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  • Gaon Cable Enters Canadian Power Market, Expands North American Operations
    Gaon Cable Enters Canadian Power Market, Expands North American Operations Gaon Cable has made its first entry into the Canadian public power market, marking a significant expansion of its North American operations. Following its involvement in private industrial facilities such as AI data centers and semiconductor plants, the company is now broadening its business scope to include public power networks.On September 9, Gaon Cable announced that it has supplied medium voltage (MV) cables to a major public power company in western Canada. This marks the company's first export of power cables to Canada.This supply deal diversifies Gaon Cable's North American business portfolio. Previously, the company's operations in North America focused primarily on private industrial facilities, including AI data centers, semiconductor plants, and power generation facilities. With this new contract, Gaon Cable is expanding its client base to include the public power network market, which has high entry barriers.The expansion of investment in Canada's power infrastructure is also seen as a business opportunity. As power consumption increases due to the expansion of AI data centers and the growth of advanced manufacturing, local initiatives are underway to enhance transmission and distribution networks and modernize aging power grids. The Canadian government projects that electricity demand will double by 2050 compared to current levels.Gaon Cable plans to accelerate its penetration into the North American power infrastructure market, using its entry into Canada as a stepping stone. The company aims to enhance its local supply chain capabilities by linking its headquarters with its production subsidiary in North Carolina.The growth trend in North American operations is expected to continue. Gaon Cable anticipates that its North American sales will increase from approximately $300 million last year to about $470 million this year, representing a growth of over 50%.Jung Hyun, CEO of Gaon Cable, stated, "The entry into the Canadian public power network is a significant milestone that will improve the structure of our North American business and expand our reach. We will continue to strengthen our influence in the North American power infrastructure market, encompassing both the U.S. and Canada."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:12:10
  • Namyang Dairy Supports Youth Caregivers with Barista Job Training
    Namyang Dairy Supports Youth Caregivers with Barista Job Training Namyang Dairy has conducted a barista job training program for young people struggling to explore career options due to family caregiving responsibilities.On September 9, Namyang Dairy announced that it held two sessions of the 'Barista Job Training' program for 13 youth caregivers at its Baekmidang headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, on August 25 and September 8. This training is part of the 'Fill Care' integrated support project for youth caregivers, operated in collaboration with World Vision.Now in its third year, the program aims to provide practical experience using the professional infrastructure of Namyang Dairy's dessert cafe brand, Baekmidang, to young people who have had limited opportunities to gain work experience due to caregiving burdens.The curriculum includes an introduction to the Baekmidang brand and job roles, hands-on practice in coffee bean extraction, bean profile tasting, and creating personalized blends, combining theory and practice. After completing the training, participants had a mentoring session with a current barista to address questions about employment and entrepreneurship in the cafe industry. Namyang Dairy also presented all graduates with gift certificates for Baekmidang.Namyang Dairy is committed to providing not just a one-time experience but also institutional support to help these individuals achieve real independence. Youth caregivers who apply for regular positions at Namyang Dairy or Baekmidang will receive preference in the hiring process.Support for youth caregivers has continued since a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2024. In the first half of this year, approximately 100 million won was provided through the Happy Bean campaign. The company is also expanding its support initiatives, using a portion of the sales from its protein drink 'Take Fit Max' sold on Namyang Dairy's Naver Smart Store to assist socially isolated and reclusive youth.Jang Jong-jin, a manager in the brand team at Namyang Dairy, stated, "We hope that this training will help young people who have had limited opportunities to explore their careers due to family caregiving responsibilities gain direct experience in the barista profession and clarify their future career paths. We will continue to engage in support activities that can genuinely assist young people."Meanwhile, Namyang Dairy operates support programs under the slogan 'Healthy Companionship for All Generations,' targeting infants, youth caregivers, single-parent families, and the elderly. Since 1985, the company has been producing special formula milk for children with rare diseases and continues to support liquid ketogenic diets for epilepsy patients.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:12:00
  • Aju chairman joins Shenzhen media forum ahead of APEC summit
