AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Samsung Electronics Ranks 8th Among Global Tech Brands, Only Korean Company in Top 10
    Samsung Electronics Ranks 8th Among Global Tech Brands, Only Korean Company in Top 10 Samsung has demonstrated growth in a brand value assessment of global big tech companies, securing the 8th position worldwide. Amid fierce competition driven by the rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) market, Samsung remains the only Korean company in the global top 10, reaffirming the status of Korean enterprises.According to the '2026 Top 100 Tech Brands' survey released on July 19 by the UK-based brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance, Samsung's brand value increased by 8.9% from the previous year, totaling $97.415 billion (approximately 144.1 trillion won). It is the only domestic company to make the top 10 list.However, Samsung dropped one spot from last year's 7th place to 8th this year, as Nvidia climbed three places from 8th to 5th.In this survey, a total of five Korean companies made it to the global top 100 tech brands, the same number as last year. However, the share of total brand value held by Korean companies decreased slightly from 3.9% last year to 3.7% this year, a drop of 0.2 percentage points.This decline is attributed to the rapid increase in brand value of competing companies from countries like China on the global stage. China, the only country among the top 10 to expand its brand value share, increased its market share from 11.4% last year to 12.6% this year, putting pressure on competitors, including Korea.Looking at the brand ownership by country, the United States showcased its overwhelming dominance in the global tech market with a total of 46 brands in the rankings. Apple, which ranked first in brand value, recorded a value of $676.42 billion. Following Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon occupied the 2nd to 4th positions, respectively.China secured the 2nd place with 25 brands, closely trailing the U.S. Japan followed with 9 brands, while Korea had 5 brands.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:44:00
  • Kim Jeong-ok to Lead Jung Cheong-raes Support Committee Ahead of Party Convention
    Kim Jeong-ok to Lead Jung Cheong-rae's Support Committee Ahead of Party Convention Jung Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party, announced that Kim Jeong-ok, the wife of the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, will serve as the head of his support committee for the party convention scheduled for next month.On Facebook, Jung stated, "During our conversation lasting over two hours, I felt a heavy sense of responsibility after hearing her willingness to take on the role of support committee chair."He added, "I expressed my commitment to being a strong reformist leader, true to the Democratic Party's identity. I emphasized the need for internal integration and solidarity outside the party, and I assured her that I would complete the necessary judicial reforms, which are central to our party's identity. Kim also agreed, stressing the importance of maintaining the party's identity and legitimacy."Jung further pledged, "I will not engage in actions that would tarnish the honor of the late Prime Minister Lee, who played a significant role in the political careers of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung. I am determined to carry on his spirit and achieve integration within the party."He expressed his intention to uphold the values of the Democratic Party, stating, "As a successor to the path taken by the late Prime Minister Lee, I will raise the banner of a Democratic Party that is true to itself, a victorious, strong, and capable party that is not ashamed before the people and history, and a party that wins through reform."Meanwhile, Jung will compete against former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, lawmaker Song Young-gil, lawmaker Ko Min-jeong, and former Gangjin County Council Chair Kim Bo-mi in the upcoming party convention.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:36:00
  • NH Nonghyup Financial Strengthens Global Collaboration with Amundi
    NH Nonghyup Financial Strengthens Global Collaboration with Amundi NH Nonghyup Financial is enhancing its global collaboration with French asset management firm Amundi. This initiative aims to boost the competitiveness of their joint venture, NH Amundi Asset Management, and strengthen overseas investment capabilities. On July 15, NH Nonghyup Financial Chairman Lee Chan-woo and Amundi Vice President Olivier Marrié attended the 'NH Nonghyup Financial-Amundi Partnership Committee' meeting at Amundi's headquarters in Paris, the company announced on July 19. The two sides discussed ways to expand overseas investment collaboration and enhance the operational competitiveness of NH Amundi Asset Management. NH Nonghyup Financial plans to explore the introduction of Amundi's AI-driven asset management systems, which are utilized in investment