Korea Zinc volunteers to make communication boards for children with speech disabilities

Third consecutive year of volunteer work with Purme Foundation More than 10 Korea Zinc and affiliate employees take part Korea Zinc said Monday that its employees had volunteered to make AAC communication boards — a rehabilitation teaching aid for children with speech disabilities. The Purme Foundation, which supports children with disabilities and young adults with developmental disabilities, took part for the third consecutive year. The volunteer session, titled "AAC Communication Board Making for Children with Disabilities by Korea Zinc and Affiliate Employees," was held Friday at a multipurpose room at Korea Zinc's headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul. More than 10 people attended, including employees from Korea Zinc and its affiliates — Axis IT, KG Trading and KZ Precision — as well as Purme Foundation staff. AAC, short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, refers to the use of supplementary and alternative communication tools to help children with disabilities improve their ability to communicate. Each completed AAC communication board features more than 100 picture cards printed with images and text that children with disabilities can easily understand. Employees worked in pairs during the session. They began by cutting and attaching velcro strips to fit the size of a binder and foamex board to form the communication panel. They then cut out more than 100 printed picture cards with scissors, laminated them and trimmed all sharp corners. Finally, they attached velcro to the back of each card and fixed them onto the panel, completing the AAC communication board. Employees also wrote message cards with words of encouragement for the children. The AAC communication boards and message cards — handmade by employees over two hours — are to be delivered to the Purme Children's Development and Rehabilitation Center, which operates under the Purme Foundation. "We are grateful that the communication aids our employees made by hand can offer even a small measure of help in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities," a Korea Zinc official said. "We will continue to provide diverse support so that children with disabilities and young adults with developmental disabilities can grow and become independent members of our society." This year marks Korea Zinc's third year sponsoring programs through the Purme Foundation to support the independence and rehabilitation of young adults with developmental disabilities and children with disabilities. Employees also plan to volunteer next month at a cherry tomato smart farm where young adults with developmental disabilities work. Meanwhile, employees at Korea Zinc's Onsan Smelter recently joined staff from Ulsan Metropolitan City and the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency for a marine environment protection volunteer activity at Pyeongdong Beach in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, as part of the company's ongoing social contribution efforts across a range of areas.

Sept. 14, 2026

Kumho Tire clinches consecutive O-NE Super Race Championship title

Round 6: Kumho Tire secures double podium with 1st and 3rd place Kumho SL Motorsports team takes driver and team championships Kumho Tire announced Monday that its sponsored Kumho SL Motorsports team secured a double podium in Round 6 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 class at the 2026 O-NE Super Race Championship, held Sunday at Korea International Circuit in Yeongam-gun, South Jeolla Province, clinching the overall championship for the second consecutive year ahead of the final round. Driver Lee Chang-wook's victory marked his fifth win of the season, locking up the driver championship for the second straight year regardless of the final round's outcome. The Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 class, in which Kumho Tire competes, is the top-tier class of the O-NE Super Race Championship and is regarded as the premier stock car racing competition in South Korea. Its high-speed, high-power racing has drawn strong interest from motorsport fans each season with its intense, action-packed contests. In Sunday's Round 6, Kumho SL Motorsports team drivers Lee Chang-wook and Lee Jeong-woo finished first and third, respectively. Lee Chang-wook delivered a dominant performance, converting his pole position into a race win — a "pole-to-win" — to claim the checkered flag first. With the victory, Lee has won five of the six rounds this season, and all five wins have been pole-to-win finishes. Lee also recorded the fastest lap time in Round 6, adding the "fastest lap" title to his tally — a feat he had already achieved in Rounds 1 through 4. Kumho Tire also clinched the tire manufacturer championship ahead of the final round, an award given to the manufacturer whose drivers accumulate the highest combined round points across the season, effectively sweeping the 2026 season. "Thanks to the perfect preparation by the team and the tires, we were able to keep delivering strong results this season," Lee said. "I am very happy to have recorded all five wins as pole-to-win finishes and to have become champion for two consecutive years. I will do my best in the remaining rounds to keep this momentum going and show fans even better racing." Meanwhile, Kumho Tire recently demonstrated its design capabilities at the 2026 IDEA Design Awards in the United States, where its future modular tire concept "Omni Ring" took a bronze award in the Concept and Speculative Design category.

