[The Chosun Ilbo, December 12 2007] It Takes a Women to Be a True Gentleman, by Yang Sang-hoon
At the end of every year, political reporters are handed a questionnaire in which they are asked to answer who has shown the most gentlemanly behavior during the year. The lawmaker who gets the highest marks in the survey wins the Baekbong Gentleman Award. Baekbong was the pseudonym of La Yong-gyun, the late patriot and former house vice speaker. This year, reporters chose former Grand National Party chairwoman Park Geun-hye. It has been nine years since the award was first launched, but the credentials of its recipient have never been more convincing.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 12 2007] Should Your Kids Get a Games Console for Christmas?
What do kids want the most for Christmas? The answer is a no-brainer: games consoles and cell phones. Some brand-savvy kids may specifically point out Nintendo. Of course, parents are reluctant to give such highly addictive devices to their children, but if they cave in, they had better brace themselves for a battle, experts warn. The Chosun Ilbo examines some of the popular myths about video games.
What do kids want the most for Christmas? The answer is a no-brainer: games consoles and cell phones. Some brand-savvy kids may specifically point out Nintendo. Of course, parents are reluctant to give such highly addictive devices to their children, but if they cave in, they had better brace themselves for a battle, experts warn. The Chosun Ilbo examines some of the popular myths about video games.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 12 2007] LG Sets Sights on 100 Mil. Phone Sales
LG Electronics has set a goal of selling more than 100 million mobile phones around the world next year.
Ahn Seung-kwon, chief director of LG Electronics' mobile phone division, told a press conference on Tuesday that thanks to strong sales of the Chocolate and Shine phones, the company's handset sales are expected to top its goal of 80 million units this year.
"Since sales of new products such as the Prada phone are also smooth, we expect next year's mobile phone sales to increase by more than 25 percent," Ahn said.
LG Electronics has set a goal of selling more than 100 million mobile phones around the world next year.
Ahn Seung-kwon, chief director of LG Electronics' mobile phone division, told a press conference on Tuesday that thanks to strong sales of the Chocolate and Shine phones, the company's handset sales are expected to top its goal of 80 million units this year.
"Since sales of new products such as the Prada phone are also smooth, we expect next year's mobile phone sales to increase by more than 25 percent," Ahn said.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 11 2007] Korea to Host 2009 OECD World Forum
Korea will host the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's World Forum in October 2009, according to the National Statistical Office and the OECD on Monday. The forum will be the organization's largest gathering involving many of its departments including employment, labor and social affairs, the environment, and economics.
Korea will host the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's World Forum in October 2009, according to the National Statistical Office and the OECD on Monday. The forum will be the organization's largest gathering involving many of its departments including employment, labor and social affairs, the environment, and economics.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 11 2007] Expensive Drama Was a Boondoggle, Union Claims
Rather than a high-profile success, Munhwa Broadcasting Company's recent drama "Taewangsasingi (The Four Guardian Gods of the King)" was nothing but trouble, the network's union claimed in a recent newsletter.
The union said that Bae Yong-jun, who played the leading role, was paid W6 billion (US$1=W924) to star in the series, or W250 million per episode, accounting for some 15 percent of the total production cost of W43 billion. Considering how much of the budget went to the actor, calling the show a "massive-scale" historical series was an exaggeration, the union said.
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The criticism by the MBC union is evidence of changes in the status of the major networks as they endure embarrassments caused by high-profile actors or outside production companies.
Rather than a high-profile success, Munhwa Broadcasting Company's recent drama "Taewangsasingi (The Four Guardian Gods of the King)" was nothing but trouble, the network's union claimed in a recent newsletter.
The union said that Bae Yong-jun, who played the leading role, was paid W6 billion (US$1=W924) to star in the series, or W250 million per episode, accounting for some 15 percent of the total production cost of W43 billion. Considering how much of the budget went to the actor, calling the show a "massive-scale" historical series was an exaggeration, the union said.