strategies and research. They also aim to strengthen cooperation in response to changes in the domestic pension market. This includes sharing overseas pension management case studies and expertise to prepare for the introduction of a fund-type retirement pension system and to establish a globally competitive pension management model. Mutual cooperation plans to enhance custodial capabilities were also reviewed. NH Nonghyup Financial intends to integrate Amundi's global management capabilities into NH Amundi Asset Management to improve operational competitiveness and broaden the foundation for overseas investment collaboration. Lee Chan-woo stated, "Expanding cooperation between the two companies is a strategic task to jointly establish future growth engines. We will effectively utilize Amundi's global asset management capabilities to enhance the competitiveness of NH Amundi Asset Management and strengthen our global partnership." 2026-07-19 10:24:00
  • Cho Kuk Calls for Precise Framework on Prosecutors Supplementary Investigation Rights
    Cho Kuk Calls for Precise Framework on Prosecutors' Supplementary Investigation Rights Cho Kuk, former leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, addressed concerns regarding the complete abolition of supplementary investigation rights on July 19, stating that "the focus should first be on a precise framework for prosecutors' rights to request supplementary investigations." He criticized the Democratic Party of Korea's claim that there has been no formal party decision on abolishing supplementary investigation rights, calling it a case of "turning a blind eye."In a Facebook post, Cho noted, "After many twists and turns, the laws for the Central Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Agency have passed, and the sign of the prosecution office will be removed in October." He added, "The remaining question is whether to grant supplementary investigation rights to prosecutors affiliated with the Public Prosecution Agency beyond the right to request supplementary investigations."He further pointed out that a recent bill suddenly proposed by Hong Gi-won, a former diplomat, would effectively reverse the 'cooperative relationship' achieved during the first phase of prosecutorial reform under the Moon Jae-in administration and significantly expand the scope of prosecutors' supplementary investigation rights.Cho emphasized, "During the era of military and prosecutorial dictatorship, the relationship between the prosecution and police was one of prosecutorial dominance over the police. The public has experienced the harms of prosecutorial abuse of power under this structure. We must discuss this with the understanding that we need to prevent both the abuse of prosecutorial power and inadequate police investigations."He also questioned whether direct supplementary investigation rights for prosecutors are the only solution to prevent inadequate police investigations and protect victims, suggesting that a precise framework for prosecutors' rights to request supplementary investigations and strengthening police compliance obligations should be examined.Cho concluded by reiterating that "the focus should first be on a precise framework for prosecutors' rights to request supplementary investigations," asserting that advocating for recognition of supplementary investigation rights without this foundation is a mistake.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:16:00
  • Kim Manager Sets New Record with 23.1% Ratings, Highest for 2026 Miniseries
    'Kim Manager' Sets New Record with 23.1% Ratings, Highest for 2026 Miniseries SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Manager' has once again set a new record for its highest viewership ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the eighth episode of 'Kim Manager,' which aired on July 18, recorded a nationwide rating of 23.1% and 23.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area. The peak rating reached as high as 26.2%. The drama also performed strongly among viewers aged 20 to 49, achieving an average rating of 7.6% and a peak of 8.59%, capturing both high ratings and public interest. Since its premiere, 'Kim Manager' has consistently broken its own viewership records. It started with a rating of 9.5% in its first episode, surpassed 20% within four episodes, and climbed to 22.3% in the sixth episode before reaching 23.1% in the eighth episode. With this latest achievement, 'Kim Manager' has set the highest viewership record for any miniseries aired in 2026, maintaining its position as the top-rated program in its time slot across all channels. In the eighth episode, Kim Manager (played by So Ji-sub) embarks on his final mission to start a new life with his daughter Min-ji (played by Seo Su-min). Tasked with protecting a high-ranking North Korean defector, Kim Manager encounters his former colleagues Seong Han-soo (played by Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho), heightening the tension as he faces a crisis involving mission failure and his daughter's safety. The episode concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers anxious about Kim Manager's fate as he faces a threat to his life in South Korea. 'Kim Manager' is a revenge action drama about a former special agent who reveals his identity to search for his missing daughter while battling against various adversities. The ninth episode of 'Kim Manager' is set to air on July 24 at 9:50 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:12:00
