[Photo News] Robots join K-beauty labs

Kolmar Korea said Thursday it has introduced the country’s first automated system for antimicrobial effectiveness testing in cosmetics as demand for product safety verification rises amid K-beauty’s global expansion. The robot-based preservative efficacy testing system, used to assess whether cosmetics remain protected from microorganisms such as bacteria and mold, has increased processing speed by about 2.5 times compared with manual operations. Facing a need for faster, more precise safety tes

March 5, 2026

Kolmar advances biotech push with Woojung Bio deal

Kolmar Holdings, the holding company of Kolmar Korea, is set to acquire control of contract research organization Woojung Bio through a convertible bond deal, as part of a broader push to deepen the group’s foothold in biotechnology research. According to a regulatory filing Thursday, Woojung Bio will issue 35 billion won ($24 million) in convertible bonds to Kolmar Holdings through a third-party allotment, with the bonds maturing on March 3, 2030. If fully converted at 2,325 won per share, the

March 5, 2026

LX International recognized for Philippine mine restoration

LX International said Wednesday it has been formally recognized by the Philippine government for completing environmental rehabilitation at the Rapu-Rapu copper mine, marking a rare case of a mining operator fully restoring a site after closure. The commendation was presented during the Korea-Philippines Business Forum held in Manila. Philippine Environment and Natural Resources Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna handed the award to LX International CEO Koo Hyuk-seo, who attended the event as par

March 5, 2026

Samsung Electronics wage talks collapse, raising strike threat

Wage negotiations between management at Samsung Electronics and its labor union have collapsed after the two sides failed to reach an agreement in mediation with the National Labor Relations Commission, raising the possibility of a walkout for the first time in two years. The commission, a quasi-judicial body tasked with mediating labor-management disputes, decided to suspend the process on Wednesday, following the second round of talks a day earlier. Samsung Electronics management and labor rep

March 4, 2026

Eximbank backs Philippine nuclear project with KHNP, Meralco

The Export-Import Bank of Korea said Wednesday it has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Manila Electric Company to support nuclear power development in the Philippines. The agreement positions Eximbank as a financial partner for potential nuclear projects led by Meralco, the Philippines’ largest private power distributor, while strengthening South Korea’s competitiveness in the global nuclear energy market. Minister of Trade, Industry and Resour

March 4, 2026

Canada mulls split submarine deal in Korea-Germany rivalry

Canada is considering splitting its multibillion-dollar submarine procurement between South Korea and Germany, according to a media report, in a move apparently aimed at securing both advanced naval capabilities and economic investment from the two rivals. Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported Tuesday, citing senior government sources, that the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project -- a planned purchase of up to 12 new diesel-powered submarines to replace the country’s aging fleet -- could

March 4, 2026

LG launches AI graduate school as Koo Kwang-mo urges people-first tech

LG Group opened its first in-house artificial intelligence graduate school on Wednesday, with Chairman Koo Kwang-mo stressing that advances in AI must ultimately serve people and improve everyday life. In a congratulatory letter marking the launch of the new graduate program, Koo said technology should never exist as an end in itself but should be used to create meaningful value for people. “Technology should be a warm tool that designs people’s smiles, not a goal in itself, and it must ultimate

March 4, 2026

LG H&H beverage unit posts first loss since Coca-Cola deal

LG Household & Health Care reported the first quarterly operating loss in its beverage division since acquiring the local Coca-Cola bottling business nearly two decades ago, a setback that prompted the company to trim headcount in the unit. The company said its refreshment segment, which includes beverage subsidiaries such as Coca-Cola Beverage Company and Haitai HTB, recorded an operating loss of 9.9 billion won ($6.7 million) in the fourth quarter of 2025. It marked the first such loss since L

March 4, 2026

HD Construction hosts operator challenge at Conexpo 2026

HD Construction Equipment said Wednesday it is hosting the “Operator Challenge” at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2026, North America’s largest construction trade show, being held in Las Vegas this week. The event, held at the company’s exhibition booth through Saturday, allows visitors to test the performance of its new mini electric excavator, the HX19E. Participants compete by using the excavator to place three balls into designated holes, with the fastest operator each day winning a $1,000 cash prize. The

March 4, 2026

KEF releases English guide to Korea’s business climate

The Korea Enterprises Federation said Wednesday it has published an English-language booklet titled “2026 Business Environment and Labor Market in Korea,” aimed at enhancing global understanding of the country’s economic and labor policies. The publication provides an overview of Korea’s economic and labor regulations, policy direction and the latest statistical data. It was produced to support international organizations, overseas business associations and foreign-invested companies seeking a c

March 4, 2026

Youngone Group tops $100m in World Vision donations

Youngone Group said Wednesday it held a plaque unveiling ceremony at World Vision’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, to commemorate its cumulative donations surpassing $100 million. To recognize the milestone, World Vision installed a commemorative plaque titled the “Global Philanthropy Wall.” According to the organization, Youngone Group is the first donor to receive the honor. Youngone Group has partnered with World Vision since 1993, supporting programs for vulnerable children and communities

March 4, 2026

Korean firms evacuate, ships rerouted in Iran War

As US-Israeli strikes on Iran raise fears of a broader regional conflict, South Korean companies are moving quickly to safeguard employees, relocating staff from high-risk areas and activating emergency protocols across the Middle East. Industry officials said Tuesday that Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group have evacuated personnel from their Iranian and Israeli offices to nearby countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Jordan. Samsung relocated employees

March 3, 2026

The analyst who never sleeps: LG’s AI scans 5,500 US stocks daily

In a traditional equity research team, labor is divided. One analyst dissects corporate filings. Another tracks industry data. Others monitor macro indicators and breaking news. Their views are debated, refined and ultimately distilled into investment calls. But even the most sophisticated teams face hard limits. Coverage typically centers on large-cap stocks. Reports are produced weekly or monthly. Thousands of mid- and small-cap companies remain thinly analyzed. LG AI Research and London Stock

March 3, 2026

Toss Bank CEO eyes second term after profit turnaround

Toss Bank CEO Lee Eun-mi is set to extend her leadership after the bank’s executive nomination committee recommended her for reappointment. The online-only lender, operated by fintech unicorn Toss, said Tuesday that the committee had completed its review process and selected Lee as the sole candidate for chief executive. Since launching the succession process in January, the committee evaluated candidates capable of sustaining growth while ensuring organizational stability. At its final meeting

March 3, 2026

Eximbank Korea launches W40tr Middle East relief program

Korea Export-Import Bank is providing support for Korean companies affected by conflict in the Middle East, including financial assistance and a dedicated response desk at its headquarters. The state-run lender said Tuesday it will activate a risk response program providing up to 40 trillion won ($27.3 billion) in emergency liquidity for companies affected by the US and Israel-Iran war The decision was made at a meeting Monday, where officials reviewed potential shock scenarios for the real econ

March 3, 2026