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• Dt&C Busan Test Research Center Doubles First-Half Performance Compared to Last Year

  ➀ Dt&C’s Busan Test Research Center, established in 2023, reported doubled performance in H1 2025 by expanding specialized testing capabilities for defense and shipbuilding industries, addressing regional infrastructure gaps;

  ➁ The center introduced advanced equipment (e.g., vibration testers, torpedo impact testers) and plans further upgrades, including a 6-ton vibration tester and automated reporting systems to enhance efficiency;

  ➂ Prioritizes meeting mass-production testing demands for defense exports, aiming to reduce logistics costs and delays for local manufacturers while targeting profitability growth from 2025.

• POSCO Group Collaborates with Global Consulting Firm SGS to Accelerate Safety Management System Innovation

  ➀ POSCO Group signed an MOU with SGS, a global safety consulting leader, to overhaul its safety management system and implement advanced processes;

  ➁ The collaboration includes safety diagnostics for POSCO E&C starting in September and joint efforts to establish an AI-integrated smart safety solutions company;

  ➂ Additionally, POSCO discussed safety partnerships with dss+ and explored European safety policies during recent visits to strengthen its safety governance.

• Samsung Electronics Opens AI-Based B2B Solution Experience Space in Bangkok, Thailand

  ➀ Samsung Electronics has established a 270-pyeong (898㎡) AI-powered B2B experience studio in Bangkok, Thailand, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, featuring smart home, retail, and conference solutions;

  ➁ The studio provides tailored AI solutions and expert consultations for enterprise customers, showcasing appliances, TVs, and mobile devices;

  ➂ This follows recent B2B expansions in Singapore, Latin America, and India, including a 180-pyeong (595㎡) facility in Mumbai, reinforcing Samsung’s focus on commercial markets.

• Coway Launches First PLCC 'Coway Shinhan Card' with Shinhan Card

  ➀ Coway and Shinhan Card jointly launched the 'Coway Shinhan Card,' its first Private Label Credit Card (PLCC), offering rental service discounts based on spending tiers: KRW 1.3M ($100) for over KRW 300K ($230), KRW 1.7M ($131) for over KRW 700K ($538), and KRW 3M ($230) for over KRW 1.5M ($1,154) monthly;

  ➁ New cardholders receive unconditional KRW 1.3M ($100) discount for two months, while a promotional event (until Oct 31, 2025) provides up to KRW 600K ($46) in monthly discounts for 60 months to eligible customers;

  ➂ Annual fees are KRW 27K ($208) for domestic use and KRW 30K ($230) for international use (Mastercard). Coway emphasized plans to deliver differentiated benefits aligned with customer lifestyles.

• S-Oil Launches 'My GoodLOVES Campaign'

  ➀ S-Oil initiates 'My GoodLOVES' campaign to reduce single-use plastic gloves at self-service gas stations by promoting reusable alternatives.

  ➀ The campaign creatively uses 3D-animated characters to personify gloves (e.g., lost gloves, old gloves) and encourages consumers to repurpose unused gloves as refueling gloves.

  ➂ A consumer engagement event runs until September 14, 2025, offering prizes like Stanley tumblers and Starbucks gift cards for sharing personalized refueling gloves on social media with specific hashtags.

• [Preview of IFA 2025] Korea vs China, Robot Vacuum Clash

  ➀ Samsung and LG will debut new robotic vacuum cleaners at IFA 2025, featuring AI object recognition, 3D cameras, and enhanced steam cleaning, with Samsung securing IoT security certifications for its 2025 'Bespoke AI Steam' model;

  ➁ Chinese brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame aggressively showcase upgraded products, including lawn mowers and multi-functional cleaners, aiming to strengthen their European market presence;

  ➂ Competition focuses on technological innovation (e.g., built-in designs, space efficiency) and compliance with Europe's stricter security standards, reflecting the intensifying rivalry in the smart home appliance sector.

• Samsung Electronics Unveils Super-Sized Media Art Digital Outdoor Advertising for Galaxy Foldable New Products in Landmark Locations

  ➀ Samsung Electronics launched a large-scale digital outdoor advertising (DOOH) campaign in Seoul landmarks, starting with Seoul Station, to promote its new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 foldable smartphones;

  ➁ The campaign utilizes media art to create immersive visual experiences, emphasizing the innovative design of the foldable devices;

  ➂ This marketing strategy aims to enhance consumer engagement and showcase Samsung's leadership in foldable technology.