...
The criticism by the MBC union is evidence of changes in the status of the major networks as they endure embarrassments caused by high-profile actors or outside production companies.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 11 2007] Seoul to Host OECD World Forum in 2009
Korea will host the third World Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in October 2009. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said Korea was chosen to host the event from among competitors due to its active role in the international community.
Korea will host the third World Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in October 2009. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said Korea was chosen to host the event from among competitors due to its active role in the international community.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 11 2007] Korean Researcher Developing Unmanned Autos
The ROVEH, RObotic VEHicle, is a car that moves without a driver. It is a creation of Han Min-hong, a researcher at a state-funded electronics institute.
A central computer identifies the car's surroundings using a global positioning system and a camera to decide on speed and direction.
The former Korea University professor said, "ROVEH's driving is better than that of an average beginner's. Information on traffic lanes is transmitted to a computer to control the vehicle. It also measures the distance between itself and other objects through lasers."
It has taken 18 years for the researcher to develop the technology for unmanned cars, and he readily admits that at least another decade will pass before such cars reach the market.
The ROVEH, RObotic VEHicle, is a car that moves without a driver. It is a creation of Han Min-hong, a researcher at a state-funded electronics institute.
A central computer identifies the car's surroundings using a global positioning system and a camera to decide on speed and direction.
The former Korea University professor said, "ROVEH's driving is better than that of an average beginner's. Information on traffic lanes is transmitted to a computer to control the vehicle. It also measures the distance between itself and other objects through lasers."
It has taken 18 years for the researcher to develop the technology for unmanned cars, and he readily admits that at least another decade will pass before such cars reach the market.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] Candidates Use TV Debate to Slam Front-Runner
Korea's presidential candidates faced each other in their first televised debate on Thursday. Sponsored by the National Election Commission and held at a KBS studio in Yeouido, Seoul, the debate brought together Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party, Chung Dong-young of the Untied New Democratic Party, Rhee In-je of the Democratic Party, Kwon Young-ghil of the Democratic Labor Party, Moon Kook-hyun of the Creative Korea Party and independent Lee Hoi-chang. Veering from the topics of politics, unification, security and foreign policies, most of the candidates focused on attacking the GNP candidate.
Korea's presidential candidates faced each other in their first televised debate on Thursday. Sponsored by the National Election Commission and held at a KBS studio in Yeouido, Seoul, the debate brought together Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party, Chung Dong-young of the Untied New Democratic Party, Rhee In-je of the Democratic Party, Kwon Young-ghil of the Democratic Labor Party, Moon Kook-hyun of the Creative Korea Party and independent Lee Hoi-chang. Veering from the topics of politics, unification, security and foreign policies, most of the candidates focused on attacking the GNP candidate.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] Future is Bright for LG Electronics as U.S. Goes Digital
LG Electronics has been described lately as the Qualcomm of the digital TV industry. That's because Qualcomm, a U.S. company, earns a sizable portion of its income from licensing key technologies to mobile phone makers. The Korean electronics giant is expected to do the same with its digital TV receiver technology.
An LG Electronics executive said on Tuesday that the company has started producing digital television set-top boxes (STBs) at its plant in China to be sold in the U.S. next month. Digital STBs convert digital TV broadcast signals to analog for people with analog TVs.
LG Electronics’ move comes as an amendment to a U.S. broadcasting law is expected to provide the company with a huge business opportunity. The law requires that all U.S. TV broadcasts must be digital by February 2009. Digital TVs sales have been soaring this year, and the STB market is likely to pick up steam among people who still own analog TVs.
LG Electronics has been described lately as the Qualcomm of the digital TV industry. That's because Qualcomm, a U.S. company, earns a sizable portion of its income from licensing key technologies to mobile phone makers. The Korean electronics giant is expected to do the same with its digital TV receiver technology.
An LG Electronics executive said on Tuesday that the company has started producing digital television set-top boxes (STBs) at its plant in China to be sold in the U.S. next month. Digital STBs convert digital TV broadcast signals to analog for people with analog TVs.
