Saturday, October 27, 2007

[The Chosun Ilbo, October 26 2007] Samsung Electronics to Mass Produce AMOLED Displays

Samsung Electronics will start mass producing AMOLED displays for 14-inch TVs in 2010. This is according to Lee Sang-wan, president of Samsung's LCD business, who was speaking at the FPD international display exhibit in Yokohama, Japan on Thursday.

AMOLED displays are the next generation in flat panel displays, and look likely to replace LCD and PDP displays in four or five years. Currently Samsung SDI and Sony are also competing with Samsung Electronics in the AMOLED race.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 26 2007] Korea Sets Standards in IT Around the World

When it comes to IT, even international companies with much longer histories than Korean firms are scrambling to adopt Korean-developed standards.

Samsung Electronics' supply chain management (SCM) system is an IT infrastructure that even Sony, the world's leading electronics maker, is envious of. The system automatically adjusts production volumes and parts orders in real time when products are removed from shelves. Sony reportedly lags behind in cost reduction because it does not have as precise a system as Samsung's. Rumor has it that Sony has asked NEC, the Japanese company responsible for building Sony's infrastructure, to develop an SCM system like Samsung's, and that has prompted NEC staff to visit the Korean company four times since late last year to learn its techniques.

...

Many Korean IT standards have also become global standards. Mobile WiMAX, which is based on the Korean-made wireless broadband Internet technology WiBro, was adopted as a global standard by the International Telecommunication Union in Switzerland on Oct. 19. Digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) technology, which has been exported to 10 nations including Germany and China, is another example of a Korean standard becoming a global one. Samsung Electronics, Hynix and other Korean semiconductor firms, meanwhile, are increasing their influence in the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC), the leading developer of global standards for the semiconductor and computer industries.

Friday, October 26, 2007

[The Chosun Ilbo, October 25 2007] Samsung Considers 10th-Gen. LCD Production Line

Samsung Electronics is thinking about setting up a 10th generation liquid crystal display panel production line.

In a keynote speech at FPD International 2007 in Yokohama, Japan on Wednesday, Lee Sang-wan, president of Samsung's LCD business, said the company is considering investing in a 10th generation LCD production line and skipping a 9th generation line, after its 8th generation facility is done.

Tenth generation production lines produce extra-large LCDs of around 70 inches in size.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 25 2007] Why so Vague About Press Policies?

Of all the colorful policies and public pledges the presidential candidates put forward in the campaign for the December presidential election, those dealing with the freedom of the press and its environment are the sketchiest. Yet to rectify the abuses of the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations, during which they bashed, suppressed or hounded journalists and their employers, the candidates will have to do better than that.

...

Freedom of the press issue is an important concern for the government. The press is an indispensable tool for the public to know what is going on in the world and seek a way of engaging in dialogue with the world. The presidential candidates must say frankly what they think about press freedom and the press environment.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Will the World Embrace Korea's WiBro Technology?

The International Telecommunication Union recently adopted Wireless Broadband (WiBro), a high-speed wireless Internet technology jointly developed by Korea and the U.S., as a global standard for third-generation telecommunications. This is expected to lead to the expansion of the WiBro market, and there's already evidence of that happening. Besides Intel and Motorola, which helped develop the technology, AT&T, America's largest wireless operator, Cisco Systems, the world's leading networking equipment supplier, and Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone manufacturer, have shown interest in the technology.

◆ Joining of Global IT Giants
◆ Challenges
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Now Cable TV is Becoming Gov't Propaganda Tool

The Korean Broadcasting Commission recently passed a vote allowing cable and satellite broadcasters KTV, National Assembly Television, Open University Network and Arirang TV permission to show news programs. At present, there are only two news-only cable networks, YTN and MBN. But many other cable networks have been broadcasting news programs until now. In August, the government amended an enforcement ordnance of the Broadcast Law prohibiting ordinary channels from broadcasting news shows. But the government left open a loophole by granting an exception for channels designated by the Korea Broadcasting Commission as public service networks. And now the government has authorized those four broadcasters to show news programs.

...

