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Samsung Bioepis Hosts Family Invitation Event at Songdo Headquarters Samsung Bioepis invited employees' families to its headquarters in Songdo, Incheon, to share the company's vision and organizational culture. On September 12, Samsung Bioepis held its '2026 Family Invitation Event,' attended by approximately 2,800 family members of employees. The event, which began in 2022, marks its fifth year of fostering communication between the company and its employees' families. Attendees participated in a tour of the offices and laboratories where employees work. A busking performance took place in the company garden, and photo zones and experience programs were set up for families. Kim Kyung-ah, President of Samsung Bioepis, expressed her gratitude in a welcoming speech, stating, "The growth of the company and its employees has always been supported by the strong backing of their families. We will strive to make Samsung Bioepis a company that families can be even prouder of." Samsung Bioepis is also expanding its welfare programs to support work-life balance. The company is currently renovating its daycare center at the Songdo headquarters, aiming to triple its capacity from about 100 to 300 children by March next year to meet the growing childcare needs of employees. The company offers flexible working hours, reduced hours for pregnant employees, remote work options, and family care leave. Parental leave can be utilized until a child reaches the sixth grade of elementary school. Last year, Samsung Bioepis was recognized by the Ministry of Employment and Labor as an outstanding company in gender employment equality and labor-management culture. On September 11, it was also named a '2026 Top Job Creation Company in Korea' for its achievements in expanding job opportunities for women. The Top Job Creation Company award is a government recognition program established by the Ministry of Employment and Labor in 2010 to honor private companies that exemplify quality job creation and improvement. Selected companies receive various support, including favorable credit ratings and loan interest rates. Samsung Bioepis has been praised for its efforts to expand job opportunities for women and implement fair personnel systems. According to the company, as of the end of last year, the proportion of female employees was 51%, and the proportion of female managers was 47%, demonstrating a strong commitment to hiring and nurturing talented women. Additionally, the company has worked to achieve work-life balance through various welfare programs, including maternal protection policies and flexible working arrangements, while fostering healthy labor-management relations through transparent communication, such as management briefings led by the CEO.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:04:10
Samsung Electronics Launches 'Galaxy AI Class' to Teach AI in Schools Samsung Electronics is bringing its latest Galaxy devices to classrooms across the country to teach artificial intelligence (AI) to elementary and middle school students. The program has been revamped to go beyond simple AI functionality, focusing first on concepts and ethics before allowing students to apply their knowledge in areas of interest such as career paths, environmental issues, and history.Starting September 14, Samsung will recruit classes for the second semester of the 'Galaxy AI Class' aimed at upper elementary and middle school students. Teachers can apply for their classes, and professional and assistant instructors will visit schools to conduct lessons using Galaxy smartphones and tablets.This semester, a new subject titled 'AI Fundamentals' has been introduced. Students will learn the basic concepts of AI, ethics, and practical applications through both theory and hands-on experience. The curriculum will cover not only how to use generative AI but also how to evaluate results and use the technology responsibly.The second period will consist of experiential lessons where students directly use Galaxy AI. The curriculum has been expanded to include five subjects, adding environmental studies, history, and travel to existing career and drawing classes. In the career lessons, students will analyze their strengths and interests using AI to create vision boards, while the environmental classes will explore climate issues and develop solutions.Last year, Samsung set a goal to expand this program, aiming to reach over 80,000 students across approximately 800 schools with in-person classes. As the number of participating schools has increased to over 1,000, the program has evolved from a one-time experience to a regular semester-based AI education initiative.From 2025 to the first semester of this year, around 175,000 students have completed the Galaxy AI Class. Samsung plans to add about 70,000 more students in the second semester, bringing the total number of participants over two years to more than 250,000. Satisfaction rates from the first semester this year were reported at 94.5% for students and 99.8% for teachers.Lim Sung-taek, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, "The 'Galaxy AI Class' is designed to provide students with an easy and enjoyable learning experience with AI, rather than presenting it as a difficult subject. We will continue to develop the curriculum to enhance AI utilization skills and focus on creative experiential activities in our lessons."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:04:00
