the recovery of remains and the investigation into the cause of the accident."아세안외교장관회의 개막…"이란 전쟁 자제 및 호르무즈 통행 재개 촉구"The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting opened in Manila, Philippines, on July 21, with calls for restraint in the U.S.-Iran conflict and the resumption of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint statement, member countries expressed "serious concern" over the potential for renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, warning that it could severely impact trade, food, and energy security in the region. They urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could escalate the situation. The importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, as well as the freedom of navigation and flight, was also highlighted, calling for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted passage for vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 21:32:00
Incheon Coupang Logistics Center Fire Complicated by Compromised Fire Barriers The fire at the Coupang logistics center in Incheon faced significant challenges due to compromised fire barriers, which were rendered ineffective by intense flames.On July 21, the Incheon Fire Department reported in a briefing that "the large amount of combustible materials stored in the warehouse resulted in a high fire load and intense radiant heat, causing the fire shutters to melt." They added, "The failure of the fire barriers severely hindered efforts to contain the fire to the affected area and prevent it from spreading to surrounding zones." They further explained, "With a ceiling height of 10 meters, it was difficult for firefighting water to penetrate the upper parts of the combustible materials, and the fire on the 6th and 7th floors weakened the water supply capabilities from the ground. Additionally, the need for a large volume of firefighting water for concentrated efforts on the upper floors posed another challenge." The fire broke out at 6:54 a.m. on July 18 at the Coupang Logistics Center No. 32 in Seongnam-dong, Incheon. Fire authorities struggled to extinguish the blaze due to the large quantities of flammable materials stored inside and the complex building structure. After 61 hours, they managed to bring the major flames under control by 8 p.m. the previous day and are currently addressing remaining hotspots.An official from the Incheon Fire Department stated, "There is a risk of partial collapse and falling debris from the ceilings on the 6th and 7th floors of the building, necessitating a safe distance. Vehicle movement will also be restricted until the overall structural safety of the building is confirmed."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 21:20:00
Blue House Denies Claims of Personal Ties in President Lee's Home Sale The Blue House stated on July 21 that claims regarding personal connections or special relationships between President Lee Jae-myung and the buyer of his home in Bundang, Seongnam, are unfounded. The Blue House spokesperson said in a statement, "The sale was conducted through standard real estate practices." This comes after reports revealed that the President and his wife established a mortgage of 1.77 billion won after selling their home, raising suspicions of a transaction involving a related party. The spokesperson explained, "The registration was completed considering the buyer's circumstances, and the mortgage was established transparently based on a civil agreement between the parties involved. The mortgage pertains to the unpaid balance due at the end of October." Additionally, the spokesperson emphasized that the designation of the property as a redevelopment area occurred during the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration in November 2024, when the mayor of Seongnam was also affiliated with the People Power Party. Therefore, claims of preferential treatment in redevelopment are baseless. They added, "The President's residence was the only home where the couple lived for 28 years, and they sold it at a price lower than the market value to demonstrate their commitment to normalizing the real estate market, foregoing potential profits from redevelopment."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-21 21:04:00
ARKO festivals bring Korea's living traditions to new audiences SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) — "Ulsoo!" The spirited exclamation that punctuates BTS's hit song "Idol" comes from Pansori, Korea's traditional musical storytelling in which audiences cheer performers over the hypnotic yet exhilarating beat of the janggu drum. That same call-and-response energy also defines Madanggeuk, Korea's open-air folk theater where music, dance, satire and audience participation blur the line between performers and spectators. Now, those centuries-old traditions are finding new audiences through ARKO SUM FESTA, as artists reinterpret Korean heritage while organizers work to ensure it remains accessible — even dispatching vans to bring elderly villagers to performances. Arts Council Korea (ARKO) on Tuesday unveiled the second lineup of ARKO SUM FESTA, featuring eight performing arts festivals to be held across the country from August through September. The events complete a 15-festival nationwide program uniting independently organized dance, music, theater and traditional arts festivals under one banner. Traditional arts occupy the center of this year's lineup, with organizers focusing on three challenges: preserving disappearing performance traditions, encouraging younger artists to reinterpret them and expanding access to audiences often left behind. In Busan, the Dongnae Folk Arts Festival, organized by an association established in 1965, will devote its second day to students studying traditional performing arts, highlighting efforts to cultivate the next generation of performers. Association chairman Kim Ik-hyeon warned that enrollment in traditional arts training programs has continued to decline. "Our responsibility is to interpret these traditions and find ways for them to connect with today's generation," Kim said. Scheduled for Sept. 19-20, the festival preserves five local traditions, including the state-designated Dongnae Yaryu mask dance drama, Dongnae Hakchum crane dance and Jisin Balbgi, a traditional ground-blessing ritual. This year's program will also feature a Japanese creative taiko ensemble and performances led by younger practitioners. Younger artists will also take center stage at the 16th Chum & Pan Gomusin Dance Festival, where 24 emerging choreographers — twice last year's number — will collaborate on a joint production. Kim Yeon-hwa of the Korean Dance Association said the festival's traditional dance performances consistently attract more overseas ticket buyers, both online and at the venue, than any of the organization's other events, reflecting growing international interest in Korean dance. Running in Seoul from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, the festival will present inherited repertoire alongside newly created works and contemporary reinterpretations of traditional Korean dance. Accessibility remains another defining theme. In Cheongju, the Rural Madanggeuk Grand Festival will continue a tradition it began more than two decades ago by operating shuttle vans that transport elderly residents from surrounding villages to live performances. Organizer Kim Chang-gon said the idea emerged after his theater company relocated to a rural village of about 20 households and discovered many older residents rarely attended performances because of transportation difficulties and costs. The company initially operated four vans, providing transportation, meals, performances and return trips. While audiences have since expanded to include families, the transportation service for senior residents remains a core part of the festival. The lineup also stretches beyond traditional performance. British tenor Ian Bostridge will perform Mahler with the Sejong Soloists at the Hic et Nunc! Music Festival on Aug. 26, while the Seoul International Computer Music Festival will merge electronic sound, digital media and traditional Korean instruments under the theme "Time Synthesis." The Chuncheon Performing Arts Festival will feature Liquid Sound, a Korean performance group officially invited to the 2026 Avignon Festival, alongside dance, theater, music and children's productions staged throughout the city. The eight festivals will take place in Seoul, Chuncheon, Busan, Cheongju and Gwangmyeong through Sept. 20, presenting Korea's performing arts not as museum pieces but as living traditions evolving for new generations at home and abroad. 2026-07-21 20:50:37