Newspapers around the world are operating their own broadcast networks. This is a global trend. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is moving to scrap regulations prohibiting the ownership of both newspapers and broadcasters by a single entity in the same city. Korea is the only country in the world that is putting up barbed wire fences around newspapers simply because the government doesn't like them. The reason why the government has allowed news broadcasting rights only to those channels that fit its taste is because this administration is trapped in an outdated mindset of controlling and regulating the news media, which actually belongs to the public.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Korean Software Maker Sues Microsoft for W30 Bln.

The Korean developers of an instant messaging program have filed a lawsuit against Microsoft, asking for W30 billion (US$1=W918) in damages.

Seoul Central District Court said on Tuesday that software developer Digito.com is suing Microsoft of the U.S. as well as Microsoft Korea, claiming the loss of some W30 billion incurred when the U.S. firm included an instant messaging program and media player in its Windows operating system.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Korea-U.S. Internet Speed to Surge Next Year

From July next year, the speed of Internet transmissions between Korea and the U.S. is likely to become much faster. Chinese media on Tuesday reported that construction has started on a 26,000 km submarine fiber-optic cable that will span from China's coastal city of Qingdao to the U.S.

The Trans-Pacific Express is being laid by six telecom operators including KT, Verizon from the U.S., Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan, and China Telecom.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Samsung Develops 64 Gb Flash Chip

Samsung Electronics has achieved a fresh breakthrough in the production of Flash memory chips, helping it consolidate its market lead. Samsung announced Tuesday it developed a 64 Gb NAND Flash chip capable of storing up to five DVD-quality movie files despite being only as big as a thumb nail ? it was developed with 30 nanometer technology. Flash is a nonvolatile memory chip that holds data even with the power turned off; it is used mainly for digital cameras and handsets. The biggest capacity so far was 32 Gb, also developed by Samsung Electronics last year.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 24 2007] Korea and U.S. to Begin Talks on Visa Waiver Program

U.S. and Korean government officials will meet in Seoul next week to discuss waiving visas for Koreans seeking to enter the U.S.

Officials said Tuesday they will focus on practical issues such as preparations for setting up an electronic passport system in Korea.

The U.S. says it will allow only Koreans with electronic passports to enter its ports without a visa.

However considering the time it takes to set up an electronic passport system Korea is expected to ask the U.S. to allow Koreans with ordinary passports to enter, which is the same as other countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 23 2007] Samsung to Release New Camera Phone in Europe

Samsung Electronics is to release its strategic handset model SGH-G800 in the world market. Korea’s largest electronics maker plans to introduce the 5-megapixel camera phone in Europe later this year as the follow-up model for the already-released SGH-G600.

The SGH-G800 model has a xenon flash and 3x optical zoom plus a face recognition feature that automatically adjust focus and exposure. A wide dynamic range feature automatically adjusts light. It enables users to post their pictures and videos on the internet by supporting 3.6 Mbps HSDPA connectivity.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 23 2007] LG to Showcase Top-Range Phones at China Expo

LG Electronics plans to showcase several state-of-the-art cell phones at the PT/Expo Comm China 2007, China’s largest IT show that runs from Tuesday until Saturday, to consolidate its premium brand image in China. It will display the Viewty, Shine and Chocolate models plus mobile TV and third-generation phones in its 460-sq. m booth at the show.
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 22 2007] Internet Companies Explore Mobile Phone Services

Internet companies around the globe are pushing hard to enter the telephone calling market. Skype, an international Internet calling company with 220 million subscribers that is owned by online auction site eBay, is reportedly planning to release its own mobile phone later this month or in early November.

Dubbed the "white phone," the device will allow users who are within Wi-Fi service zones to make cheap Internet calls with the press of a button. In areas where Wi-Fi is not available, 3, a wireless operator, will provide service.

...

Calling is the latest Internet trend as businesses search for the next growth engine. Internet companies can use Internet calling as a source of competitiveness because it is cheaper than mobile and wired services. Apple's recent success with its iPhone has also inspired many to believe that newcomers can take on existing players in the market.

...