Sept. 14, 2026

Ferrari unveils 730-horsepower 296 GT Modificata track-only model

Based on the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo Built in strictly limited numbers exclusively for the Club Competizioni GT program 2,992cc V6 engine produces 130 more horsepower than the race model Ferrari has unveiled the 296 GT Modificata, a track-only GT model developed to push performance to its limits. The new vehicle was built exclusively for the Club Competizioni GT program, a non-competitive track event series for Ferrari customers. Revealed at Ferrari Racing Days in Budapest, Hungary, the 296 GT Modificata is a two-seater produced in strictly limited numbers. The model draws on real-world racing experience accumulated by the 296 GT3 Evo, which debuted at the start of the 2026 season. Carrying on the lineage of the 488 GT Modificata unveiled in 2020, the new model features sophisticated aerodynamic design rooted in pure racing heritage. It is powered by a V6 engine that delivers a peak output of 730 horsepower (537 kW) at 7,500 rpm, equivalent to 244 horsepower per liter. Built on the innovative technology solutions applied to the 296 GT Modificata, the model has the potential to lap the Fiorano circuit three seconds faster than the 296 GT3 Evo. The 296 GT Modificata features dedicated aerodynamic solutions focused particularly on the front and rear. The front adopts a newly designed wing and a bespoke bonnet, while the rear introduces a completely new wing structure. A new front bonnet with enlarged air intakes and dedicated vanes has been fitted to achieve greater heat dissipation in line with the increased engine output. The vanes channel hot air expelled from the central front radiator, effectively preventing interference with the side intercoolers. The vent at the base of the windscreen has also been redesigned to optimize thermal management of components inside the front bonnet. A new front wing — referred to by engineers as a slot splitter — improves airflow along the underside of the vehicle, further enhancing the car's overall downforce generation. At the rear, a completely redesigned wing has been fitted to boost aerodynamic performance while maintaining optimal aerodynamic balance across the vehicle. The 296 GT Modificata is designed so that owners can take to the track immediately, without any additional preparation, and participate in the Club Competizioni GT program run by Ferrari's Maranello headquarters. Particularly notable is the standard inclusion of features that were optional on the 296 GT3 Evo, among them a data acquisition system Steps 1 and 2 integrating additional sensors such as a pitot tube for measuring airspeed, damper potentiometers and brake temperature sensors. The 296 GT Modificata is a track-only model developed solely for track day driving and participation in Club Competizioni GT events, Ferrari's exclusive customer program. Customers who purchase the 296 GT Modificata receive access to 12 program events held over two years, allowing owners to enjoy driving experiences at a selection of circuits with varying layouts and levels of technical challenge. The 2027 Club Competizioni GT program calendar comprises seven events, held at circuits in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Misano Adriatico (Italy), Fuji (Japan), Indianapolis (United States), Paul Ricard (France) and Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium). The season's final round will take place at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali, with the specific schedule and venue to be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, Ferrari last month unveiled its first all-electric sports car, the Ferrari Luce, at its Cheongdam showroom in Gangnam-gu, Seoul — the model's domestic premiere. The reveal came roughly three months after the car's global debut in Rome, Italy, in May.

Sept. 14, 2026

Volkswagen Korea launches Golf GTI Black Edition to mark 20 years in Korea

Bold red honeycomb pattern set against all-black body First 50 buyers receive GTI Collection Sports Bag Free service package worth 2 million won included Volkswagen Korea announced Monday it is launching the Golf GTI Black Edition, a special limited model celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Golf GTI's debut in the South Korean market. The Golf GTI Black Edition marks two milestones at once: the GTI's 50th anniversary globally and its 20th year in Korea. The company said the model features a differentiated design intended to amplify the GTI's signature sporty character while honoring the occasion. The standout design element is an exclusive side decal that pairs the GTI's signature red color and a honeycomb pattern against the all-black body. The sharp contrast between the red and black reinforces the dynamic image associated with high-performance models while giving the limited edition its own distinct identity. Volkswagen Korea is also offering a range of purchase benefits to help buyers get the most out of the GTI Black Edition. The first 50 customers to purchase the vehicle will receive a GTI Collection Sports Bag, a lifestyle item reflecting the GTI's identity. All buyers will also receive a complimentary Volkswagen Service Package — valued at 2 million won ($1,490) — comprising key consumable parts for vehicle maintenance. The package includes engine oil and an oil filter, an air-conditioning filter, spark plugs, brake pads and brake fluid, and front and rear wiper blades. Volkswagen Korea is also offering a special financing promotion for all GTI buyers, including an interest-free installment plan over 48 months. Vehicle buyers will additionally receive a five-year or 150,000-kilometer complimentary warranty extension, along with a deductible support program covering out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident — capped at 500,000 won per incident for the first year — to ease ongoing maintenance costs. Volkswagen Korea is also planning a special experience for Black Edition buyers: a select group chosen by lottery will be invited to the 2026 Volkswagen Golf Treffen. The Volkswagen Golf Treffen is an owner community event that brings together Golf owners and Volkswagen enthusiasts to share stories and celebrate their shared passion for the model. The event is scheduled for Oct. 17 in Yongin. "The Golf GTI has been loved in the Korean market for 20 years, and the Black Edition was created to celebrate that milestone in a truly special way," said Michael Ant, president of Volkswagen Korea. "Through its distinctive design and meaningful customer benefits, we hope buyers will experience the unique value that only a limited edition can offer." Meanwhile, Volkswagen Korea has been stepping up efforts to improve customer service satisfaction, including recently holding a technical skills competition among technicians at its authorized service centers nationwide to test their vehicle diagnosis and repair capabilities.

Sept. 14, 2026

Jejuair expands Incheon-Jeju route to three flights a week through March

Airline offers ticket discounts and child fare waivers to mark the expansion "We will continue to improve access to Jeju" Jejuair announced Monday it will extend its Incheon-Jeju route through March 27 next year and increase the frequency from two to three flights per week. The airline launched the Incheon-Jeju service in May with two weekly flights, originally scheduled to run through the summer season. Jejuair will now extend the route through March 27 next year, and from Nov. 2 will increase frequency to three flights a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Since the route launched on May 12, more than 11,600 passengers had boarded through the end of August, with an average load factor of 87.1 percent. Foreign passengers accounted for about 30.4 percent of that total, or roughly 3,500 travelers. By nationality, Chinese passengers were the largest group at more than 1,170, followed by Americans at about 500, French at about 130 and Japanese at about 120. The number of foreign tourists visiting Jeju Island via Jejuair has also grown sharply. From January through August this year, about 160,000 foreign passengers flew on Jejuair's Gimpo and Incheon routes to Jeju — a 28.8 percent increase from roughly 124,000 during the same period last year. To mark the frequency increase, Jejuair is running a promotion through 5 p.m. Sunday offering ticket discounts and waived child fares. One-way tickets on the Incheon-Jeju route for travel through March 27 next year are available from 26,200 won ($19), inclusive of fuel surcharges and airport facility fees. For select flights departing between Nov. 15 and March 19 next year, customers who book three or more passengers including at least one child aged 2 to 12 will have all child airfares waived. "We will work to improve access to Jeju through the expanded frequency and extended operation of the Incheon-Jeju route, and contribute to the growth of Jeju tourism," a Jejuair official said. Meanwhile, Jejuair is actively expanding its network to improve passenger convenience. The airline plans to resume service on the Incheon-Guilin route later this month and will operate charter flights on the Daegu-Guilin route.