    Aju chairman joins Shenzhen media forum ahead of APEC summit SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - South Korean media executives joined more than 400 delegates at a Chinese government-organized media forum in Shenzhen on Sept. 5, two months before the city hosts this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting. The Asia-Pacific Media Forum drew representatives from over 40 countries and regions, along with United Nations agencies and other international bodies. It was co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Xinhua News Agency and the Guangdong provincial government, and organized by the Shenzhen city government. China holds the rotating chair of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, taking it over from South Korea, which hosted the 2025 summit in Gyeongju. Xinhua has reported that roughly 300 APEC-related meetings and events will be held in Chinese cities over the course of the year. Kwak Young-kil, chairman of Aju Media Group, which publishes AJP, sat on a panel titled "Why did APEC choose Shenzhen?" He was joined by Wang Wen, executive dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, Tan Kar Hing, a Malaysian member of parliament who chairs the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies, and Alexei Ulazov, who handles international cooperation at Russia's National Media Group. The panel discussed Shenzhen's competitiveness and the substance of cooperation under APEC. Kwak gave a series of interviews in Chinese during the forum to China Central Television, Guangzhou Daily, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily and Shenzhen Television. "Shenzhen is a city of reform, opening and inclusiveness, China's Silicon Valley and Asia's Silicon Valley," he said, describing changes he had observed in the city and across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also said he expected results from the summit and from further cooperation between South Korea and China. Wang Haina, chief editor of the group's Chinese-language edition, spoke to Guangzhou Television, Shenzhen Television and Foshan Television about Chinese manufacturing, trade between the two countries and exchange among APEC economies. Delegates spent the three days before the opening touring Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai and Zhongshan, visiting technology companies and holding four sub-forums across the province. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of its Publicity Department, delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony. Huang Kunming, a CPC Political Bureau member who serves as party secretary of Guangdong, also spoke. The ceremony produced a document the organizers called the Shenzhen Consensus, which described APEC as the most influential economic cooperation mechanism in the region. Sixteen founding organizations from China and abroad formed an organizing committee for a new Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Program. The South China Morning Post reported that the founders include the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, Russia's TASS and the Vietnam News Agency. China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November, the third time it has hosted the summit after Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. 2026-09-09 11:10:03
  • Hecto Healthcare Showcases K-Health Products at Vitafoods Asia 2026
    Hecto Healthcare Showcases K-Health Products at Vitafoods Asia 2026 Global healthcare company Hecto Healthcare successfully participated in Asia's largest health supplement exhibition, 'Vitafoods Asia 2026,' held in Bangkok, Thailand, and has entered into follow-up discussions for distribution partnerships with 20 global buyers. Vitafoods Asia 2026 took place from September 2 to 4 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok. According to the event organizer Informa Markets, over 650 companies participated this year, with healthcare and nutrition industry representatives from 83 countries engaging in active business exchanges. At the exhibition, Hecto Healthcare showcased its premium probiotics brand 'Dushimone' and its baby and kids-focused brand 'Kim Seok-jin LAB.' Featured products included Dushimone 4500, Dushimone Baby & Kids Step, a new pet product Dushimone Pet, and Kim Seok-jin LAB's Our Child DHA Smart Drops. During the event, Hecto Healthcare discussed product supply and distribution possibilities with buyers from various countries. Among them, the company is currently reviewing specific partnership options, including local distribution, with 20 firms. Hecto Healthcare plans to analyze market demand and distribution environments by country based on the buyer network established at the exhibition, as well as assess market suitability and specific business conditions for each product. This will guide their efforts to expand overseas distribution networks and discover new partnerships. Kim Seok-jin, CEO of Hecto Healthcare, stated, "Vitafoods Asia 2026 was an opportunity to introduce the competitiveness of Dushimone and Kim Seok-jin LAB products to the global healthcare industry and to directly confirm interest and demand in various markets." He added, "We will work to develop the buyer connections established at the event into practical cooperative relationships to expand our foundation for entering the global market." Meanwhile, Hecto Healthcare recently launched 'Dushimone Pet Probiotics' for dogs and cats, expanding its brand presence in the pet health management market. Kim Seok-jin emphasized, "Based on our long-standing research and expertise in probiotics, we have introduced Dushimone Pet to support the healthy daily lives of pets."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:08:20
  • Hanoi City Engages with South Korean Companies to Accelerate Investment
    Hanoi City Engages with South Korean Companies to Accelerate Investment Hanoi City is intensifying its collaboration with South Korean companies to expand its future growth base. The city is shifting its focus from traditional urban development to attracting investments that enhance industrial competitiveness and urban infrastructure. Hanoi aims to connect South Korean capital and technology with its urban development strategy, thereby broadening economic cooperation between the two countries.On September 9, Hanoi's People's Committee Chairman, Vu Dai Tang, met with key South Korean companies and investors in Seoul to discuss advancing core projects in Hanoi and expanding investment opportunities. During the meeting, Chairman Tang spoke with representatives from a consortium including Jeju Semiconductor, APACT, and FPT Korea. This consortium is working on a semiconductor packaging and testing research and development project, investing over $100 million in Hanoi's Hoa Lac High-Tech Park. The three companies have signed a memorandum of understanding and