Why the 'Number' in Hyundai Apartment Names Matters The 'number' in the names of Hyundai apartments does not refer to building numbers or the current reconstruction area numbers. Instead, it indicates the order in which large-scale construction projects were carried out, with the first project being Hyundai 1st, followed by Hyundai 2nd. Each project phase includes multiple buildings. Currently, the reconstruction areas do not align with the order of these numbers. Hyundai 1st, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 14th, along with Daelim Villa, are part of Apgujeong District 3. The 9th, 11th, and 12th projects, built later around Hyundai Department Store, are referred to as 'New Hyundai' and make up District 2. Hyundai 8th is located in District 4, along with Hanyang 3rd, 4th, and 6th. This classification of reconstruction areas is based on road and land boundaries, living zones, and rational architectural planning, rather than brand or construction order. Daelim Villa, while not a Hyundai apartment, is included in District 3 for integrated reconstruction. Therefore, even though 'Hyundai 3rd' and 'Apgujeong District 3' share the same number, they are unrelated. The number indicates the order of past construction, while the district number reflects the current reconstruction project units. 2026-09-13 10:04:00
Apgujeong: Building the Future Again - 50 Years of Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments The Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments, completed in 1976, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Once a symbol of the new apartment era in Gangnam, Apgujeong Hyundai is now preparing for a large-scale reconstruction to transform into a future residential city for the 21st century. Aju Business Daily is focusing on the 50-year history of Apgujeong Hyundai, the current status of the reconstruction efforts, project costs, public contributions, and the conditions for future apartments. Along the Han River in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, long and low-rise apartments line the area. While today’s standards highlight their low height, insufficient parking, and aging plumbing, the spacious gaps between buildings and the decades-old trees that fill the complex stand out. Half a century ago, this was the newest residential area in Seoul. The first and second phases of the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments were completed in 1976, marking their 50th anniversary this year. The transformation of Apgujeong began with the development of Gangnam. The area was incorporated into Seoul in 1963, and from the mid-1960s, land reclamation along the Han River and the development of the Yeongdong area were underway. At that time, the center of life in Seoul was in the northern part of the city. Apgujeong was located far from the city center and lacked transportation and essential facilities. However, with the development of transportation networks, including the Hannam Bridge, and policies promoting Gangnam, the foundation was laid for creating a large residential area south of the Han River. Hyundai Construction began the first phase of the Apgujeong Hyundai project in April 1975. The first and second phases were completed the following year. On August 21, 1976, the government designated Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong as the Apgujeong Apartment District, and in March 1977, it approved the basic development plan. The construction of the apartments began before the urban planning system was established. Subsequently, Korea Urban Development, a housing development subsidiary of the Hyundai Group, took over the project and expanded the complex. Korea Urban Development later evolved into Hyundai Industrial Development, now known as IPARK Hyundai Industrial Development. The Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments were not built all at once. They were named according to the phases of construction and sales, with the first, second, and third phases. Starting with the first and second phases in 1976, several construction phases followed, culminating in the 14th phase in 1987, forming a massive complex of Hyundai apartments over about a decade. Currently, the remnants of this development include Hyundai Apartments 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 13, and 14 in reconstruction zone 3, as well as Shin Hyundai Apartments 9, 11, and 12 in zone 2, and Hyundai Apartments 8 in zone 4. The initial launch was not smooth. In the early days of occupancy, a lack of transportation and commercial facilities led to unsold units. However, as the government continued to develop Gangnam and expand schools, roads, and commercial areas, the situation improved. The spacious layouts, elevators, central heating, and the riverside location offered a new lifestyle that Seoul residents had not experienced before. With the establishment of department stores like Hyundai Department Store and Galleria Department Store, Apgujeong grew into a center of consumption and culture, elevating the status of the apartments. Apgujeong Hyundai has transcended being merely a symbol of expensive housing. It became a representation of a time when apartments were preferred over single-family homes, reflecting both living standards and asset values. The success of Gangnam development, along with controversies over preferential sales and the concentration of education and wealth, are intertwined in its history. The 50 years of Apgujeong Hyundai illustrate both the bright and dark sides of Seoul's residential history. What was once a futuristic apartment complex has now aged. However, Apgujeong is on the brink of another transformation. Among the six special planning zones, construction companies have been selected for zones 2 to 5, and zone 2 has conditionally passed the integrated review by the Seoul city government. If Apgujeong opened the era of living in apartments in 1976, the new Apgujeong may become a testbed for a future city that integrates AI, robotics, caregiving, energy, and public access to the Han River. 2026-09-13 10:04:00
