Seoul to expand AI-based translation service for foreign subway passengers

SEOUL -- Seoul's subway operator will expand its artificial intelligence-based translation service that can help non-Korean-speaking foreigners communicate with subway workers. The real-time translation service uses a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display which shows spoken words translated and converted into text. The AI-based service that provides 13 languages including English, Chinese, and Japanese, will be installed at 11 stations in the capital city.

March 14, 2024

Virtual artist 'iaaa' performs debut song 'Our Season' at SXSW event in Texas

SEOUL -- iaaa, a virtual artist created by South Korean content startup Studio Meta-K, was showcased at the South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin. The virtual human performed her debut song titled "Our Season" at the event designed to celebrate the fusion of various fields, including technology, film, music, and education. iaaa is a member of Studio Meta-K's virtual artist group "Season." She made her debut in February 2024 as a special host on "R

March 13, 2024

KIMCHEERS opens offline premium kimchi store targeting savvy domestic and foreign consumers

SEOUL -- KIMCHEERS, an innovative kimchi maker, has opened its first premium offline store to attract young consumers and foreign tourists with creatively designed bottles containing kimchi that retains the authentic flavors of traditional Korean pickled vegetables, reminiscent of recipes passed down by seasoned kimchi masters. Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish, is typically crafted by fermenting cabbage or radish with a blend of red chili powder, garlic, and ginger. Its glob

March 13, 2024

Webtoon app service Kakao Piccoma ranked world's 35th highest-grossing app publisher

SEOUL -- Data released by a global web service market analyst firm revealed that Kakao Piccoma, the Japanese webtoon subsidiary of South Korea's web service giant Kakao, secured the 35th spot among the world's highest-grossing app publishers. Webtoons, initially known as webcomics, are digital comic books optimized for viewing on smartphones and other digital devices like tablets. Originating in South Korea in the mid-2000s on web portals like Daum (operated by Kakao) and

March 13, 2024

Defense contractor LIG Nex 1 accelerates first missile supply deal with US government

SEOUL -- LIG Nex 1, a prominent South Korean defense contractor, is expediting discussions with the United States government to finalize an export deal for the "Bigung" 70mm laser-guided anti-ship rocket system. While South Korean companies have previously supplied weapon parts and components to the U.S. government, the adoption of Bigung would mark the first time a South Korean full weaponry system is integrated into Washington's arsenal. The impetus for this develo

March 13, 2024

S. Korea's iconic football stadium becomes main stage for K-pop concerts

SEOUL -- Seoul World Cup Stadium, an iconic football stadium in western Seoul, has become the primary stage for K-pop artists following the remodeling project on Jamsil Sports Complex in southern Seoul. With a capacity of about 45,000 people, this World Cup stadium is regarded as a "dream stage" among South Korean artists, requiring substantial ticket sales potential and immense popularity to host concerts. Seoul World Cup Stadium, constructed in the western district of

March 13, 2024

AI startup Upstage partners with legal tech firm to develop AI-based legal advisor

SEOUL -- South Korean artificial intelligence technology developer Upstage will work with domestic legal tech firm Law & Company to create an AI-driven legal advisor that can analyze complicated legal precedents. Upstage's large language model-based solution called "Solar" will be upgraded into the AI legal assistant after studying legal data provided by Law & Company. Solar is a deep-learning-based AI platform capable of understanding and generating content.

March 12, 2024

Brazilian aircraft company Embraer kickstarts student incubation program in North Gyeongsang Province

SEOUL -- Brazilian aircraft company Embraer has launched a student incubation program in North Gyeongsang Province, aiming to nurture aspiring aircraft engineers and aviation specialists. The world's third-largest commercial aircraft maker became South Korea's crucial partner in December 2023 when South Korea's defense ministry selected Embraer's C-390, a large-sized plane, as the country's next-generation military cargo flyer. C-390's maximum distributed p

March 12, 2024

Canadian Embassy in Seoul hosts symposium to promote AI ethics across Indo-Pacific region

SEOUL -- At a symposium designed to accelerate cooperation on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, researchers and business officials from the Indo-Pacific region discussed obstacles in maintaining human rights and democratic values amid the rapid evolution of AI systems. This symposium, hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, focused on sharing diverse perspectives in preserving these principles. Canadian Ambassador to South Korea, Tamara Mawhinney, addressed the potentia

March 12, 2024

S. Korea sees record 40% surge in fruit prices

SEOUL -- South Korea witnessed a historic surge in fruit prices in February 2024, with an inflation rate of 40.6 percent. This unprecedented increase marks the highest recorded since 1991, when the country began officially archiving fruit price inflation data. According to the national statistical information service, the inflation rate for apple prices in February stood at 71.6 percent, attributed to dwindling production caused by adverse weather conditions. Purchasing an apple n

March 12, 2024