LG Electronics’ move comes as an amendment to a U.S. broadcasting law is expected to provide the company with a huge business opportunity. The law requires that all U.S. TV broadcasts must be digital by February 2009. Digital TVs sales have been soaring this year, and the STB market is likely to pick up steam among people who still own analog TVs.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] Police Reporters Protest Pressroom Closure
Reporters on the National Police Agency beat on Thursday issued a statement of protest after all-night sit-ins since Nov. 30 failed to prevent the closure of their pressroom. "It is people's right to know that we are determined to defend,” they said and called on the agency to end attempts under a draconian new government press policy “to obstruct press monitoring.”
"Reporters have been sticking it out with candles” in the pressroom when electricity and heating were cut off, the statement said. “This shows they are willing to defend the freedom of the press against those in power. With about 10 days remaining until election day, we reject the government’s attempt to close down pressrooms." They said police “cut off communication, electricity and heating to the pressroom. They disconnected all equipment necessary for reporters in gathering information and writing and filing stories. This government, which owes its mandate to a candlelight vigil” -- a reference to an anti-American protests in 2002 that fueled enthusiasm for the Left - “is now attempting to blow out the candles in the pressrooms." But the reporters said the government can do nothing “to prevent new candles from being lit everywhere near them."
Reporters on the National Police Agency beat on Thursday issued a statement of protest after all-night sit-ins since Nov. 30 failed to prevent the closure of their pressroom. "It is people's right to know that we are determined to defend,” they said and called on the agency to end attempts under a draconian new government press policy “to obstruct press monitoring.”
"Reporters have been sticking it out with candles” in the pressroom when electricity and heating were cut off, the statement said. “This shows they are willing to defend the freedom of the press against those in power. With about 10 days remaining until election day, we reject the government’s attempt to close down pressrooms." They said police “cut off communication, electricity and heating to the pressroom. They disconnected all equipment necessary for reporters in gathering information and writing and filing stories. This government, which owes its mandate to a candlelight vigil” -- a reference to an anti-American protests in 2002 that fueled enthusiasm for the Left - “is now attempting to blow out the candles in the pressrooms." But the reporters said the government can do nothing “to prevent new candles from being lit everywhere near them."
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] Hyundai Inks Technology Deal with German Steelmaker
Hyundai Automotive Group has signed a technology deal with Germany's ThyssenKrupp to get a new Hyundai Steel mill going as soon as possible. The mill in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2010.
Hyundai Automotive Group has signed a technology deal with Germany's ThyssenKrupp to get a new Hyundai Steel mill going as soon as possible. The mill in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2010.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] Hyundai Inks Technology Deal with German Steelmaker
Hyundai Automotive Group has signed a technology deal with Germany's ThyssenKrupp to get a new Hyundai Steel mill going as soon as possible. The mill in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2010.
Hyundai Automotive Group has signed a technology deal with Germany's ThyssenKrupp to get a new Hyundai Steel mill going as soon as possible. The mill in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2010.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 7 2007] LG Turns Up Audio Profile With New Music Phone
Determined to expand its audio business, LG Electronics on Thursday released a music phone developed as a "hand-held audio system." The Rhapsody in Music phone is the first creation by audio engineer Mark Levinson since the company brought him in as a special consultant.
Levinson is a living legend in the audio industry, having designed a long list of high-end audio products since he established Mark Levinson Audio Systems at the age of 25. Now 61, Levinson helped to make sure LG's new phone has the best possible sound quality and developed an exclusive earphone for it.
The new phone features a navigating touch wheel for song browsing, sweep spot selection and volume control. It comes bundled with the album "Rhapsody, The Soul of Sound" by seven Korean singers including Sung Si-kyung and Bobby Kim.
Determined to expand its audio business, LG Electronics on Thursday released a music phone developed as a "hand-held audio system." The Rhapsody in Music phone is the first creation by audio engineer Mark Levinson since the company brought him in as a special consultant.