Sept. 14, 2026

Jin Air launches shopping promotion for travelers heading abroad during holiday season

Promotion runs Sept. 14 through Oct. 11 Ancillary services discounted up to 67% Don Quijote duty-free coupons and local shopping guides included Jin Air announced Monday that it will run an overseas travel shopping promotion through Oct. 11, targeting passengers heading abroad during the chuseok holiday and the October long weekend. The promotion is designed as a tailored shopping guide to help travelers plan their purchases at popular Jin Air destinations. Organized into three episodes themed around Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam, it introduces destination-specific shopping lists while offering practical discount benefits redeemable on the ground. Japan receives particular attention given the high frequency of Korean visitors: the campaign will highlight a curated selection of items available at Don Quijote, one of the country's most popular shopping destinations. Jin Air said the promotion reflects a surge in local shopping demand driven by the weak yen as well as a broad decline in exchange rates for other major Asian travel currencies, including the Taiwan dollar and the Vietnamese dong. The airline has lined up discounts spanning the journey from the airport to local shops. On the ancillary services side, excess baggage fees will be cut by up to 67% during the promotion period, while fast baggage retrieval, baggage packs and golf packs will be available at up to 50% off. In addition, clicking the Don Quijote discount coupon link on Jin Air's promotion page takes users directly to a duty-free coupon page redeemable at Don Quijote stores in Japan. The coupons can be used to purchase new products at a discount, including Monchhichi-branded luggage and Okamoto kotatsu socks. "We prepared tailored benefits to ease the baggage burden for travelers who enjoy shopping abroad on their way home," a Jin Air official said. "With a free baggage allowance of 15 kilograms plus a range of ancillary service discounts, we hope passengers will travel with Jin Air this holiday season and come back with both hands full — worry-free." Meanwhile, Jin Air has continued its corporate social responsibility efforts, including an upcycling campaign launched Sept. 6 to mark Resource Circulation Day, in which retired crew uniforms were repurposed into new products.

Sept. 14, 2026

Porsche Korea wraps third technician skills competition

Identifying top technicians Supporting ongoing skills development Porsche Korea announced Monday that it had successfully held its third technician skills competition, designed to strengthen the technical expertise and service capabilities of Porsche technicians. The competition is a program established to identify outstanding technicians and support their ongoing professional development, with the goal of reinforcing the technical competitiveness that underpins high service quality. Assessments focus on diagnostic and problem-solving skills required in real service environments, cultivating specialists capable of delivering consistent, high-quality service to customers. This year's edition marked the third running of the competition and introduced a team-based format in place of the previous individual competition, placing greater emphasis on evaluating collaborative skills, the company said. Top technicians selected by official Porsche dealers — Stuttgart Sportscar, Autostadt, Deutsch Auto and Seyoung Mobility — competed in two-person teams, showcasing the technical capabilities and teamwork that represent each dealership. The final round, held Aug. 27, comprehensively assessed participants' ability to diagnose and service problem vehicles alongside their theoretical knowledge, evaluating their understanding of vehicle systems and professional expertise from multiple angles. At the awards ceremony held Thursday, the final rankings were announced based on the assessment results. The team of Moon Gyeong-deuk and Kim Jin-su from Stuttgart Sportscar took first place, followed by Lee Tae-jin and Lee Jin-wook of Deutsch Auto in second, Choi Hyeon-yeol and Park Jin-seong of Autostadt in third, and Choi Sin-ho and Choi Won-hui of Seyoung Mobility in fourth. The winning team will receive an opportunity to attend the Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore in October. Holger Brandt, Porsche Korea's director of after sales and network development, said the competition was "a meaningful occasion for technicians representing each dealership to share their hands-on experience and technical know-how and grow together." He added that customer experience grounded in outstanding technical skill is at the heart of Porsche's service, and that the company would continue to deliver differentiated service quality through ongoing investment in technician development. Meanwhile, Porsche Korea recently received the Corporate Partnership Award at the 2026 Seoul Metropolitan Government Garden City Awards, with its "Believe in Dream Park" rain garden — created at Jangpyeong Neighborhood Park in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul — recognized for its contributions to urban greening and biodiversity. Porsche said it would continue its corporate social responsibility activities across a range of areas going forward.