• LG Electronics Establishes 'LG Electronics HVAC Research Center' in Changwon

  ➀ LG Electronics announced the establishment of the 'LG Electronics HVAC Research Center' in Changwon, South Korea, investing 50 billion KRW (~38.5 million USD) to build a 4,000-pyeong (13,200㎡) advanced R&D facility focused on next-generation HVAC solutions, including heat pumps, chillers, and data center cooling systems;

  ➁ The center will feature Korea’s first combined extreme high/low-temperature testing facility to enhance product reliability across diverse environments and plans to expand its HVAC Academy for global engineer training;

  ➂ LG aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the global HVAC market through industry-academic collaborations and eco-friendly technology development, building on its existing network of R&D hubs and cold-region research consortia.

• Hanwha Aerospace to Produce Cheonmu Guided Missiles in Poland… Establishes JV with WB Group

  ➀ Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group finalized a joint venture (JV) to produce the Cheonmu-guided missiles (CGR-080) for Poland’s Homar-K rocket system, with production facilities to be built locally in Poland;

  ➁ The JV aims to overcome Europe’s defense industry protectionism and strengthen Poland-South Korea security ties, while positioning for broader European market expansion;

  ➂ Initial production will prioritize Polish demand, with plans to diversify missile variants and expand exports to other European countries through mutual agreements.

• LG Display's 4th Gen OLED Receives UL Certification for 'Original Reproduction'

  ➀ LG Display's fourth-generation OLED panel received UL Solutions' 'Perfect Content Reproduction' certification, achieving over 95% accuracy in replicating original 4K content under 500 lux lighting;

  ➁ The panel utilizes an ultra-low reflection design to minimize external light interference and maximizes contrast with OLED's inherent black expression;

  ➂ LG Display has now secured all three UL certifications (Perfect Black, Perfect Color, and Environment Verification), emphasizing real-world performance optimization.

September 3

• HD Hyundai Oilbank Conducts 'Juyupass Premium' Event... Expanding Sales of Premium Gasoline

  ➀ HD Hyundai Oilbank is offering a free trial event for its 'Juyupass Premium' subscription service until September 7, targeting 400 selected customers with benefits including KRW 50/liter discounts (approx. $0.04/liter) on premium gasoline and car wash coupons;

  ➁ The premium subscription service, launched in August 2023, specifically caters to high-octane fuel users and is part of the company’s strategy to expand premium fuel sales amid rising demand;

  ➂ HD Hyundai Oilbank has solidified its position as a leader in Korea’s premium fuel market since 2005, offering products like 'KAZEN' and 'ULTRA KAZEN,' and has been the exclusive supplier for South Korea’s largest motorsport event since 2019.

• Hanwha Defense Trio Presents 'Orca' Custom Solutions in Poland, Launches Full-Scale Bidding Campaign

  ➀ Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean showcased localized defense solutions at MSPO 2025 in Poland, targeting the €5.9 billion (8 trillion KRW, ~$6.15 billion) 'Orca project' for three new submarines;

  ➁ Key exhibits included the 3,000-ton Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine (with AIP and lithium-ion batteries), export-ready coastal patrol ships, and the K9A2 howitzer with automated ammunition loading;

  ➂ Hanwha emphasized partnerships with Polish manufacturers through technology transfers, workforce training, and joint production agreements to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

September 2

• Chungnam Discusses New Projects to Drive Economic Growth: RISE Advancement and Advanced OSAT Construction

  ➀ South Chungcheong Province reviewed its 2026 policy plans, emphasizing new initiatives like upgrading the RISE project, establishing a high-tech semiconductor post-processing testbed, and elevating overseas offices to regional branches;

  ➀ Key projects include boosting venture ecosystems, AI-driven automotive innovation, pet healthcare certification centers, and expanding renewable energy infrastructure such as carbon capture and storage (CCS);

  ③ The province aims to solidify long-term growth through agricultural reform, carbon neutrality leadership, and addressing population decline, ensuring these efforts shape its future for decades.

September 1

• Electronic Times 10,000th Issue: Pioneering Social Issues Ahead of Their Time

  ➀ The Electronic Times marks its 10,000th issue with a legacy of in-depth journalism, including award-winning climate change coverage and carbon neutrality strategies;

  ➁ Analyzed the mobility industry's shift to software-defined vehicles (SDV) and future strategies of global automakers, spanning autonomous cars and UAM;

  ➂ Highlighted platform regulation debates impacting Naver and Kakao, and reported on Samsung/LG-led smart home innovations, earning industry accolades.

• US Requires Case-by-Case Approval for Semiconductor Equipment Exports to China... Inevitable Disruptions for Samsung and SK’s Local Factories

  ➀ The U.S. removes Samsung Xi’an and SK Hynix Wuxi/Dalian facilities from the 'Validated End-User (VEU)' list, requiring case-by-case government approval for semiconductor equipment imports to China starting January 2026, hampering their advanced process upgrades;

  ➁ Samsung (40% of NAND output) and SK Hynix (40% DRAM, 20% NAND output in China) face production delays and reduced competitiveness as China accelerates domestic semiconductor production;

  ➂ China's Ministry of Commerce condemns the U.S. move, calling it a 'selfish act' that destabilizes global semiconductor supply chains.