  • LG Electronics Expands Home Appliance Subscription Service to 7,000 Units in Apgujeong Redevelopment
    LG Electronics Expands Home Appliance Subscription Service to 7,000 Units in Apgujeong Redevelopment LG Electronics is set to expand its home appliance subscription service, initially developed for the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, into the business-to-business (B2B) residential sector, starting with a major redevelopment project in Apgujeong, Seoul. The company will supply subscription-based appliances to over 7,000 units in collaboration with Hyundai Construction, integrating ongoing management services and an artificial intelligence (AI) home platform into its future residential offerings.According to LG Electronics, the partnership with Hyundai Construction will provide a customized subscription model that combines premium built-in appliances with specialized care services for the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th redevelopment areas in Apgujeong. Residents moving into these areas will have the option to select from 5 to 7 types of appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stylers, and dishwashers. Notably, the penthouses in the 3rd and 5th areas will feature ultra-premium brands 'SKS' and 'LG Signature'.A key aspect of this initiative is the subscription-based residential model, which offers management services beyond the initial delivery of appliances. Residents will receive complimentary premium care services for five years, including product disassembly cleaning, performance checks, and consumable replacements, through visits from specialized managers. After the complimentary period, residents can continue to receive management services by subscribing to a separate care plan.The B2B appliance subscription model creates a win-win situation for residents, construction companies, and manufacturers. The subscription service is included in the shared costs, allowing residents to receive ongoing care services without additional expenses, while construction companies can enhance their competitive edge by offering differentiated post-management services. Manufacturers can establish a sustainable revenue model with recurring income over five years, rather than relying on one-time sales.LG Electronics has seen rapid growth in its appliance subscription business. The company reported that its subscription revenue reached 640 billion won in the first quarter of this year, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, and annual revenue is expected to exceed 3 trillion won for the first time this year. Subscription revenue, which was around 110 billion won in 2016, grew to 590 billion won in 2020 and expanded to 2.48 trillion won last year, achieving an average annual growth rate of 38.8% over the past decade.Building on this success, LG Electronics aims to develop the B2B market for appliance subscriptions. The current domestic built-in subscription B2B market is estimated to be worth 1 trillion won annually. Given that the share of redevelopment projects has recently increased by nearly 50%, the market outlook appears promising. The company is currently in discussions with several construction firms and plans to prioritize regions with high redevelopment demand, such as Apgujeong, Seongsu, and Yeouido, before expanding to overseas markets like North America.In addition to the appliance subscription service, LG Electronics is also accelerating the expansion of its AI home ecosystem. The company has recently begun developing a next-generation AI home solution using the AI home hub 'ThinQ ON' in collaboration with GS Construction. The two companies will co-develop an AI home solution specifically for multi-family housing, which will be gradually implemented in Xi apartments. With the introduction of AI, residents will be able to control appliances within their units, as well as access building infrastructure such as elevator calls and community facility reservations through a single system.Park Jae-sung, head of LG Electronics' Korean B2B Group, emphasized, "We will successfully establish an appliance subscription solution optimized for apartment living, providing customers with a stress-free and convenient daily life while solidifying our next growth engine in the B2B market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 10:04:00
  • Firefighters still battle to contain major blaze at Coupang logistics center in Incheon