Hwachun County Mayor Kim Se-hoon Envisions Green Tourism Inspired by Finland Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwachun County in Gangwon Province, expressed his desire to incorporate sauna and recreational facilities observed in Rovaniemi, Finland, into Hwachun's tourism offerings.From September 7 to 11, Mayor Kim shared updates on his Facebook page, titled 'Governing Diary,' detailing his participation in the World Winter Cities Conference and local site visits. As his schedule concluded, he outlined the facilities he hopes to introduce at the Sancheoneo Festival site, Bungeoseom Island, and along the Bukhan River.Among the facilities he wishes to implement is a Finnish-style sauna. After touring local facilities, he expressed interest in introducing this sauna at next year's Sancheoneo Festival. He also proposed adding igloo experience areas, a Sancheoneo thermometer tower, and souvenir shops at the festival site.For Bungeoseom Island, he envisions a forest experience area and children's play facilities. After visiting a wooden play equipment manufacturer and a children's park, he indicated a desire to establish play spaces in Hwachun-eup and Sannae-myeon.He also identified the swimming pool and dock he saw along the Rovaniemi riverbank as potential additions for Hwachun. He suggested a swimming pool along the Bukhan River and a docking facility for motorboats to support training camps for rowing and canoeing.During his visit, Mayor Kim requested the Rovaniemi officials and member cities of the World Winter Cities Conference to donate bells symbolizing their cities. He plans to use these bells to enhance the World Peace Bell Park in Hwachun and organize a joint ringing event.Comments on his governing diary expressed enthusiasm for the proposed facilities. One comment noted, 'The Finnish sauna is truly appealing. It would be great to introduce it at the Sancheoneo Festival.' There were also positive reactions to the plans for utilizing the Mullebang Park in Hwachun.Some comments urged careful selection of projects. 'I hope the items chosen for Hwachun are well-selected and receive applause for their success,' one user wrote, while another added, 'I wish for beautiful progress, one step at a time.'Mayor Kim shared his local itinerary in the governing diary, stating, 'I will create each project while listening to the valuable opinions of our residents.' However, he noted that the proposed facilities are still in the planning stage, and details regarding the implementation of individual projects, including budgets and timelines, have not yet been provided.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 10:00:20
Kim Jong Un Responds to Xi Jinping, Emphasizing Strengthening North Korea-China Relations Kim Jong Un, the Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, has expressed his commitment to strengthening relations with China in a response to a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of North Korea's 78th founding anniversary.According to the North Korean state newspaper Rodong Sinmun on September 13, Kim conveyed his deep appreciation for Xi's warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes in a letter sent the previous day.Kim stated that Xi's message serves as a "great source of strength and encouragement" for North Korean Workers' Party members and citizens. He emphasized the importance of firmly safeguarding and advancing their shared socialist cause while cultivating and enhancing the traditional friendship and cooperation between North Korea and China.He also expressed confidence that under Xi's leadership, China will achieve new progress in building a modern socialist country and realizing the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." The response was published on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, and the Korean Central News Agency reported on the matter the same day.Earlier, in his congratulatory message on September 9, Xi characterized North Korea and China as "friendly socialist neighbors who support and help each other and share a common destiny," reaffirming that developing bilateral relations is a firm policy of the Chinese Party and government.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 09:56:00
FortyTwoDot Expands AI Autonomous Driving with Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 On September 11, at the FortyTwoDot headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, a 'Vehicle Workshop' showcased the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 side by side. At first glance, they appeared to be ordinary vehicles, but a closer look revealed significant differences. The Ioniq 5 was equipped with a large LiDAR sensor on its roof and additional sensors around the side mirrors for data collection. Next to it was an Ioniq 6-based SDV test vehicle.The vehicles on display are used by FortyTwoDot to train its autonomous driving artificial intelligence, 'Artria AI.' The Ioniq 5 collects the data necessary for AI learning, while the Ioniq 6 is responsible for validating the developed autonomous driving technology in real-world conditions. FortyTwoDot operates over 40 such vehicles in the metropolitan area, including Pangyo, gathering data to enhance its autonomous driving AI.In front of the headquarters, an Ioniq 6 intended for real-world deployment was on display. This vehicle is equipped with eight cameras and one radar to monitor the surrounding environment. Beyond the visible sensors, the interior of the vehicle also differed from standard models, featuring equipment for testing high-performance autonomous driving systems in the glove compartment.Real-world validation of autonomous driving software begins before the vehicles hit the road. When new driving data is uploaded, a 'Smoke Test' is conducted at the Vehicle Workshop to check if the autonomous driving features function correctly and if the vehicle's various controllers communicate properly. Only vehicles that pass this preliminary test are allowed to proceed to real-world testing under various driving conditions.Park Ji-yeol, head of the autonomous driving test team at FortyTwoDot, stated, 'Through repeated development and validation, we are advancing the technology to a level that can be applied to mass-produced vehicles.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 09:04:00