Levinson is a living legend in the audio industry, having designed a long list of high-end audio products since he established Mark Levinson Audio Systems at the age of 25. Now 61, Levinson helped to make sure LG's new phone has the best possible sound quality and developed an exclusive earphone for it.
The new phone features a navigating touch wheel for song browsing, sweep spot selection and volume control. It comes bundled with the album "Rhapsody, The Soul of Sound" by seven Korean singers including Sung Si-kyung and Bobby Kim.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 6 2007] BBK Scam Inspired By Movie 'Boiler Room'
Prosecutors say the chief suspect in the so-called BBK scandal that centers on several dubious investment firms copied his operation straight from the Hollywood movie “Boiler Room”, about a fraudulent financial firm. Chief Prosecutor Kim Hong-il of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, announcing the indictment of Kim Kyung-joon for embezzlement and stock manipulation on Wednesday, said investigators “confiscated a DVD of the movie ‘Boiler Room’ from the former president’s desk in the Optional Ventures office. The movie’s story is nearly identical to the scam.” Kim set up Optional Ventures when BBK folded due to forged investment reports. An official with the special investigative unit said, “Although Kim denies any relation between the scandal and the movie, the movie will help you better understand the scandal.”
Prosecutors say the chief suspect in the so-called BBK scandal that centers on several dubious investment firms copied his operation straight from the Hollywood movie “Boiler Room”, about a fraudulent financial firm. Chief Prosecutor Kim Hong-il of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, announcing the indictment of Kim Kyung-joon for embezzlement and stock manipulation on Wednesday, said investigators “confiscated a DVD of the movie ‘Boiler Room’ from the former president’s desk in the Optional Ventures office. The movie’s story is nearly identical to the scam.” Kim set up Optional Ventures when BBK folded due to forged investment reports. An official with the special investigative unit said, “Although Kim denies any relation between the scandal and the movie, the movie will help you better understand the scandal.”
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 6 2007] Chocolate Phone Sets Record With 15 Mln. Sales
LG Electronics' Chocolate phone has become the first Korean handset to sell more than 15 million units worldwide. The Chocolate phone, which has been released in about 100 countries around the world, became LG Electronics' first "10 million seller" in mid-April.
Although the phone's overall sales have been losing momentum since then, sales are increasing in Japan and countries in Central America, the Middle East and Africa where it was released later than other parts of the world.
LG Electronics' Chocolate phone has become the first Korean handset to sell more than 15 million units worldwide. The Chocolate phone, which has been released in about 100 countries around the world, became LG Electronics' first "10 million seller" in mid-April.
Although the phone's overall sales have been losing momentum since then, sales are increasing in Japan and countries in Central America, the Middle East and Africa where it was released later than other parts of the world.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 6 2007] BoA’s Agency to Branch Out Into Stage Musicals
Pop stars BoA, Gang Ta, The Grace and TVXQ are to make the leap to stage musicals, which are enjoying a wave of popularity in Korea. SM Entertainment, the stars’ agency, said Wednesday it will start producing stage musicals next year. Other pop singers like Ok Ju-hyeon, Bada, Hey, Kim Tae-woo and Andy have already appeared in stage musicals to great success.
The Broadway musical “Xanadu” is highly likely to be the first show presented by SM Entertainment.
Pop stars BoA, Gang Ta, The Grace and TVXQ are to make the leap to stage musicals, which are enjoying a wave of popularity in Korea. SM Entertainment, the stars’ agency, said Wednesday it will start producing stage musicals next year. Other pop singers like Ok Ju-hyeon, Bada, Hey, Kim Tae-woo and Andy have already appeared in stage musicals to great success.
The Broadway musical “Xanadu” is highly likely to be the first show presented by SM Entertainment.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 6 2007] Candidates Use Colors to Woo Voters
Some campaigns have been temporarily halted, but the presidential election fight goes on in other ways. In order to make an impression on voters the political camps are using colors, which not only bring joy to the eyes, but sometimes speak louder than words.