"From what I know, Korean portals are even considering developing or selling their own mobile phones as mobile virtual network operators," said a source from SK Telecom. "They are constantly working to enter the telephone network business, although they cannot compete with KT and SK Telecom."
[The Chosun Ilbo, October 22 2007] WiBro Tech Leakers Sentenced to Prison

A court has delivered prison sentences to former researchers who tried to steal Korean-developed WiBro technology, the third-generation global standard wireless broadband technology.

The Seoul Central District Court said Sunday that it sentenced a former researcher from Korean IT company POSDATA to three years in prison for attempting to sell the company's core WiBro technology to a U.S. firm.
[The Hankyoreh, October 24 2007] Samsung mulls investing in 10th-generation LCD production line: executive

Samsung Electronics Co., South Korea's electronics giant, is considering investing in a 10th-generation production line for liquid crystal display (LCD) panels in a bid to increase high-end and large-sized panel products, a top executive said Wednesday.

Succeeding generation technologies allow manufacturers to produce larger panels at a cheaper price.

"As soon as investment currently underway for the eighth-generation production line is completed, we will explore whether to invest in a 10th generation line," Lee Sang-wan, head of Samsung's LCD business division, told reporters on the sidelines of a tech show in Japan.
[The Hankyoreh, October 24 2007] Journalists evicted from press rooms

South Korean journalists who cover the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade work in the lobby of the MOFAT building at Sejongro, central Seoul on October 23, after they were evicted from the press room located inside the building. The journalists have refused to accept the government’s decision to move the press room to a new consolidated briefing room, arguing that the move is aimed at blocking free access to government sources and infringes upon the people’s right to know. The new briefing room system has been initiated and engineered by the National Information Agency.
[The Hankyoreh, October 23 2007] Samsung unveils world's first flash memory based on 30-nano technology

Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest computer chip maker, said Tuesday that it has developed the world's first flash memory chip based on 30-nanometer production technology.

The 64-gigabit NAND flash memory can help produce a 128-gigabyte memory card that can store up to 80 DVD-quality movie files running for 120 hours, Samsung said in a regulatory filing.

The new flash memory, to be used mostly in portable devices such as mobile handsets, digital cameras and music players, will create a US20 billion market over the next three years, Samsung said.
[The Hankyoreh, October 22 2007] German reinsurer likely to buy S. Korean online auto insurer: sources

Munich Re AG, the world's second-biggest reinsurer, is likely to take over the online auto insurance unit of South Korea's Internet portal operator Daum Communications Corp., industry sources said Monday.

According to the sources, the German company is seeking to acquire a 65 percent stake in Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co. and is likely to sign a deal with Daum Communications and LIG Insurance Co., the biggest shareholders, this month.
[The Hankyoreh, October 22 2007] LG.Philips develops new flat panel with world's fastest response speed

Display manufacturer LG.Philips LCD Co. said Monday it has developed a liquid crystal display panel with what it claims is the world's fastest response speed, which will help improve motion picture quality by removing afterimages on screen.

The 47-inch high-definition LCD panel has a response speed of 6 milliseconds, faster than 8 milliseconds of existing products, the company said in a statement. Response speed indicates how fast a pixel on screen can react to an electrical signal. A faster response means better motion picture quality.
[The Hankyoreh, October 22 2007] Samsung explores new business realms to keep growing

Expansion into energy, bio-technology and the environment could provide new business opportunities

Faced with tougher competition in global markets, Samsung Group, Korea’s largest conglomerate, is setting up its next-generation business plan.

...

The fields of energy, bio-technology and the environment have been cited by Samsung as providing potential new business opportunities. Samsung has recently brought in a professional from General Electric to take charge of its environmentally-friendly, energy-related business endeavors and has set up a task force to take exclusive charge of its energy-related business at SAIT, Samsung’s advanced technology institute. Such initiatives are aimed at advancing into the energy market of the future, which includes solar energy. Samsung is also active in the development of bio chips, which are deeply connected to the semiconductor business.