Hyundai to Launch Level 2+ Autonomous Driving by 2028, Focuses on AI Technology Hyundai Motor Group is set to lead the autonomous driving technology sector with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), planning to mass-produce Level 2+ autonomous vehicles by 2028. The company aims to usher in a new era of domestic autonomous driving using its Artria AI program and the necessary hardware technology. It has also begun establishing a 'data flywheel' based on a global production capacity of over 7 million vehicles annually.Mass Production of Autonomous Vehicles by 2028... Developing In-House AIOn September 11, Hyundai Motor Group held a 'Media Day for Autonomous Driving' at its 42dot headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where it unveiled its autonomous driving development strategy and production roadmap.The mass production of autonomous vehicles will utilize a 'two-track' strategy, combining external technologies from NVIDIA with in-house development. This approach aims to accelerate the production timeline while internalizing its own AI technology.Initially, Hyundai plans to apply NVIDIA's Hyperion platform to produce Level 2+ features in mass-produced vehicles by the first half of 2028, followed by the launch of Level 2++ vehicles in the second half of the same year. By the second half of 2029, the company intends to mass-produce Level 2++ vehicles based on its own Artria AI, gradually enhancing autonomous driving technology using real-world data. Level 2 autonomous driving allows the vehicle to perform steering and acceleration while the driver supervises the driving situation.Park Min-woo, President of Hyundai Motor and Kia's Autonomous Vehicle Platform Division and CEO of 42dot, stated, "Just as it is hard to imagine a car without wheels, autonomous driving will become an essential competitive advantage for vehicles in the future. While it is difficult to pinpoint whether that moment will be next year or the year after, the current pace of technological advancement and market movements suggest we are much closer than previously expected."The core of Hyundai's autonomous driving technology is AI. Unlike traditional modular approaches that develop perception, decision-making, and control functions separately, Hyundai is developing an end-to-end (E2E) system that integrates these processes based on AI. The E2E system allows AI to process information from sensors like cameras and radars, understand the surrounding environment, and directly connect this understanding to driving decisions and vehicle control.Additionally, Hyundai announced the commencement of research on next-generation autonomous driving technology called Vision-Language-Action (VLA). VLA combines visual information captured by the vehicle with language-based reasoning to inform actual driving actions. While the existing E2E system connects driving information directly to vehicle actions, VLA enhances this process by incorporating language-based reasoning, demonstrating higher judgment capabilities in complex environments.Lee Hee-seok, group leader of the VLA model research area, noted, "By basing actions on language, we can improve accuracy and stability. This will also help build trust in the system by allowing the vehicle to explain its reasoning to users."Data Flywheel: The Key to Advancing Autonomous DrivingHyundai presented the data flywheel as a key foundation that connects its two-track strategy into a competitive advantage. The data flywheel is a virtuous cycle where data is collected from actual vehicles, AI learns from this data to improve autonomous driving technology, and the new insights are then applied back to the vehicles to gather more data.Hyundai operates over 40 data collection vehicles day and night in areas like Pangyo, gathering data on edge cases—exceptional situations that are difficult for AI to learn in advance. This includes various real-world scenarios such as road construction, severe weather, sudden lane changes, and parked vehicles on side streets, all of which contribute to enhancing autonomous driving technology.During the event, Hyundai showcased footage of an SDV testbed vehicle equipped with Artria AI navigating through Seoul's urban environment. The vehicle demonstrated its technology in complex road conditions, including busy rush hours in Gangnam and heavy vehicle traffic in Jamsil, as well as rainy conditions in Pangyo.Jung Sung-kyun, group leader of the Artria division at 42dot, emphasized, "Once mass production of the autonomous driving system begins, we expect to surpass the amount of data accumulated by competitors within five years."Hyundai's global production scale serves as a competitive advantage for the data flywheel. The company sells over 7 million vehicles annually across more than 190 countries and regions. The 'Special Event Recorder' (SER), which automatically logs key situations during the autonomous driving process, is also expected to expedite the standardization of data collection for the data flywheel.Hyundai is also developing technology to efficiently operate large-scale AI models in vehicles. The company explained that it has secured quantization technology that allows autonomous driving models to be trained using large-scale graphics processing units (GPUs) while also functioning within the limited computing environment of actual vehicles. This aims to create a virtuous cycle that enhances the scale, quality, and operational efficiency of data for autonomous driving.Park Min-woo concluded, "The competition in autonomous driving is no longer about distinguishing the superiority of specific features. Hyundai Motor Group will develop trustworthy autonomous driving technology based on a virtuous cycle of data, AI, and repeated validation." 2026-09-13 09:04:00
SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won Calls for Joint Energy Purchasing and Storage with Japan Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, emphasized the need for joint energy purchasing and storage between South Korea and Japan. He noted that both countries have high energy import dependence and should collaborate on purchasing, storage, and utilization to enhance energy security.After the '2026 Ulsan Forum' held at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center on September 11, Choi told reporters, "If we engage in joint purchasing, storage, and usage, there is significant potential for savings and collaboration."Choi highlighted that South Korea and Japan each import about $140 billion worth of energy annually, underscoring the necessity for cooperation. He stated, "Rather than being completely isolated as 'energy islands' and doing nothing, we need to take action to ensure energy security."He also projected that the scope of cooperation could extend beyond simple fossil fuel purchasing to include renewable energy, hydrogen, and nuclear power. However, he acknowledged that it would take time to translate these discussions into actual projects. Choi remarked, "We are currently exploring the possibilities with various companies and continue to meet on this agenda. Energy contracts can last up to 20 years, so we cannot change everything suddenly."SK Innovation is also expanding its AI-based energy and electrification solutions in response to changes in the energy industry. Choi stated, "We are developing energy solutions using AI and electrification solutions needed for AI data centers. We have many partners and investment plans to further expand this area." He added, "As oil decreases, we will seek other solutions and utilize new locations, land, and people."Choi reported that the 1GW Ulsan AI data center project and collaboration with global big tech companies are progressing rapidly. He mentioned, "We are continuously meeting with big tech firms, and progress is quite fast. It has been less than a year since the data center plan was announced," adding, "In particular, Ulsan has nearly reached 900MW capacity."Choi positively assessed the level of AI application at SK Innovation's Ulsan CLX manufacturing site, which he visited the previous day. He noted, "I observed how AI applications are being used at each site and how new solutions are being developed. Just because it is a traditional industry does not mean AI is not being utilized."Choi stressed that Ulsan should become a leading model for AI transformation in manufacturing. He stated, "If Ulsan, which was once a strategically important industrial base, quickly becomes a leading model, it can serve as a good example for the spread of AI in South Korea. That is why we have continued the Ulsan Forum, and I hope more companies will participate to enhance our potential."The 2026 Ulsan Forum, themed 'Leading AX, Smart Life Ulsan,' included Choi and other SK executives such as Kim Jong-hwa, President of SK Energy and SK Geo Centric, and Kim Won-ki, President of SK Enmove, as well as Ulsan Mayor Kim Sang-wook, Ulsan City Council Chair Lee Young-hae, and Ulsan Chamber of Commerce President Lee Yoon-cheol. This year marks the fifth Ulsan Forum, a platform for businesses and the local community to discuss sustainable growth strategies for Ulsan. 2026-09-13 08:00:20
Oktoberfest Seoul Brings German Beer Festival to South Korea Ein PrositOn the afternoon of September 12, as autumn weather settled in, the 'Oktoberfest Seoul 2026' took place at the Culture Storage Base in Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The main venue, the Big Tent, resonated with the traditional toast song 'Ein Prosit,' which is sung by attendees at the world's largest beer festival, Munich's Oktoberfest.The event was co-hosted by Deutsche Oktoberfest Korea and Original Beer Company, marking the first official Oktoberfest in South Korea approved by the city of Munich.Upon entering the venue, visitors were greeted by traditional German music, and many attendees donned Bavarian costumes, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a German festival right in the heart of Seoul.During the opening ceremony, a lively scene unfolded as Örn Weisert, the Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy in South Korea, took the stage to tap a keg in the traditional Munich style. After announcing 'O'zapft is,' meaning 'the keg is tapped,' applause and cheers erupted from the audience.No Oktoberfest is complete without beer. The festival featured ten iconic German beer brands, including Paulaner, Kronbacher, Schneider, Weltenburger, Kaiserdom, Gaffel, Schlenkerla, Clausthaler, Giesinger, and Oberdorfer. The Original Beer Company (OBC), the only craft brewery participating from South Korea, also joined the lineup.The beer was served in special Oktoberfest mugs imported from Germany, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Attendees could enjoy traditional German dishes such as Schweinshaxe, sausages, schnitzel, and pretzels, along with Korean fried chicken.The festival's excitement extended beyond the Big Tent. An outdoor beer garden, accessible without an admission ticket, offered the same selection of German beers as the main venue. Performances by traditional folk and brass bands, as well as the Oktoberband, added to the festivities.Promotional booths also attracted attention, featuring official partners like FC Bayern Munich, German appliance manufacturer Miele, and the Korea Fisheries and Port Development Corporation, drawing in visitors.This event, allowing attendees to experience the atmosphere of Germany's Oktoberfest in Seoul, runs until September 21. The Big Tent operates in two sessions: the first from noon to 4:30 PM and the second from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, while the free outdoor beer garden is open from noon to 10 PM.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-13 07:00:20