• Schneider Electric Supplies MEP Equipment to 'SK AI Data Center Ulsan'

  ➀ Schneider Electric and SK Telecom signed a strategic agreement to supply integrated MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) equipment for the 'SK AI Data Center Ulsan', expanding their partnership established at MWC25 in March 2025;

  ➁ The collaboration includes integrating Schneider's ETAP solution with SKT's AI DCIM system for digital twin-based operational optimization, enhancing energy efficiency and data center management capabilities;

  ➂ Both companies will deepen cooperation across SK Group, including joint development of UPS/ESS using SK On's lithium-ion batteries and collaboration on energy subscription services (EaaS) to drive next-gen sustainable data center ecosystems.

• S-Oil Establishes LinkedIn Account to Strengthen Global Promotion

  ➀ S-Oil launched an official LinkedIn account to enhance global promotion and recruitment efforts, leveraging the platform's 1 billion+ users across 200 countries;

  ➁ The company plans to share CEO leadership insights and key business activities on LinkedIn while using other social media channels (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) for customer engagement;

  ➂ This move aims to strengthen global competitiveness and showcase S-Oil's innovative energy initiatives through targeted digital communication.

• LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI Unveil New ESS Battery Products at U.S. 'RE+ 2025'

  ➀ LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI will participate in the 'RE+ 2025' renewable energy exhibition in Las Vegas from September 8-11, showcasing ESS (Energy Storage System) battery products tailored for the North American market.

  ➁ LG Energy Solution introduced its 'JF2 AC/DC Link' system with a capacity of up to 5.1 MWh and unveiled prismatic LFP battery cells for the first time. Samsung SDI launched two new SBB (Samsung Battery Box) models, SBB 1.7 (17% higher energy density) and SBB 2.0 (LFP-based with extended lifespan), alongside UPS solutions and safety technologies.

  ➂ Both companies aim to strengthen their foothold in the U.S. ESS market, driven by demand for localized supply chains and expanding data center infrastructure.

• [10,000th Issue] In the AI Revolution Era, The Elec Reclaims Position as Korea’s Premier ‘AX Professional Media’

  ➀ The Elec, a South Korean media outlet, rebrands itself as an AI Transformation (AX) specialist, marking its 10,000th issue after 42 years;

  ➁ It launches 10 major AI initiatives, including AI video news, certification programs, healthcare AI evaluations, and national defense AI forums;

  ➂ These efforts aim to position South Korea as a global AI leader by enhancing AI literacy, safety standards, and industrial applications.

• Doosan Enerbility Sees Successive Visits from APEC Member Countries' Energy Authorities

  ➀ Doosan Enerbility hosted visits from energy officials of multiple APEC member countries, including the U.S. Department of Energy's Deputy Assistant Secretary Tommy Joyce, who inspected its nuclear reactor and SMR manufacturing facilities in Changwon.

  ➁ The company discussed nuclear energy cooperation with global partners, signing MOUs with Amazon, X-energy, KHNP, and Fermi America to expand its SMR and nuclear project footprint in the U.S. market.

  ➂ Doosan emphasized its commitment to leveraging its competitive manufacturing capabilities to capture new opportunities in the global nuclear energy sector, particularly amid rising global demand for SMRs and advanced reactors.

• Korean Sovereign AI: The Key to Shaping the National Economy

  ➀ The success of Korea's sovereign AI hinges on close government-industry collaboration, aiming to position Korea as a top-three global AI power (G3) by fostering investments and ecosystem development;

  ➁ The government emphasizes replicating past ICT successes through unified public-private efforts to drive AI innovation and national transformation;

  ➂ Experts urge Korea to establish itself as a global sovereign AI partner, leveraging its potential in pioneering AI technologies akin to K-content's global expansion.

August 31

• Chungnam Signs $46.58 Million Export Contracts and Expands Overseas Bases in China and Vietnam

  ➀ Chungnam Province signed new export MOUs worth $46.58 million (KRW 65.2 billion) during business trips to China and Vietnam, focusing on expanding overseas markets;

  ➁ Established a Shanghai office to strengthen trade with China and completed a network of seven global offices, while signing a cooperation agreement with Vietnam's Hue City to enhance regional partnerships;

  ➂ Conducted export consultations worth $88.51 million in Vietnam, secured $33.58 million in MOUs, and promoted academic collaborations in smart farming between Korean and Vietnamese universities.