Sept. 14, 2026

Car rental industry pushes back against easing of credit finance firms' rental regulations

Korea Rent-A-Car Business Association Federation speaks out 'Specialty finance firms already competing in long-term rental market' '4 finance firms win more public procurement than 24 small businesses combined' The car rental industry is pushing back against financial regulators' plans to ease restrictions on vehicle rental operations by specialty credit finance companies, commonly known as "yeojeon" firms. Industry groups argue that allowing financial companies that supply vehicle purchase funding to expand directly into car rental would undercut smaller rental operators who cannot match their financial firepower. The Korea Rent-A-Car Business Association Federation said Monday it opposes any relaxation of the cap on vehicle rental volume that specialty credit finance companies may handle as a secondary business. Under current rules, specialty credit finance companies — including capital finance firms — may engage in vehicle rental as a secondary business alongside their core leasing operations. However, limits on the scale of rental activity are in place to prevent the secondary business from outgrowing the primary one. The Financial Services Commission said at an industry meeting last November that it would review easing the current rental volume cap, which is set at the level of a firm's core business performance. The rental industry has objected, saying the arrangement would create "a structure in which a financial company that supplies funding simultaneously becomes a competitor for the same customers." Capital finance firms are currently permitted to operate both auto leasing and car rental businesses, while general car rental companies focus on vehicle hire as their core activity. Rental companies also frequently borrow from capital finance firms to fund bulk vehicle purchases. Financial regulators have gradually expanded the scope of specialty finance firms' rental activities in the past. In 2020, the FSC eased rules to allow business-to-business rental of items not covered by leasing contracts. Even then, separate standards on product categories, industry sectors and transaction volume were required to protect the small and medium-sized rental market. The FSC distinguishes leasing — a financial arrangement in which a customer uses a specific asset for a set period and pays in installments — from rental, in which an asset is lent out and returned at the end of the contract. The federation said deregulation would allow specialty finance firms to encroach on small and medium-sized rental operators. An analysis of vehicle rental service contracts on the Public Procurement Service's Narajangteo platform found that 746 contracts worth about 55.4 billion won were signed between Feb. 26 and Aug. 25. Of those, eight large companies won 384 contracts worth 31.8 billion won, three mid-sized companies won 309 contracts worth 21.5 billion won, and 24 small and medium-sized enterprises won 53 contracts worth 2.1 billion won. Particularly striking, the federation said, was that four specialty credit finance companies secured 40 contracts worth about 2.6 billion won ($1.9 million) — exceeding the combined 2.1 billion won won by all 24 small and medium-sized enterprises. The average contract value per deal was also about 65 million won for the finance firms, roughly 1.7 times the approximately 38 million won recorded by small businesses. The federation noted that all of the contracts were long-term vehicle hire agreements, arguing that capital finance firms and small rental operators are already competing in the same long-term rental market. The revenue structure of small rental companies has also been shifting toward long-term contracts. Advances in vehicle safety technology have reduced the volume of replacement vehicles provided after accidents, while car-sharing services have grown to dominate the short-term rental market. The federation estimates that for a small operator with a fleet of 1,000 vehicles, about 700 are now tied up in long-term contracts. "The assumption that small car rental operators deal only in short-term hire or accident replacement vehicles does not reflect the current market," a federation official said. "Even with the rental volume cap still in place, four specialty finance firms are already capturing more public procurement business than 24 small businesses combined." The competitive imbalance is even more pronounced in the market for individual customers and small corporations, the federation said. While public procurement contracts are subject to open bidding conditions and published prices, contracts in the individual customer market are typically concluded at financial or automotive sales touchpoints — giving financial companies with capital and distribution networks a structural advantage. The federation also cited regulatory practices in other countries. In the United States, it said, bank leasing is restricted to non-operating, full-recovery arrangements with caps on residual value. The EU classifies financial leasing as a financial activity but does not treat operating leases as part of the financial sector. "Considering overseas cases that restrict operating leases and rental — where financial companies directly bear residual value risk — domestic regulations already permit rental on a comparatively broad basis," the federation said. The federation called for three steps before any easing of the rental volume cap: an independent market impact analysis, consultations with related ministries overseeing market competition and passenger transport operations, and a review of the conflict of interest inherent in a structure where a funding provider also acts as a competitor. "Regulators must first accurately understand what markets small car rental operators actually serve and how they operate before deciding whether to reform the system," a federation official said.

Sept. 14, 2026

Honda Korea gathers 70 motorcycle dealers for second-half strategy session

About 450 dealers, staff and family members attend two-day event in South Chungcheong Province Company reviews business results and maps out second-half strategy Leadership and customer service training also held Network of 70 sales and service outlets operates nationwide Car sales to end in December as company refocuses on motorcycles Honda Korea brought together representatives from its nationwide motorcycle sales and service network to share second-half business strategies and customer service priorities. The company announced Monday that it held the "2026 Honda Family Day" event Friday and Saturday at Splash Risom Resort and the West Coast Youth Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. About 450 people attended, including Honda Korea employees and staff and family members from 70 motorcycle dealerships and sales outlets across the country. The event focused on strengthening ties among network members who interact directly with customers and aligning them on the company's business direction. A business forum held during the event reviewed key performance results for the year and discussed management strategies for the second half. Leadership and customer service training sessions were also held to sharpen how dealers and sales outlets handle customer interactions. "Honda Family Day is an occasion for every member who meets customers up close to understand the value of moving together under one shared direction," said Honda Korea CEO Lee Ji-hong. "We will continue working toward delivering products and services that bring greater satisfaction to our customers, built on close cooperation and communication." Honda Korea plans to exit the domestic car market at the end of December, 22 years after it began selling automobiles in South Korea in 2004. The company will restructure its operations to concentrate more fully on the motorcycle business going forward. That shift is expected to make the nationwide motorcycle sales and service network increasingly important. Honda Korea currently operates 70 dealerships and sales outlets across the country and runs a company-owned service center in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Its lineup spans from the Super Cub, a 110cc commuter, to the Gold Wing, a 1,800cc touring motorcycle. The company has also been working to attract new riders, running hands-on riding programs for beginners. Last month, it held a "Honda Welcome Class" for people with no motorcycle experience at the Honda Education Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province. Safe-riding education continues as well. Cumulative graduates of the motorcycle safety course at the Icheon Honda Education Center have now reached 1,900. Honda Korea plans to use its sales network and training programs together to maintain service touchpoints with existing customers while broadening its base of new motorcycle riders.