Citing GE, which transformed itself from a smokestack company into an energy-oriented, environmental company, a high-ranking executive of Samsung said, “The energy and bio-technology industries are still in the early stages of development and the environmental sector is new to us. However, we can get started after we reach a conclusion.”
[The Hankyoreh, October 19 2007] Munhwa Ilbo apologizes for releasing nude photos

Civic groups say paper’s statement does not go far enough and ask for revision

The Munhwa Ilbo newspaper on October 18 apologized for printing a nude photo of degree scammer Shin Jeong-ah on September 13. Civic groups and women’s rights advocacy organizations, however, have taken issue with the nature of the apology, raising questions about the paper’s use of sensationalism, and privacy violations and human rights issues in journalism.

The newspaper published a statement apologizing for the incident on its front page, saying it had printed the photo with consideration for the people’s right to know. “We sincerely apologize to readers for inciting a controversy over sensationalism and criticism over violation of human rights,” added the newspaper.

The statement makes it sound as though the newspaper feels that it was right to print the photo but is offering an apology due to the criticism it has received and the social controversy it has created.
[The Hankyoreh, October 19 2007] WiBro approved as 3G communications technology

South Korea's homegrown wireless Internet technology WiBro has been included in international third-generation (3G) communications standards, which will allow it to make greater inroads into global markets, a government agency said Friday.

On Thursday, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a global tech policymaking group, held a meeting in Geneva in which it included the WiBro technology as one of its 3G communications standards, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.

WiBro, or wireless broadband Internet, is a technology designed to allow users to log into high-speed Internet connections even when they are on the move.
[Korea.net News, Society, October 25 2007] Agency gives foreign residents online access to nature

The National Natural Recreation Forest Office announced Wednesday (Oct.24) that foreigners who reside in Korea for longer than three months can reserve campsites and rooms with the forest service under their own names.

There are about 107 forest resorts in Korea, with about 34 of them operated by the government. After registering on the NNRFO's website, all legal residents can reserve accommodations in state-run forest resorts. Previously, only Korean nationals with social security numbers were allowed to register.
[Korea.net News, Society, October 24 2007] Seoul to hold annual design olympics

Korea's capital announced a plan Wednesday (Oct. 24) to hold a yearly global conference on design, apparently buoyed by its selection as the "World Design Capital" for 2010 by an international group on industrial design.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said the envisioned event, tentatively named "Design Olympics," will also involve design awards and exhibitions.

"The project is aimed at enhancing Seoul's brand image," Oh told reporters. "The charm of a city is directly linked to its economy."
[Korea.net News, Society, October 19 2007] [Photo News] RoboCop

Lee Young-hwa (R), chief of the Daejeon Police Department, hands Hubo, a Korean robot, a letter appointing Hubo as an honorary policeman during a Police Day ceremony on Firday (Oct. 19).
[Korea.net News, Society, October 18 2007] Dubai airs hit Korean TV drama

The Korean drama “Daejanggeum” (2003) began airing on “Dubai TV” early this week on Sunday (Oct. 14).

The historical drama is loosely based on a true-life, 16th century female cook in the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It has become a mega hit at home and all across Asia in China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The drama lately recorded a viewing rate of 90 percent in Iran.
[Korea.net News, Society, October 16 2007] Seminar on 'cyber terrorism' to open in Busan

A regional forum of 27 nations, including South and North Korea, China, Japan and the United States, will open in the southeastern port city of Busan later Tuesday (Oct. 16) to study ways to fight global terrorism through the Internet, the Foreign Ministry said.

Co-hosted by the ministry and the National Cyber Security Center of the country's state intelligence agency, the seminar will run from Tuesday to Thursday (Oct. 16-18), according to a press release.
[Korea.net News, Society, October 15 2007] [Photo News] National Library displays cyber archive

Foreign librarians inspect rare Korean books preserved on the National Library of Korea's database on Monday (Oct. 15).
[Korea.net News, Society, October 12 2007] [Photo News] Beyonce introduces Samsung's new mobile phone

International pop diva Beyonce Knowles introduces the "B'phone" of Samsung Electronics during a ceremony to unveil the product at the Samsung Experience in New York on Oct. 11.(Korean time: Oct.12) Beyonce participated in the designing of the phone which was named after her.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 26 2007] Korean tech startup clinches $15 bil. deal to supply high-end handsets to Russia

Node System Co., a small-sized Korean tech startup, said Friday (Oct. 26) that it has signed a major deal to supply $1.5 billion worth of high-end mobile handsets to a Russia company.