aim to break ground in November 2026, with production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028.The consortium expressed gratitude for Hanoi's interest and support, committing to focus their efforts on ensuring the project proceeds on schedule and contributes to strengthening economic cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea.Chairman Tang emphasized that the semiconductor industry and innovation are key growth drivers for Hanoi's development model. He requested the consortium to quickly advance their memorandum of understanding into concrete project documents. Hanoi City will support the relevant procedures and designate the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park and Industrial Zone Management Committee as a dedicated point of contact for guidance and coordination.Hanoi also plans to establish a semiconductor ecosystem in Hoa Lac, going beyond mere production facilities. Chairman Tang expressed hope that investors would gradually integrate production, research and development, integrated circuit design, and advanced workforce training, collaborating with local universities to create a robust industrial foundation.On the same day, Chairman Tang met with Jeong Won-joo, Chairman of Daewoo Engineering & Construction. Daewoo expressed appreciation for the support received from the Vietnamese government and Hanoi City, proposing strategic cooperation plans. They specifically requested assistance in accelerating the Star Lake New City project and committed to promoting technology transfer and advanced workforce training for Vietnamese workers involved in the group project.Daewoo also expressed willingness to share its experience in smart city and advanced urban development. They proposed sending a team of Korean experts to provide support. Additionally, they suggested holding an economic forum in Hanoi to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Vietnam in 2027, requesting Hanoi's cooperation in organizing the event and connecting businesses.Chairman Tang acknowledged Daewoo's contributions to Hanoi, citing the Daewoo Hotel and the Star Lake Tay Ho urban development project as representative examples. Regarding Daewoo's proposals related to the Star Lake project, he stated, "I will instruct relevant departments and agencies to review and resolve any obstacles." He also urged Daewoo to allocate resources to expedite the remaining project items.Hanoi City remains open to further urban development participation from Daewoo. Chairman Tang welcomed Daewoo's continued interest in new urban projects to implement the '100-Year Capital Comprehensive Plan.' He also assured that he would coordinate efforts to promote proposals and cooperation programs commemorating the bilateral relationship in 2027.Discussions with Lotte Group also took place. Chairman Tang expressed pleasure in meeting with Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group, again after Shin's visit to Vietnam in April. He noted that Lotte's projects operating in Hanoi are running efficiently and contributing to the capital's socio-economic development.Hanoi requested Lotte Group to review investments aligned with new development directions. Chairman Tang suggested considering investments in next-generation commercial complexes, hotel services, and projects related to the Hong River landscape, linked to public transportation infrastructure such as urban railways. He also mentioned pursuing collaborative projects with major Vietnamese companies.In response, Chairman Shin expressed gratitude for the support provided by Hanoi City to Lotte and other South Korean companies. He stated, "We want to expand our investments in Vietnam and Hanoi based on the traditional cooperative relationship between Korea and Vietnam." Lotte Group is prepared to collaborate with Vietnamese partners in retail, hospitality, residential, office, and urban landscape sectors.Shin also highlighted Lotte's commitment to investing in social value creation. He stated, "We will continue to invest not only in developing our core strengths but also in technology development programs for the younger generation and supporting innovative startups.Meanwhile, Hanoi City has broadened its cooperation possibilities with South Korean companies across various sectors, including semiconductors, urban development, smart cities, and mixed-use commercial facilities, during its Seoul schedule. The city is focused on concretizing major investment projects and linking South Korean companies' entry into Vietnam with Hanoi's development strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:08:00
  • Samsung Electronics Union Proposes Restructuring Focused on Semiconductor Division
    Samsung Electronics Union Proposes Restructuring Focused on Semiconductor Division Samsung Group's super union, the Samsung Electronics branch, is moving to limit membership eligibility to employees in the Device Solutions (DS) division, which oversees semiconductor operations. This restructuring comes amid growing differences between Samsung Electronics unions regarding performance bonus distribution, ahead of next year's wage and collective bargaining negotiations.According to a notice distributed to union members on September 9, the super union plans to hold a general meeting on October 6 to vote on key bargaining proposals.The voting items include: 1) a proposal to unify performance bonus distribution criteria across the company, 2) a request to improve penalty measures for losses in the System LSI and Foundry divisions, and 3) a proposed amendment to limit membership eligibility to the DS division. Any proposals approved at the meeting will be incorporated into the 2027 bargaining demands.The most notable change is the membership eligibility amendment. Initially, the super union encompassed employees from both the DS and Device Experience (DX) divisions, but if this amendment passes, it will effectively become a union focused solely on the DS division.The growing divide among unions stems from issues surrounding performance bonus distribution. The National Samsung Electronics Union (Jeonsamno) and the Donghaeng Union are advocating for performance bonuses