    Firefighters still battle to contain major blaze at Coupang logistics center in Incheon SEOUL, July 19 (AJP) - Firefighters are still battling a major blaze at e-commerce giant Coupang's logistics center in Incheon on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the fire broke out on the facility the previous day. The fire broke out at about 6:50 a.m. on the sixth floor of the multi-story storage center in Seoknam-dong, Incheon. Authorities said the flames later spread to the seventh floor, complicating efforts to contain the blaze. One firefighter was hospitalized after inhaling smoke, but no other casualties have been reported as all 121 people inside evacuated safely. Nearly 500 firefighters and more than 100 pieces of equipment had been deployed to the scene, but the fire remained active due to the size of the facility and the large volume of combustible household goods stored inside. According to fire authorities, the entire sixth floor is not burning, but part of it remains engulfed in flames. Each floor is said to cover about 33,000 square meters, roughly the size of 15 soccer fields. "The fire appears to be spreading to the seventh floor along the building's exterior wall," one firefighter said. " We are making efforts to extinguish the fire while taking the risk of structural collapse into consideration. It is difficult to estimate when the fire will be brought under control." Fire officials said firefighting operations have been hampered by poor visibility inside the building and the large volume of highly combustible merchandise stored on the affected floor. Incheon's district office issued emergency alerts urging residents to avoid the area as smoke drifted toward nearby apartment complexes. President Lee Jae Myung instructed relevant agencies to deploy all available resources to extinguish the fire and minimize damage, while emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of firefighters at the scene. In a statement released Saturday afternoon, Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS) CEO Jeong Jong-cheol apologized for the incident and expressed his wishes for the injured firefighter's swift recovery. "We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the residents of Incheon," he said. "We will prioritize the safety of firefighters, provide full support for firefighting operations, actively cooperate with the authorities' investigation, and provide assistance to local residents affected by the fire." Meanwhile, the cause of the fire remain under investigation, with fire authorities saying a full investigation will begin once the blaze has been fully extinguished. 2026-07-19 09:47:16
  • Woori Financial Group Focuses on Customer Growth and Profitability
    Woori Financial Group Focuses on Customer Growth and Profitability Woori Financial Group has revamped its management strategy for the second half of the year, focusing on expanding its customer base and improving profitability. The plan aims to strengthen banking operations and enhance non-bank competitiveness to establish a foundation for sustainable growth.On July 16, Woori Financial held a 'Mid-Year Management Strategy Workshop' at its headquarters in Hoehyeon-dong, Seoul, attended by Chairman Im Jong-ryong, representatives from 16 subsidiaries including banking, securities, and insurance, as well as executives from the holding company.The workshop featured discussions centered on 'customer expansion,' where strategies for customer management and synergy strategies for transaction diversification among major subsidiaries were explored.Chairman Im emphasized that acquiring new customers, retaining existing ones, and diversifying customer transactions are key agendas in the long-term management plan, stating, "Customer acquisition is the value of a financial group and the foundation of its growth."He also noted, "Consumer protection should be pursued with the understanding that it is a promise to customers and the market, focusing on prevention." He urged the implementation of four key tasks: adhering to best practices in financial consumer protection governance, preventing financial crimes such as voice phishing, avoiding the mis-selling of complex financial investment products, and eradicating unhealthy sales practices in insurance products.For the second half of the year, the core tasks include recovering bank profitability and strengthening non-bank competitiveness. Specifically, he called for enhancing key operational drivers such as core deposits, corporate finance, and asset management, while ensuring cost competitiveness to secure a stable revenue base.Regarding the non-bank sector, he stated that it is crucial for diversifying the group's revenue base and advancing into a comprehensive financial group. Each subsidiary will work to enhance its core business competitiveness and strengthen its market position. This approach aims to improve the bank-centered revenue structure and expand a stable revenue base at the group level. 2026-07-19 09:40:00
  • HD Hyundai Partners with Kiewit to Enhance Shipbuilding Collaboration in the U.S.