The deal reached with NBK Group, a Russian company with close links with its government, calls for Node System to supply a total of 10 million units of handsets under the brand name of "G Phone," a gold-plated handset model priced at around $100, the company said in a statement.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 25 2007] Roh declares full state support for science and technology


President Roh Moo-hyun on Thursday (Oct. 25) reiterated his commitment to the development of science and technology, saying that market dominance by Korean leaders in science and technology would further accelerate in the coming years.

Roh said the government's expenditures on research and development in science and technology is to exceed the 10 trillion won ($10.8 billion) mark for the first time next year, rising from 9.8 trillion won in 2007.

"The status of the Korean economy, as well as its rivals, have changed. The nation has to abandon the past paradigm and redouble efforts for technological innovation to overtake the advanced countries," said Roh in a speech at the opening of a future technology show in Seoul.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 24 2007] LG Electronics unveils flat panel with world's best contrast ratio

LG Electronics Inc., a Korean electronics giant, said Wednesday (Oct. 24) that it has developed a plasma display panel (PDP) with the world's best contrast between bright and dark colors on screen.

The new PDP named "G Platform" boasts a contrast ratio of 30,000:1, higher than existing products which mostly have a ratio of 15,000:1, the company said in a statement. A higher ratio means more vivid images, experts say.

The flat panel was unveiled at the FPD International 2007, a display show held in Japan, the company added.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 23 2007] Korea to provide e-governance know-how to other countries

The Korean government has been awarded an opportunity to show the world how far its electronic governance system has come and even to transfer such know-how to other countries.
Korea's Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs is holding a workshop in Seoul from Oct. 23-26 for chief information officers and experts on electronic governance from 19 nations to share information and knowledge on systems development.

The workshop comes at the request of the United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPANN) whose 19 members said they wanted to learn from Korea's highly acclaimed e-governance system.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 23 2007] Yahoo! head sees Korea as 'most important market'

The head of Yahoo! Inc., a U.S. Internet search engine giant, said Tuesday (Oct. 23) that Korea is one of its "most important" markets and has greatly contributed to Yahoo's drive to expand it presence in fast-growing Asia.

"The growth in Korea's internet market has been in excessive of 20 percent and over the next four years it will be stronger than that," Susan Decker, president of Yahoo!, told reporters at a press conference held to mark the 10th anniversary of its Korean unit, Yahoo! Korea.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 23 2007] Samsung unveils world's first flash memory based on 30-nano technology

Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest computer chip maker, said Tuesday (Oct. 23) that it has developed the world's first flash memory chip based on 30-nanometer production technology.

The 64-gigabit NAND flash memory can help produce a 128-gigabyte memory card that can store up to 80 DVD-quality movie files running for 120 hours, Samsung said in a regulatory filing.

The new flash memory, to be used mostly in portable devices such as mobile handsets, digital cameras and music players, will create a US20 billion market over the next three years, Samsung said.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 19 2007] WiBro approved as 3G communications technology

Korea's homegrown wireless Internet technology WiBro has been included in international third-generation (3G) communications standards, allowing it to make greater inroads into global markets, a government agency said Friday (Oct. 19).

On Thursday (Oct. 18), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a global tech policymaking group, held a meeting in Geneva in which it included the WiBro technology as the sixth 3G communications standard, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.

WiBro, or wireless broadband Internet, is a technology designed to allow users to log into high-speed Internet connections even when they are on the move.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 16 2007] Korean, U.S. researchers develop lighting material for LCD

A joint Korea-U.S. research team said Tuesday (Oct. 16) that they have developed a new lighting material that greatly enhances liquid crystal display (LCD) clarity in an outdoor environment.

The new material, made with variable photonic crystals, mimics the powerful changes in the skin color of squids and octopuses.

This method can control light fluctuations through a wide spectrum, including infrared and ultraviolet areas, and contributes to high-definition images.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 15 2007] LG.Philips develops LCD panels with narrower bezels

LG.Philips LCD Co., the world's second-largest liquid crystal display manufacturer, said Monday (Oct. 15) that it has developed a flat panel with narrower bezel areas, which it expects will allow for the manufacture of slimmer and more compact mobile phones.