to be distributed using company-wide resources. In particular, the DX-focused Donghaeng Union has previously withdrawn from joint negotiations due to disagreements on this issue.The super union believes the likelihood of forming a joint negotiation team for next year's talks is low and is considering pursuing independent negotiations centered on the DS division. However, the leadership has not yet taken a position on the demand for unified performance bonuses through company-wide resources, deciding instead to let union members vote on whether to include it in the bargaining agenda.The issue of performance bonuses based on the financial results of semiconductor divisions is also a key agenda item. The super union will put to a vote a proposal to improve the 'loss penalty' applied to the System LSI and Foundry divisions. The union claims that the inclusion of division losses in members' performance bonuses has led to increased dissatisfaction and decreased motivation among employees.As the super union is expected to become the representative negotiating union during this year's bargaining window consolidation process, it aims to gather member opinions in advance through this general meeting.The union stated, "We believe it is right to determine policy direction through member voting," adding, "We will ensure procedural fairness and fulfill our obligations." It also noted, "We plan to prepare diligently for the 2027 negotiations," and indicated that only super union members will participate in voting if a tentative agreement is reached.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:08:00
  • Wearable Robot Assists Workers in Cultural Heritage Restoration
    Wearable Robot Assists Workers in Cultural Heritage Restoration A wearable robot designed to assist workers' shoulder strength will be deployed in the field of cultural heritage restoration and management.The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on September 9 that it received ten units of the non-powered wearable robot, 'X-ble Shoulder,' from Hyundai Motor. The donation ceremony took place on September 8 at the administrative welfare center in Haenggung-dong, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, and at Hwaryeongjeon.'X-ble Shoulder' is a wearable robot developed by Hyundai and Kia's Robotics Lab that supports the shoulder and arm movements of the wearer without any external power source. It can help reduce the physical burden on workers and the risk of safety accidents during tasks that require repetitive lifting of arms.The donated robots will be distributed to four regional cultural heritage care centers in Gyeonggi, northern Gyeongsangbuk-do, western Gwangju, and Chungbuk. Workers at these centers will periodically check the condition of cultural heritage sites and repair minor damages.A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to continuously improve the working environment for cultural heritage care workers by promoting cooperation with various organizations in addition to our own inspections."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:20
  • Aju Media Group Attends APEC High-Level Media Forum to Strengthen Ties with China
    Aju Media Group Attends APEC High-Level Media Forum to Strengthen Ties with China The Asia-Pacific High-Level Media Forum, a key event in the APEC 'Year of China' series, was held from September 2 to 5 in Guangdong Province, China.Over 400 journalists, think tank representatives, and officials from more than 40 countries and regions, including UN agencies and international organizations, attended the forum to discuss ways to enhance media cooperation and foster shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.From South Korea, Aju Media Group Chairman Kwak Young-gil and Aju Daily Editor-in-Chief Wang Haena were invited to participate in the forum.During the event, Chairman Kwak participated in a discussion titled 'Why Did APEC Choose Shenzhen?' The panel included Wang Wen, Executive Director of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China; Chen Jiaxing, Chairman of the Malaysia Regional Strategic Institute; and Alexei Ulazov, International Cooperation Director of the Russian National Media Group, who shared in-depth insights on Shenzhen's competitive development and the significance of APEC cooperation.Throughout the forum, Chairman Kwak conducted interviews with major Chinese media outlets, including China Central Television (CCTV), Guangzhou Daily, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, and Shenzhen TV. He described Shenzhen as a city of reform, openness, and inclusivity, often referred to as China's Silicon Valley and Asia's Silicon Valley. He also shared his thoughts on the development of Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, discussing the changes he experienced firsthand in the region. Additionally, he expressed optimism about the future of Korea-China cooperation and the upcoming APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen.Editor-in-Chief Wang Haena also engaged in interviews with local media such as Guangzhou TV, Shenzhen TV, and Foshan TV, sharing her views on the development of China's manufacturing sector, Korea-China economic and trade cooperation, and exchanges among APEC economies.Prior to the forum's opening, attendees visited major cities in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, and Zhongshan, where they toured local high-tech companies and experienced the dynamic growth showcased by the scientific and technological advancements and urban development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Li Shulei, a member of the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and head of the Central Propaganda Department. Huang Kunming, also a member of the Central Political Bureau and Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended and delivered congratulatory remarks.The forum included various in-depth discussions featuring key figures from China and the Asia-Pacific region. Business leaders, journalists, and academics exchanged broad opinions on topics ranging from technology sharing and industrial application to joint business and innovation model development, as well as mutual understanding and value exchange.Co-hosted by the Central Propaganda Department of China, Xinhua News Agency, and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the forum was part of the APEC 'Year of China' program. During the forum, Aju Media Group and Aju Daily actively participated in various official programs, engaging in high-level discussions, local industry and city tours, and a series of interviews with major Chinese media, fostering extensive exchanges with officials, media representatives, and think tank members from China and the Asia-Pacific region.This event highlighted the significant influence of the media network and reporting experience that Aju Media Group has built over years of activity in China, connecting Korea, China, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. 2026-09-09 11:04:20