Sept. 14, 2026

DeepX wins government green technology certification for low-power AI inference

Four ultra-low-power AI acceleration modules also receive green technology product designation Power consumption cut by up to 26%, operating temperatures lowered by more than 20 degrees Celsius Certifications expected to open doors to public procurement preferences and overseas market support DeepX announced Monday that its low-power AI inference technology has received the government's green technology certification, after demonstrating that it cuts power consumption during AI computation while maintaining processing performance. The company said it expects the certification to help it enter the public-sector market and expand its business at home and abroad. Four AI acceleration modules incorporating the technology also received green technology product designation: the DX-M1 M.2 LPDDR5x2 and DX-M1M M.2 (2GB), both DX-M1-based modules designed for compact edge AI devices, and the DX-H1 V-NPU and DX-H1 Quattro, DX-H1-based modules built for high-performance AI inference. The certification and product designations are valid through Sept. 9, 2030. Companies and products holding green certification receive preferential treatment or bonus points in public procurement and commercialization processes, and can access a range of support through policy financing, guarantees, financial programs and overseas market entry initiatives. In authorized testing by Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL), DeepX's PCIe high-performance product line reduced power consumption by 21.84 to 26.25 percent compared with reference products, while its M.2 compact line achieved reductions of 17.26 to 23.35 percent. The high-performance line also ran more than 20 degrees Celsius cooler than the reference products during operation, demonstrating the company's capabilities in power efficiency and thermal management. DeepX designed its neural processing unit to reduce unnecessary data movement and memory access during AI computation, lowering power draw without sacrificing throughput. The Green Certification Review Committee acknowledged the excellence of this architecture and its power and heat reduction effects. "As AI spreads beyond data centers into industrial settings such as robots, factories and mobility, delivering high performance with as little power as possible will only become more critical," a DeepX official said. "This certification is meaningful because it provides objective recognition of the energy efficiency of DeepX's low-power AI semiconductor technology."

Sept. 14, 2026

HD Hyundai E&F completes LNG cogeneration plant at Daesan petrochemical complex

About 435 billion won invested in construction Plant capable of generating 290 MW of power and 321 tons of heat per hour HD Hyundai E&F, the district energy subsidiary of HD Hyundai Oilbank, said Monday it has completed an LNG cogeneration plant at the Daesan petrochemical complex in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. A completion ceremony was held at the plant in Daesan-eup, Seosan, with HD Hyundai Oilbank President Song Myeong-jun, Executive Vice President Jeong Im-ju and HD Hyundai E&F CEO Kim Myeong-hyeon in attendance. The plant required an investment of about 435 billion won ($323 million). HD Hyundai E&F, established in 2021, broke ground on the facility in March 2024 and spent roughly two years building out its power generation and heat supply systems. After a phased commissioning process to verify performance and stability, the plant entered commercial operation at the end of July. The newly built facility has a power generation capacity of 290 MW and a heat production capacity of 321 tons per hour. It uses a high-efficiency combined-cycle gas turbine system fueled by natural gas to produce electricity and thermal energy simultaneously. The power and thermal energy produced by HD Hyundai E&F are to be supplied to tenants of the Daesan petrochemical complex, including H&L Advanced. "We hope HD Hyundai E&F will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of tenant companies and advancing the regional industrial base through a stable energy supply," HD Hyundai Oilbank President Song said. HD Hyundai E&F CEO Kim said the company would "continuously improve facility efficiency to help our customers enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions."

Sept. 14, 2026

LG Chem partners with Chinese firm to mass-produce ultra-pure semiconductor cleaning material

LG Chem signs MOU with Zhanghwawei for HP IPA collaboration LG Chem to supply raw material as Zhanghwawei handles mass production LG Chem announced Monday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Zhanghwawei, a leading Chinese precision chemical materials company, to collaborate on the production of ultra-high-purity, or HP, isopropyl alcohol for semiconductor applications. Zhanghwawei produces and refines high-purity chemical materials used in semiconductor and display manufacturing processes, supplying major chipmakers in China. HP IPA is an essential cleaning material used repeatedly across all stages of semiconductor manufacturing. It is a high-value material that demands strict quality control, as even trace impurities can affect semiconductor performance and yield. HP IPA is derived from C3-IPA, a material in which LG Chem has secured stable quality competitiveness. LG Chem produces propylene (C3)-based, high-purity C3-IPA at its factory in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, at an annual capacity of 165,000 tons. The company has been expanding supply to global markets, including domestic semiconductor customers, North America and Asia. The core of the agreement is to combine LG Chem's C3-IPA production capabilities with Zhanghwawei's refining technology to establish a local HP IPA supply chain for semiconductor cleaning applications. Under the arrangement, LG Chem will supply high-purity, high-quality C3-IPA, which Zhanghwawei will then refine into HP IPA for semiconductor cleaning use. The two companies will work together to strengthen HP IPA's quality competitiveness and advance its commercialization, targeting customers in advanced semiconductor segments including AI chips and HBM. To that end, they plan to carry out a range of cooperative activities, including technology exchanges, information sharing and joint marketing. "We will strengthen our foundation for supplying ultra-high-purity raw materials for semiconductors, backed by differentiated quality competitiveness and stable supply capabilities, while also pursuing new growth opportunities in the global semiconductor materials market," said Executive Vice President Kim Sang-min, head of LG Chem's Petrochemical Business Division. Meanwhile, LG Chem plans to invest 15 trillion won ($11.1 billion) in research and development by 2035, nurturing semiconductor, mobility and robot materials as well as anticancer drugs as its core future businesses. Some 70 percent of that investment will be allocated to growth businesses including semiconductor, mobility and robot materials.