The 2.4-inch panel has rim areas or bezels at each side of the screen which measure just 1 millimeter. This compares with the 2- millimeter bezel products mostly used in mobile phones, the company said in a statement.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 11 2007] Korea develops faster data transmission technology

Korea has developed and successfully demonstrated a mobile communications technology designed to allow users to download data at much faster rates, helping the country stay ahead in the global race to preempt next-generation mobile communications markets, a state-run institute said Thursday (Oct. 11).

The technology named "New Nomadic Local Area Wireless Access (NoLA)" enables users to download data at 3.6 gigabits per second (gbps), higher than 1 gbps, an international benchmark for fourth-generation (4G) mobile communications, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) said in a statement.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, October 10 2007] Samsung SDI to increase AMOLED production capacity to meet rising demand

Samsung SDI Co., South Korea's display-making giant, is planning to increase its capacity to produce active-matrix light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) in a bid to meet rapidly expanding demand for what many call next-generation display screens for mobile devices, a company executive said Wednesday (Oct. 10).
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 24 2007] Regional governments across Korean Straits to hold film festival in 2009

Eight Korean and Japanese regional governments across the Korean Straits agreed Tuesday (Oct. 23) to hold a joint film festival in Japan's Saga Prefecture in 2009 in a bid to nurture young filmmakers in the region, officials from the Busan metropolitan government said.

The eight regional governments also said in a joint declaration that they will inaugurate an ad-hoc committee to attract the production of movies jointly made by Korea and Japan, and give support to such projects involving the region of the two neighboring countries.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 18 2007] Movie Street opens in Chungmuro

Good news for Korean movie lovers -- a movie street will be built along Chungmuro, the mecca of Korean movie industry, in Seoul.

On Thursday (Oct. 18), Seoul's Jung-gu District Office christened a special movie street on a 180-meter-long stretch of Chungmuro -- from the old Maeil Business Daily Building to Myungbo Movie Theater.

Many camera-shaped streetlights and other movie industry-themed features will be installed in the special zone which will also be decorated with imitation Korean movie awards and posters from award-winning films.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 18 2007] 3rd Busan Multimedia Fireworks Festival to be braodcast live

Gwangalli Beach in Busan will be lit up with impressive fireworks on Oct. 20 as the 3rd Busan Multimedia Fireworks Festival is set to kick off.

The popular festival attracts over a million people each year, but you don't have to travel all the way to Busan to watch the spectacular show this year. The Oct. 20 display will be webcast live on www. badatv.com.

This is the first time a local Korean festival will be broadcast live across the world.
On that day, wherever you are, you can watch the world's top-tech fireworks captivate spectators for 45 minutes against the backdrop of Busan's scenic Gwangan Bridge.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 17 2007] Korean animation wins recognition in Spain

The Korean animation “Aachi & Ssipak” (2006) won the Best Animated Film Award at the 2007 Sigtes International Film Festival in Spain.

Studio 2.0 the distributor of the film said “Aachi & Ssipak,” directed by Jo Beom-Jin, won the best animation award at the 40th Sitges Fantastic Cinema Festival on Sunday (Oct. 13).
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 16 2007] Popular Korean actress promotes Korean TV drama in Japan

Korean actress Choi Ji-woo is visiting Japan to promote her latest TV drama "Air City" that will be broadcast in the country, starting from later this month.

Choi, who arrived in Tokyo Sunday (Oct. 14), held a press conference on Monday (Oct. 15) to talk about the Korean series. The drama will be aired on Japanese satellite TV channel WOWOW from Oct. 26.
[Korea.net News, Culture / Events, October 13 2007] Pusan film festival ends after nine-day run

The 12th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), which drew record audiences, closed Friday (Oct. 12) after featuring its biggest line-up of films, including its largest-ever number of world premiers.

Asia's largest annual film festival in the southeastern port city of Busan opened October 4 and featured 275 films from 64 countries, including 66 world premiers, and attracted over 198,000 moviegoers.
[Korea.net News, Finance, October 24 2007] Korea's key futures to be traded on CME online system

Korea's bourse operator said Wednesday (Oct. 24) it has agreed with Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group Inc. to push for the trading of the country's key stock futures on CME's electronic system.