    HD Hyundai Partners with Kiewit to Enhance Shipbuilding Collaboration in the U.S. HD Hyundai is expanding its shipbuilding collaboration in the United States.On July 19, HD Hyundai announced that it has signed a strategic partnership with Kiewit, a major U.S. EPC company, to collaborate on shipbuilding projects.The signing ceremony took place at Kiewit Offshore Services' headquarters in Corpus Christi, Texas, attended by Choi Han-nae, Executive Vice President of HD Korean Shipbuilding, and Chad Johnson, CEO of Kiewit Offshore, along with executives and representatives from both companies.Kiewit is one of the largest integrated construction, engineering, and infrastructure firms in the U.S., known for its strengths in large EPC projects in power, energy, marine, and industrial facilities. The company has a strong track record in the production, installation, and commissioning of various large marine structures, particularly in North America and South America, including Brazil.Under the partnership, the two companies will seek to jointly build ships in the U.S. and collaborate on the production of ship blocks and modules. They plan to combine HD Hyundai's design, equipment supply chain, and construction technology with Kiewit's local manufacturing and construction capabilities to jointly pursue business opportunities in the U.S. and promote local production of ship blocks and modules.An HD Hyundai official stated, "We plan to actively support the U.S. efforts to rebuild its shipbuilding industry through our collaboration with Kiewit. In the future, we will also expand our cooperation into the FDC sector, seeking business opportunities in the rapidly growing North American infrastructure market."FDC refers to next-generation infrastructure that operates data centers by installing floating structures at sea, which is gaining attention as a solution to land shortages and large-scale power and cooling issues. With the surge in demand for data centers driven by AI expansion, the related market in the U.S. is expected to grow rapidly.Meanwhile, HD Hyundai has been actively pursuing various collaborative projects in the U.S., having signed MOUs with Huntington Ingalls and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) for shipbuilding in the U.S. in April and June of last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 09:28:00
  • Hyundai Department Store Launches First Global Advisory Board to Enhance Shopping Experience for Foreign Customers
    Hyundai Department Store Launches First Global Advisory Board to Enhance Shopping Experience for Foreign Customers Hyundai Department Store has launched the industry’s first 'Global Advisory Board' to enhance the shopping experience for foreign customers. The initiative aims to move away from a one-sided service model and involve foreign customers directly in the improvement process. On July 19, Hyundai Department Store announced the operation of a 'Global CX Advisor' composed of foreign customers. This board will allow foreign individuals to visit stores and provide feedback on inconveniences and suggestions for improvement. This is the first time a department store has established a foreign advisory board. Recently, the three major department stores in South Korea—Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai—reported record foreign sales in the first half of the year, targeting a 3 trillion won annual market. As the consumer landscape shifts from group tourists to individual travelers, the retail industry is focusing on introducing tailored services to extend their stay. To capitalize on this trend, Hyundai Department Store selected five foreign advisors from four countries: one each from China and Taiwan, two from Japan, and one from Senegal. The average age of the advisors is 29, and all are women. The decision to form the advisory board primarily with women in their 20s and 30s reflects the actual composition of foreign customers. In the first half of this year, 70% of foreign customers who made purchases at Hyundai Department Store were in their 20s and 30s, with women making up 81% of that group. A Hyundai Department Store representative stated, “The advisory board was selected to hear candidly about the inconveniences foreign customers face and their expectations from the department store, as they have a high interest in Korean culture and a good understanding of domestic shopping trends.” The inaugural advisory board will assess five stores with high foreign visitor rates, including the Apgujeong flagship store, Trade Center branch, The Hyundai Seoul, Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun, and Hyundai Premium Outlet Gimpo, by early September. The advisors will experience various situations that foreign tourists may encounter, such as making purchases, attending events, using facilities, and reporting lost items. They will compile their findings into a report for the CX planning team at Hyundai Department Store and discuss improvement strategies through in-depth interviews. Hyundai Department Store aims to identify specific 'pain points' that foreign customers experience and incorporate this feedback into their operations. Last June, Hyundai Department Store introduced an AI shopping assistant named 'Heidi' that is accessible to foreign customers. Heidi provides information in 11 languages about pop-up stores, restaurants, exhibitions, and promotional events. At The Hyundai Seoul, 30% of Heidi users are foreign customers. Recently, the store has also launched 'Heidi Global,' which translates conversations between customers and staff in real-time. Partnerships with Thailand's Siam Piwat Group, Japan's Hankyu Department Store, and Singapore's Marina Bay Sands have expanded services for foreign customers visiting The Hyundai Seoul and Trade Center branches to VIP levels in their home countries. A Hyundai Department Store representative remarked, “We will actively incorporate the insights gathered from the advisory board into the shopping environment and overall service. Based on the results of this first phase, we plan to upgrade the operation of the second Global CX Advisor in terms of scale and diversity of participants.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-19 09:24:00