Sept. 14, 2026

Samsung Electronics, SK hynix reject Korea Electric Power's proposal to prepay W25 trillion in electricity bills

Samsung 20 trillion won, SK hynix 5 trillion won — equivalent to five years of electricity bills Semiconductor industry volatility cited as key concern over large upfront payment Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have turned down a proposal from Korea Electric Power Corporation to prepay their electricity bills, industry sources said Monday. The two chipmakers internally reviewed Korea Electric Power Corporation's proposal to prepay 25 trillion won ($18.6 billion) — equivalent to five years of electricity charges — and informed the state utility of their decision to decline, according to industry sources. Korea Electric Power Corporation had proposed that Samsung Electronics prepay around 20 trillion won and SK hynix around 5 trillion won, amounts corresponding to roughly five years of electricity bills each company paid last year. The utility had also offered incentives, including an interest rate higher than the yield on two-year Korean Treasury bonds applied to the prepaid amount, with the principal and interest to be deducted from electricity bills paid every six months thereafter. Korea Electric Power Corporation had planned to channel the prepaid funds into investment in the national power grid. Transmission and substation infrastructure to meet the massive electricity demand from semiconductor clusters being developed in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and the South Jeolla Province-Gwangju integrated special city were among the projects cited. The utility had also hoped the arrangement would help ease its debt burden, which stood at 210.7 trillion won as of the first half of this year. The semiconductor industry, however, appears to have balked at committing such a large sum upfront, given uncertainty over whether the current memory chip boom will last through the next five years.

Sept. 14, 2026

Tokyo Electron Korea gives children in Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek a taste of semiconductor engineering

Kids explore chip manufacturing processes at KidZania's 'TEL Dream Lab' Tokyo Electron Korea invited 50 children from community child centers in Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek to KidZania Seoul in Songpa-gu, Seoul, for a career-exploration event called the "TEL Dream Camp," the company announced Monday. Participants explored semiconductor manufacturing processes at the TEL Dream Lab, learning the principles behind four core chip processes — photolithography, etching, cleaning and deposition — through interactive games, and gaining a hands-on understanding of what semiconductor engineers do. After the career activities, the children reflected on their day by writing "the dream I discovered on Monday" on wafer-shaped cards. The cards were then assembled into a "DREAM" placard, giving each child a way to express their aspirations. The TEL Dream Camp was designed to let children from the region explore advanced technology and a range of careers, helping them discover their areas of interest and envision their futures. Earlier this year, Tokyo Electron Korea opened the TEL Semiconductor Dream Lab — a semiconductor engineer career-experience space — at KidZania Seoul in July. Starting this year, the company has been running the "Dreams Grow" scholarship program in partnership with ChildFund Korea to help children and teenagers in Gyeonggi Province who face financial barriers to pursuing their dreams in the arts, music and physical education develop their talents. "We hope this was a chance for the children to directly experience various careers and semiconductor technology, and to discover their areas of interest and new possibilities," said Roh Tae-woo, chief executive of Tokyo Electron Korea. "We will continue to support and encourage the diverse dreams of the next generation."

Sept. 14, 2026

Samsung, LG to pay suppliers early ahead of Chuseok

Samsung to disburse 1.3 trillion won, up 110 billion won from last year LG to advance payments by up to 13 days, totaling 600 billion won Samsung and LG announced Monday they will make early payments to their suppliers ahead of the Chuseok holiday to help partner companies manage cash flow. Samsung will disburse 1.3 trillion won ($966 million) in supplier payments before the Chuseok holiday break. The conglomerate increased the early payment amount by about 110 billion won compared with last year's Chuseok disbursement to help stimulate the domestic economy. Thirteen Samsung affiliates are participating in the initiative — Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, Samsung Display, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDI, Samsung SDS, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung E&A, Cheil Worldwide, S1 and Samsung Welstory — each advancing payments by about seven days from their originally scheduled dates. LG will also make early payments totaling 600 billion won to help its suppliers cover raw material costs and employee bonuses before the holiday. Eight LG affiliates — LG Electronics, LG Innotek, LG Chem, LG Energy Solution, LG Household, LG Uplus, LG CNS and D&O — will advance their payments by up to 13 days. Meanwhile, Samsung is running a Chuseok online marketplace for its employees, selling specialty products from affiliate partner villages and goods manufactured by small and medium-sized enterprises through its smart factory program, as part of efforts to boost domestic consumption. Thirty-one small and medium-sized enterprises that received support through Samsung Electronics' smart factory program are participating in the marketplace, offering 53 products including Korean beef sets and fresh fruit. Samsung employees collectively spend about 3 billion won at the online marketplace each year across the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays, contributing to local economic activity. LG is also running financial support programs — including a co-growth fund and direct lending — worth about 1.2 trillion won through seven affiliates (LG Electronics, LG Innotek, LG Chem, LG Energy Solution, LG Household, LG Uplus and LG CNS) to provide suppliers with interest-free or low-interest loans.