The Korea Exchange (KRX) said it has reached a preliminary deal to trade the KOSPI 200 futures on the CME Globex platform, a 24-hour electronic trading system operated by the CME.

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Internet traffic swells on Web 2.0

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Internet traffic swells on Web 2.0:

"Research shows that Internet traffic has increased due to netizens' more active role on the web, such as posting user-created content and publishing blogs

The Korea Times Sunday,
August 16, 2007
By Cho Jin-seo

The amount of data transferred on the Internet has rapidly increased due to the spread of Web publishing, a private think-tank said Sunday. The Samsung Economic Research Institute said that the so-called Web 2.0 movement is the main reason behind the surge of online traffic. For example, the number of blog users has increased 16 fold in the past two years, and the number of monthly blog postings by 10 fold, it said. The most dramatic growth was seen in the circulation of short video clips, often referred to as UCC (user-created content) in Korea. Visitors to video sharing services at major portal sites more than quadrupled between March 2006 and March 2007. The volume of information flow on the Internet will continue to expand at an ever-increasing speed, the report said."

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Cyber abuse gets worse in highly wired South Korea

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Cyber abuse gets worse in highly wired South Korea:

"KOREA: Cyber abuse gets worse in highly wired South Korea Korea Internet Safety Commission issues correction orders for websites posting rumors and slander, warnings on the rise

The Straits Times Thursday,
October 25, 2007
By Lee Tee Jong In Seoul

--- Popular actress Kim Tae Hee was incensed when she returned from spending a month in the United States to find the Internet abuzz with rumours about her. She had gone to do a course in English, but gossiping netizens claimed that she had had an abortion and was about to marry into a wealthy business family. Her agency, Namoo Actors, filed a police report and issued a statement saying: 'We could not endure the idle talk and had to take legal measures to stop the rumours.' Police arrested 11 netizens, who were issued stern warnings before being let off. The number of online mischief-makers has been rising in this highly wired nation where 33 million out of the total population of 48 million have access to high-speed broadband Internet. More individuals with their own websites have also been issued correction orders by the state-run Korea Internet Safety Commission."

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Asians to drive internet evolution

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Asians to drive internet evolution:

"Google Vice President predicts that Asian countries, with their Internet penetration rates, will dominate the Internet in the future, increasing Asian language, culture and content online

The Korea Herald Thursday,
October 18, 2007
By Lee Sun-young

Asians will drive the evolution of contents and applications on the internet, which is now dominated by English-speaking users, Google vice president Vinton Cerf said yesterday. 'The number of people using the internet will only increase in Asia, so will their languages, culture and contents on the network,' Cerf said in Seoul. China already has a huge number of users even though it still has a low penetration rate of around 12 percent. North America, which had one time the largest group of Internet users, has now slid to the No. 3 spot, he said. 'The contents will clearly change. And the style of interactions and the way of doing business on the internet are also going to change because of this influx of new user groups,' the American computer scientist said. Cerf, who is also vice president of U.S. search giant Google, is widely known as the 'founding father' of the internet for his key technical and managerial role in the creation of the TCP/IP protocol in the 1970s, on which internet communication is based. He was in Seoul to attend the World Knowledge Forum organized by Maeil Business Newspaper, a Korean business daily."

IPI (International Press Institute) :: IPI worried that government's "Measures for Developing an Advanced Media Support System" seriously damages freedom of the press in South Korea

IPI (International Press Institute) (27.8.2007):
"IPI Public Statements IPI worried that government's 'Measures for Developing an Advanced Media Support System' seriously damages freedom of the press in South Korea"

KBS WORLD

KBS WORLD:
"2007-10-24
Second Life
IT industries are expanding their business arenas to include “Second Life,” an Internet-based 3D virtual world. According to industrial sources, LG CNS made inroads into Second Life, a cult virtual world with more than 10 million subscribers globally, this month and Samsung SDS is also seeking inroads. "

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Korea's world-class IT technology wows CNN

Korea's world-class IT technology wows CNN [Korea.net News]:

"CNN showed special reports titled 'Eye on Korea' from Oct. 13 to 21, naming the period 'a week on Korea,' featuring Korea's virtual world turning into reality. The cable broadcaster focused on Korea's state-of –the-art high technology, IT, bio technology, computer game industry, Hallyu, shipbuilding industry, demilitarized zone and North Korea.Korea's world-class IT technology wows CNN October 23, 2007 CNN showed special reports titled 'Eye on Korea' from Oct. 13 to 21, naming the period 'a week on Korea,' featuring Korea's virtual world turning into reality. The cable broadcaster focused on Korea's state-of –the-art high technology, IT, bio technology, computer game industry, Hallyu, shipbuilding industry, demilitarized zone and North Korea."

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

[Column] Time to thank Shin Jeong-ah : Opinion : Home

[Column] Time to thank Shin Jeong-ah [The Hankyoreh 15.9.2007]
"Cho Guk, Professor of Law, Seoul National University

The Shin Jeong-ah affair does not know when to end. Because of Shin, the problem of people in our society falsifying their educational backgrounds was exposed, illegal or at least inappropriate behavior on the part of the third ranking official at the Blue House became public news, and now that the Munhwa Ilbo has published photos of Shin in the nude, we have witnessed a case of suggestive reporting in the extreme. All sorts of major problems in our society have come to the forefront because of one individual. Who knows, maybe we need to thank her!"

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Newspaper apologizes over nude Shin photos

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Newspaper apologizes over nude Shin photos:

"Daily newspaper 'Munhwa Ilbo' publishes formal apology to the public on front page of Thursday's edition

The Korea Herald
Friday, October 19, 2007
By Shin Hae-in

Vernacular daily Munhwa Ilbo yesterday made a public apology for publishing nude photographs of Shin Jeong-ah, a former art professor accused of corruption. Shin has been arrested for degree forgery and receiving dishonest government support through an indecent relationship with a senior presidential aide. The paper published two nude pictures of Shin last month, alleging that she slept with high-profile figures to help her up the social ladder. The paper has been slammed by the public for infringing upon Shin's privacy and human rights."

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Presidential office angers foreign press

AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Presidential office angers foreign press:

"KOREA: Presidential office angers foreign press The Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club sends letter of protest to President Roh Moo-hyun for limiting access to a press conference on the inter-Korean summit talks

The Korea Herald
Friday, October 19, 2007
By Lee Joo-hee

The Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club yesterday protested against selective invitations by Cheong Wa Dae to President Roh Moo-hyun's press conference slated for today. Among some 200 journalists belonging to about 100 foreign media here, only 23 reporters have been invited to attend the press conference."

Sunday, October 21, 2007

[Korea.net News, Nation, October 8 2007] Two Koreas to hold regular scientific cooperation meetings: official

South and North Korea agreed to hold regular working-level meetings to promote science and technology exchanges, a senior government official said Monday (Oct. 8).

...

He said that while details will have to be worked out, once talks get underway, the two sides could discuss building a technology cooperation center in North Korea that can better regulate exchanges. Kim said the North wants South Korea to build a technology cooperation center in the communist country.

He said discussions can also take place to arrange the exchange of graduate students and scientists, and to provide North Korea with scientific materials and testing equipment.

Regular talks, in addition, could help expand the exchange of weather and seismic activity-related information that can benefit both sides.
[Korea.net News, Nation, October 8 2007] DMZ guard posts to have broadband communication line

The South Korean military will launch a program next month to set up a broadband communication system to link command posts with all field units including guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Defense Ministry said Monday (Oct. 8).

The 280-million-dollar program, approved by the budget ministry, aims to prepare for future digital warfare, it added.
[Korea.net News, Government Press Releases, October 15 2007] The 4th ASEAN Regional Forum(ARF) Seminar on Cyber Terrorism to be Held

1. The 4th ARF Seminar on Cyber Terrorism will be held in Busan from October 16 to 19. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the National Cyber Security Center of the Republic of Korea (ROK), and co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. Approximately 90 government officials and experts on cyber security from 24 ARF member countries including Korea, ASEAN nations, U.S., Japan, China, Russia, North Korea, Australia and India will be participating in this seminar.