SKT, SoftBank, CSES to measure AI’s social impact

SK Telecom said Thursday it has signed an agreement with Japan’s SoftBank and the Center for Social Value Enhancement Studies to develop a common framework for measuring the social value created by artificial intelligence and ICT services. The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen cooperation among the three parties in social value measurement, as companies seek clearer ways to assess the broader impact of AI technologies. AI is increasingly used not only to improve productivity, but al

2026-07-09 13:35:20:00

Three-way race unfolds for foldable supremacy

Foldable smartphones are moving to the center of the premium handset race in the second half, with Samsung Electronics, Google and Apple all preparing major launches that could reshape the market. Samsung Electronics is set to hold its Galaxy Unpacked event in London on July 22, where it is expected to unveil its next-generation foldable lineup, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, according to industry sources on Wednesday. The event is also drawing attention over whether Samsung wi

2026-07-08 15:02:34:00

LG Electronics beats big with record Q2

LG Electronics said Tuesday it delivered its best-ever second-quarter performance, helped by strong sales of home appliances, vehicle components, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. In a regulatory filing, the company estimated its operating profit for the April-June period at 1.58 trillion won ($1.04 billion), up 146.9 percent from a year earlier. Revenue rose 14.9 percent on-year to 23.83 trillion won. The preliminary results beat market expectations. According to financial

2026-07-07 14:31:12:00

New phone sign-ups face tougher ID checks

South Koreans buying a new mobile phone with a new subscription or switching carriers will now face tougher identity checks, as authorities move to curb fraudulent activations linked to identity theft and financial crimes. Major mobile carriers and mobile virtual network operators began implementing the new requirements Monday. Customers opening a new line or transferring their number must verify their identity using one of three methods: facial recognition, a mobile ID issued by the Ministry of

2026-07-06 14:52:25:00

SK Telecom targets 15 GW AI data center capacity by 2035

SK Telecom said Sunday it plans to build a nationwide network of artificial intelligence data centers in Korea, betting that demand for AI computing power will continue to outstrip supply. The project will begin in Ulsan, where the company is building its first AI data center. SK Telecom plans to use the site as the base for a larger cluster across the Yeongnam region — which includes Busan, Ulsan and Daegu, and the North and South Gyeongsang provinces — with capacity eventually exceeding 2 GW.

2026-07-05 14:07:26:00

Samsung's Thank You Festival may boost Q2 earnings

Samsung Electronics' Device eXperience division may receive an unexpected second-quarter boost after its Thank You Festival drove stronger-than-anticipated demand for appliances, TVs and mobile devices in Korea, industry sources said Sunday. The DX division encompasses Samsung's smartphones, TVs and home appliance businesses. Samsung initially allocated around 400 billion won ($262 million) worth of digital Onnuri gift certificates to the campaign, which ran from June 8 through Sunday, according

2026-07-05 11:24:37:00

Samsung and LG's next China battle: Robot vacuums

Once a niche appliance, robot vacuum cleaners have become a test of whether Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics can regain ground in a fast-growing Korean market increasingly shaped by Chinese rivals. China's strength in the sector is reflected in trade data. Figures from the General Administration of Customs of China showed China exported 11.32 billion yuan ($1.67 billion) worth of robots in the first quarter. Cleaning robots, a category newly added to customs product codes this year, accoun

2026-07-05 10:43:31:00

Korea’s beach season begins as summer heat sets in

Major beaches across Korea are opening for the summer season as the country braces for the height of the holiday rush, with coastal cities extending operating periods and adjusting swimming hours to draw visitors. Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, held its opening ceremony Saturday and will operate for 51 days through Aug. 23. One of the east coast’s best-known summer destinations, the beach has a 1.8-kilometer stretch of sand and is about 70 meters wide. Gangneung’s 17 other beache

2026-07-04 16:30:21:00

Samsung reportedly plans 20% DRAM price hike in Q3

Samsung Electronics is reportedly planning to raise DRAM prices by about 20 percent in the third quarter and has verbally notified some customers of the plan, a Chinese media outlet reported Saturday, citing industry sources. An executive at a Chinese electronics manufacturer told the outlet that the company had discussed the matter with Samsung last month and had already received verbal notice of the planned price increase. The executive confirmed the move, saying higher DRAM prices could event

2026-07-04 15:52:53:00

Global food prices dip for second month in June

Global food prices fell for a second straight month in June, as lower prices for cereals, dairy products and sugar more than offset gains in vegetable oils and meat, South Korea’s Agriculture Ministry said Saturday, citing data from the UN food agency. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ food price index stood at 130.3 last month, down 0.3 percent from 130.8 in May, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The index, which tracks monthly changes

2026-07-04 15:14:35:00