Sept. 14, 2026

Michigan governor meets Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution in Seoul, pledges next-gen tech cooperation

Gov. Whitmer visits Korea; Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution among attendees Talks cover mobility, battery and advanced manufacturing supply chains KITA chief calls for stronger Korea-Michigan ties Whitmer cites skilled workforce, supply chain as foundation for cooperation South Korean battery and auto parts companies met with representatives from Michigan — the heart of the US automotive industry — to discuss expanding cooperation in next-generation mobility and advanced manufacturing. Companies operating in the state, including Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution, attended and exchanged views on supply chains and the investment environment. Korea International Trade Association (KITA) hosted a luncheon Monday at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as the guest of honor. The Korean side included KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, members of the KITA board, and 19 business leaders from battery, auto parts and advanced manufacturing companies — among them Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution and Hanse Mobility — as well as members of the Korea-US Economic Council (KUSEC). Michigan sent a 15-member delegation led by Governor Whitmer, including officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. KUSEC is a private-sector economic cooperation channel established in 1973 to expand economic ties between the two countries, with KITA serving as its secretariat. Michigan, centered on Detroit, is home to a dense concentration of US automakers and parts suppliers. In recent years the state has been broadening its industrial base beyond traditional automaking into electric vehicles, batteries and advanced manufacturing. Korean companies including LG Energy Solution have been operating production facilities or making investments in Michigan, deepening the industrial links between the two sides. "Michigan is the traditional home of the automotive industry and is emerging as a hub for next-generation mobility, batteries and advanced manufacturing," KITA Chairman Yoon said. "I hope Governor Whitmer will continue to take an interest in and support efforts to build an even stronger partnership between Korean companies and Michigan in supply chain stability, trade and investment." Governor Whitmer, a Democrat, has made attracting investment in the automotive industry and battery and clean-energy supply chains a centerpiece of her economic policy. Whitmer responded in kind, saying Michigan is ready to develop next-generation technologies with Korean companies, drawing on the state's skilled workforce, advanced manufacturing capabilities and robust supply chains. "Based on the close partnership that Michigan and Korea have built over decades, I look forward to continuing to open up future industries together with Korean companies," she said. Michigan has been stepping up support for the future mobility industry. On Friday, Governor Whitmer announced $1.5 million in funding for 10 mobility projects covering electric vehicle charging, autonomous driving and hydrogen. The initiative is designed to accelerate commercialization by testing new technologies on real roads and at actual facilities.

Sept. 14, 2026

Samsung Display supplies world's first 2K+165Hz OLED to China's Vivo

Panel to ship this month for premium gaming smartphone iQOO 16 Achieves industry-leading brightness and lowest power consumption at 165Hz Optimized driving, emission and image-quality technologies push high-performance OLED limits Power consumption about 30% lower than latest gaming smartphone OLEDs Samsung Display will supply Chinese smartphone maker Vivo with a 6.9-inch smartphone OLED panel that simultaneously achieves 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate — a world first. While recently released high-end gaming smartphone OLEDs have reached 1.5K resolution at 165Hz, Samsung Display has pushed resolution to the top-tier 2K level while maintaining the 165Hz refresh rate and cutting power consumption by about 30% to reach the industry's lowest level. Samsung Display said Monday the newly developed gaming smartphone OLED achieves a peak brightness of 2,800 nits in high-brightness mode, even at the high refresh rate. As resolution and refresh rates rise, the number of pixels and driving circuits that must be processed increases sharply, making it difficult to secure both high brightness and power efficiency at the same time. Achieving 165Hz at 2K resolution requires highly advanced technology capable of rapidly and precisely charging and driving vast numbers of pixels to render a new frame roughly every six milliseconds. Samsung Display applied precision design at the 0.1-nanometer level to increase the thickness of pixel signal wiring by 10% compared with previous panels. This widens the cross-sectional area through which current flows, lowering electrical resistance and boosting pixel charging speed. The display driver IC controlling each pixel uses a 22-nanometer process — finer than the conventional 28-nanometer process — and reduces the driver chip's computational power consumption by 30% compared with previous designs, delivering fast and stable driving performance. To improve luminescence and image quality, Samsung Display applied its polarizer-free OLED technology, LEAD™, optimized for the latest organic materials and driving conditions, achieving outstanding brightness while keeping power consumption low. In addition, three years of accumulated AI-based image-quality optimization technology secured top-tier picture quality along with luminance and color uniformity, raising the overall quality of the product. Samsung Display will supply the panel this month for the iQOO 16, a high-performance gaming smartphone from Vivo's premium brand iQOO. The company expects strong consumer interest from users seeking to enjoy high-end mobile games and high-definition content with sharp visuals and smooth motion. "We have concentrated the world's best OLED technology to simultaneously achieve high resolution, a high refresh rate, high brightness and power efficiency," said Lee Ho-joong, senior vice president and head of Samsung Display's product planning team. "We will continue to strengthen our technology leadership in the premium smartphone market, backed by the differentiated competitiveness of Samsung OLED optimized for high-end games that demand fast screen transitions and extended play sessions."

Sept. 14, 2026

Samsung Heavy Industries wins $1.2b order for 6 vessels, surpassing annual target by 28%

Supply contract signed with Oceanian shipowner 4 large LNG carriers, 2 crude oil tankers Merchant vessel orders reach $7.3 billion this year Samsung Heavy Industries has secured an order for six vessels — including LNG carriers — from an Oceanian shipowner for a combined $1.2 billion. The company disclosed Monday that it had won orders for four large LNG carriers worth $1 billion and two crude oil tankers worth $200 million. The LNG carriers in the order are 200,000-cubic-meter models with a larger cargo hold capacity than the standard 174,000-cubic-meter class. With this latest order, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a total of 42 vessels this year, including 18 LNG carriers, two ethane carriers, four gas carriers, four container ships and 14 crude oil tankers. The company's merchant vessel orders this year have reached $7.3 billion, already surpassing last year's figure of $7.1 billion. The total also exceeds this year's order target of $5.7 billion by 28 percent. In the offshore segment, Samsung Heavy Industries has booked orders for two floating LNG units worth $4.4 billion, reaching 54 percent of its annual offshore target of $8.2 billion. "This large LNG carrier order reflects our active response to the shipowner's long-distance transport needs," a Samsung Heavy Industries official said. "We will continue to pursue selective, profitability-focused orders that align with customer needs and convenience."