• 'Design in Suwon, Production at TSMC'... Suwon City Signs Investment Agreement with Aziqland

  ➀ Suwon City signed its 19th investment agreement under the 8th elected administration with Aziqland, a South Korean ASIC design solution company, to support its headquarters and R&D center expansion;

  ➁ Aziqland, TSMC's sole Value Chain Alliance (VCA) partner in Korea, specializes in custom semiconductor design and collaborates with TSMC for production, enhancing domestic fabless firms' global competitiveness;

  ➂ As an Arm-approved Total Design (ATD) partner, Aziqland provides Arm-based system-on-chip (SoC) solutions across AI, automotive electronics, IoT, and 5G applications, offering end-to-end design-to-production support.

• Lee Jae-yong Returns from U.S. Economic Envoy Visit... "We Must Work Hard"

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned to South Korea after concluding a one-week U.S. visit as part of the Korea-U.S. summit economic envoy delegation, emphasizing the need for diligence;

  ➁ Samsung subsidiaries strengthened U.S.-Korea partnerships, including Samsung Heavy Industries' MRO agreement with Vigor Marine Group for U.S. naval projects and Samsung C&T's collaboration with KHNP and Fermi America on an AI campus project integrating nuclear power, renewable energy, and hyperscale data centers;

  ➂ The agreements aim to expand joint efforts in shipbuilding, nuclear energy, and AI infrastructure, highlighting Samsung's role in advancing bilateral technological and industrial cooperation.

• Where Lab Meets Factory Floor: Korea Tech University's New Industry-Academic Collaboration Center Launches

  ➀ Korea Tech University inaugurates its Industry-Academic Collaboration Center, integrating university, corporate, research institute, and government resources to foster practical innovation;

  ➁ The facility houses shared equipment, joint labs, and corporate R&D centers, enabling students and enterprises to collaborate on next-gen semiconductor, autonomous manufacturing, and bio-materials (5T fields) development;

  ➂ Aims to boost regional economic growth and youth employment in Siheung and Ansan via tech commercialization, startups, and a 'Deep Tech Village' initiative.

August 2

• GoodPeople International and Together Smiling Foundation Recruit Participants for the 1st Developmental Disabilities Workplace Festival 'HERE WE GO!'

  ➀ GoodPeople International and Together Smiling Foundation will host the 'HERE WE GO!' festival on October 23 in Suwon, aiming to boost confidence and employment sustainability for workers with developmental disabilities through performances, exhibitions, and team activities;

  ➁ The event features creative zones for art displays, sports missions, and workshops focused on workplace skills, health, and peer collaboration, alongside awards and prize events;

  ➂ Designed with accessibility in mind, the festival includes sensory-friendly spaces and visual guides to ensure inclusive participation, supported by sponsors like Maeil Dairy and Shinhan Bank.

• Korea Electrical Contractors Association Reports Record Revenue Despite Fewer Projects in 2024

  ➀ The Korea Electrical Contractors Association announced a 7.3% YoY revenue increase to KRW 39.2846 trillion (~$30.2 billion) in 2024, the highest since 1994;

  ➁ Project numbers fell by ~10,000 to 618,000 due to construction industry slowdown, while rising labor/material costs drove revenue growth;

  ➂ Large firms (443 companies over KRW 10 billion/~$7.7 million) accounted for 48.52% of total performance, highlighting significant market concentration.

• KEA States 'Expansion of Eco-Design Regulations Should Be Recognized as a Global Mega Trend'

  ➀ KEA released a report urging recognition of the EU's expanded Eco-Design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) as a global mega trend, emphasizing its impact on South Korea's electronics industry;

  ➁ The EU plans to apply ESPR to 16 electronic products by 2030, including displays and smartphones, while pushing for repairability and recycled material usage;

  ➂ Major companies like Samsung and Apple are adapting with supply chain adjustments and ESG strategies, as KEA highlights the need for proactive global supply chain alignment with EU's de facto environmental standards.

• Coway Opens 'Coway Gallery Jeju Direct Store'

  ➀ Coway opened its first brand experience and sales store in Jeju, South Korea, located in Norihyeong-dong, targeting both local residents and tourists;

  ➁ The store showcases flagship products such as water purifiers, air mattresses, and air purifiers, allowing visitors to test and purchase them;

  ➂ No prior reservation is required for entry, but consultation services can be booked in advance through Coway's official website.

• Chungnam Content Agency Launches '2025 World Robo Festa' as a Stage for Future Innovation with Physical AI

  ➀ The Chungnam Content Agency (Chungnam COIX) will host the '2025 World Robo Festa' from May 5-6 at Sangmyung University in Cheonan, focusing on Physical AI to nurture talent and startups;

  ➁ Key events include international robotics competitions, startup pitch contests, exhibitions, investor meetings, and public engagement programs, with participation from domestic investors and tech institutions;

  ➂ The festival aims to foster innovation in robotics and mobility technologies, supported by regional governments and universities like KOREATECH and Hoseo University.