  • Over 20 Chinese Companies Explore Investment Opportunities in Saemangeum
    Over 20 Chinese Companies Explore Investment Opportunities in Saemangeum Chinese companies in solar energy, secondary batteries, and information and communication technology (ICT) are exploring investment opportunities at the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Saemangeum Development Agency, and the Jeonbuk Provincial Government announced that they will conduct investment attraction activities for a Chinese investment delegation visiting from September 9 to 11. The delegation, led by Vice Chairman Shiyun Hong of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, consists of over 20 companies from various sectors, including solar energy, secondary batteries, and ICT. Officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Chinese Embassy in South Korea are also accompanying the group. This visit follows the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in January to strengthen cooperation in industrial complexes between South Korea and China. The two countries discussed ways to promote investment in the Saemangeum industrial complex during a summit held in November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. The Korea-China Industrial Cooperation Complex was designated in 2015 following the conclusion of the Korea-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2014. It includes four locations: Saemangeum in South Korea and Yantai, Yancheng in Jiangsu Province, and Huizhou in Guangdong Province in China. The Ministry, the Saemangeum Development Agency, and the Jeonbuk Provincial Government will facilitate site visits to the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex, meetings with resident companies, business roundtables, investment forums, and consultations for the delegation. On the first day, the delegation will tour the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex to assess investment conditions, including industrial land and infrastructure, and visit Chinese companies already operating in the complex to hear about their investment experiences and business conditions. On September 10, a business roundtable will allow government agencies and interested investors to share cooperation needs in various sectors. They will also discuss potential challenges in the investment process and government support measures. The Saemangeum Investment Forum will present the industrial and locational conditions, investment incentives, and Hyundai Motor Group's large-scale investment plans, along with consultations with KOTRA experts on visas, permits, and other investment-related details. Bae Jun-hyung, Director of the Trade Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry, stated, "This visit by the investment delegation is not an end but a beginning. We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the interest of these companies translates into concrete investments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:10
  • Government Discusses Early Phase-Out of Coal Power by 2040
    Government Discusses Early Phase-Out of Coal Power by 2040 The government is taking steps to establish a concrete path for the early phase-out of coal power by 2040. With anticipated increases in electricity demand due to the expansion of semiconductor mega-clusters and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, the government aims to consider both greenhouse gas reduction and stable power supply.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the 12th Basic Electricity Supply Plan Steering Committee announced on September 9 that they will hold the 7th public policy forum on September 18 at the Korea Electric Power Corporation's Nam Seoul headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, focusing on the theme of 'Measures for the Early Phase-Out of Coal Power by 2040.'The forum will examine coal power reduction and phase-out policies and case studies from major countries, discussing suitable directions for coal power phase-out and key policy tasks for South Korea.The current 11th Basic Electricity Supply Plan projects that coal power will account for 10.1% of total electricity generation in 2038. To achieve a complete phase-out by 2040, it is necessary to accelerate the reduction of coal power while also establishing alternative energy sources and stabilizing the power grid.In particular, the government plans to review a phase-out path that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal power while ensuring power supply stability, reflecting the expected increase in electricity demand from the formation of semiconductor mega-clusters and the expansion of AI data centers.The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment intends to incorporate feedback from the forum into the 12th Basic Electricity Supply Plan. Previously, the government held six forums on topics such as desirable energy mix, harmonious use of renewable energy and nuclear power, electricity demand forecasts, national electricity transition, and renewable energy distribution.This upcoming forum will take place from 10 a.m. on September 18, combining an in-person event with online live streaming. Any interested citizens are welcome to participate and share their opinions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:04:10