Sept. 14, 2026

Eastar Jet to launch daily Busan–Hong Kong flights from October

New route launches Oct. 25, operating seven days a week Incheon–Hong Kong load factor averages around 90% Nine in 10 passengers foreign; airline aims to spread inbound demand beyond Greater Seoul Busan departures to reach 15 routes as regional network grows Eastar Jet announced Monday it will launch a new Busan–Hong Kong route starting Oct. 25, its first Hong Kong service from Busan. The move comes after the carrier's Incheon–Hong Kong route, which began in March, posted an average load factor of around 90%, prompting the airline to extend the same Hong Kong connection to the country's second-largest city. The route will operate daily, seven days a week. Departing Busan at 9:30 p.m., the flight arrives in Hong Kong at 12:10 a.m. the following day. The return service leaves Hong Kong at 2 a.m. and lands in Busan at 7:05 a.m. All times are local. The Busan–Hong Kong service will be Eastar Jet's second Hong Kong route, following the Incheon–Hong Kong launch in March. Eastar Jet said the Incheon–Hong Kong route confirmed strong inbound demand from Hong Kong travelers. Since its launch, the route has maintained an average load factor of about 90%, with foreign passengers accounting for roughly 90 percent of all travelers. The airline said Hong Kong travelers show a strong preference for late-night departures. The Busan route was designed with a nighttime departure and early-morning arrival to cater to passengers who want to make the most of their daytime travel schedules. Through the Busan route, Eastar Jet plans to draw Hong Kong tourists beyond the Greater Seoul area, where inbound demand has been concentrated. Travelers based in Busan will also gain a direct option to Hong Kong without having to travel to Incheon Airport. "Through our Incheon–Hong Kong operations, we confirmed strong inbound demand from Hong Kong locals and their clear preference for overnight schedules," an Eastar Jet official said. "With the launch of the Busan–Hong Kong route, we will work to extend that demand to Busan and contribute to bringing more foreign tourists to the region and boosting tourism there." Eastar Jet is also continuing to expand its international routes from Busan. The carrier currently operates about 50 routes with a fleet of 23 aircraft, 15 of which depart from Busan. The airline is simultaneously expanding its China network. Starting Oct. 29, it will operate the Busan–Xiamen route three times a week, and from Dec. 3 it will add the Busan–Hangzhou route four times a week. Both routes are currently planned as Eastar Jet exclusives, leveraging China traffic rights secured in April to broaden international service from regional airports.

Sept. 14, 2026

Auto Inside launches Chuseok used-car festival with Avante giveaway, discount coupons

'My Car Shopping Festival' runs through Oct. 1 One Hyundai Avante CN7 used car up for grabs in free draw All entrants receive 200,000-won discount coupon Returning buyers get six months of additional warranty Auto Inside is running a Chuseok promotion offering a used Hyundai Avante as a prize, along with vehicle discounts and extended warranty benefits. Auto Inside, a company-owned and certified used-car platform operated by mobility services firm Auto Hands, said the "2026 My Car Shopping Festival" will run from Monday through Oct. 1. The headline event is a free entry draw open to anyone — no vehicle purchase required. Auto Inside members who consent to receiving marketing information and register for the event will be entered into a lottery for one used Hyundai Motor Avante (CN7). The vehicle's original new-car price was 19.71 million won ($14,600). All entrants will also receive a 200,000-won discount coupon redeemable on a used-car purchase. However, the coupon applies only to vehicles sold at special promotional prices under the "Ppanjjak Deal" flash-sale program, not to all vehicles. The Ppanjjak Deal, previously available only from 10 a.m. Tuesday through midnight Thursday each week, will be expanded during the festival period. Select vehicles will go on sale at discounted prices every day, though sales may end early once stock for each model runs out. Returning customers who previously bought a vehicle through Auto Inside can also take advantage of a loyalty benefit: purchasing a Ppanjjak Deal vehicle again entitles them to six additional months of coverage through the Auto Inside Warranty program. Imported vehicles and certified used cars that already come with a standard six-month free warranty are excluded. A showroom consultation benefit is also available. Customers who book an in-person consultation through Naver and then purchase a Ppanjjak Deal vehicle will receive 50,000-won in Naver Pay credits, on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 30 buyers after the festival ends. A post-purchase satisfaction survey is also planned. Ppanjjak Deal buyers will be invited to complete a questionnaire one month after the festival closes, with participants receiving a 10,000-won gift voucher. "We designed this promotion so that customers can enjoy richer, more tangible benefits when buying a used car during the Chuseok season," Auto Hands CEO Kim Seong-jun said. "We have prepared a range of perks customers can really feel — particularly through the Ppanjjak Deal, where they can find vehicles at reasonable prices — and we will continue to raise customer satisfaction through differentiated service going forward." Auto Inside has also been stepping up interior care during its used-car refurbishment process. Last month, it began applying a dedicated in-car air freshener to certified used vehicles that have undergone sterilization and deodorization treatment in partnership with Cesco.

Sept. 14, 2026