Orange, blue, yellow, red and white are the colors of this year's presidential race. Each holds a message all its own.
Chung Dong-young with the United New Democrats goes hand-in-hand with the color orange, which connotes warmth and ties into his ''happy family'' campaign theme.
It's perhaps not surprising that Lee Myung-bak has colored his campaign blue. Blue happens to be the color of his Grand National Party. Lee pledges to revive the economy and give hope to the people.
Some campaigns have been temporarily halted, but the presidential election fight goes on in other ways. In order to make an impression on voters the political camps are using colors, which not only bring joy to the eyes, but sometimes speak louder than words.
Orange, blue, yellow, red and white are the colors of this year's presidential race. Each holds a message all its own.
Chung Dong-young with the United New Democrats goes hand-in-hand with the color orange, which connotes warmth and ties into his ''happy family'' campaign theme.
It's perhaps not surprising that Lee Myung-bak has colored his campaign blue. Blue happens to be the color of his Grand National Party. Lee pledges to revive the economy and give hope to the people.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 5 2007] Korean Military Launches New Satellite System
The Korean military will be able to remotely command its vessels and aircraft operating thousands of kilometers away from the country thanks to a new satellite communications system.
The system will cover a diameter of 12,000 km, ranging as far east as the Marshall Islands and west as the Strait of Malacca, and from northern Australia to northern Siberia.
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said Tuesday that it has completed the development of the military satellite communications system which began in 1996. It is the first such system built by Korea and will be put into service this month using the Mugunghwa-5 satellite, which was launched in August of last year, the ADD said.
The Korean military will be able to remotely command its vessels and aircraft operating thousands of kilometers away from the country thanks to a new satellite communications system.
The system will cover a diameter of 12,000 km, ranging as far east as the Marshall Islands and west as the Strait of Malacca, and from northern Australia to northern Siberia.
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said Tuesday that it has completed the development of the military satellite communications system which began in 1996. It is the first such system built by Korea and will be put into service this month using the Mugunghwa-5 satellite, which was launched in August of last year, the ADD said.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 5 2007] Korean TV Series Breaks New Ground in Japan
All 500 seats of a cinema in Shinjuku, Tokyo, are taken up by women of all ages, there to watch "Taewangsasingi (The Four Guardian Gods of the King),” starring Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon. The drama is directed by Kim Jong-hak and deals with the life of King Gwanggaeto the Great, known as the “Great Expander” of ancient Korean history.
Showing a 24-episode drama one installment at a time in a theater is certainly a new experiment for the Korean Wave. The series has already been broadcast on cable TV since Dec. 3 and will be accessible for all on national network NHK TV next year. Nevertheless some 20,000 fans paid up to W20,000 (US$1=W923) to watch the drama in a theater, and some 1,000 spent W3 million on a ticket for the entire series.
The press and audience response to Bae’s new series was fulsome. Even though the man known as Yonsama in the island country appeared only fleetingly in the 70-minute episode shown on the day, they were mesmerized by the drama's scale and CGI effects. “It was a great deal more real and exciting to watch on a large screen,” said Haruko Marukawa (67). “The computer graphics were on par with 'The Lord of the Ring.'” Advertiser Koki Matsukubo (37) was impressed by the decision to show the series on the big screen. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen with Japanese drama, and I'm amazed by the idea. I’m sure other theaters will show 'Taewangsasingi ' thanks to Yonsama’s loyal fans.”
All 500 seats of a cinema in Shinjuku, Tokyo, are taken up by women of all ages, there to watch "Taewangsasingi (The Four Guardian Gods of the King),” starring Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon. The drama is directed by Kim Jong-hak and deals with the life of King Gwanggaeto the Great, known as the “Great Expander” of ancient Korean history.
Showing a 24-episode drama one installment at a time in a theater is certainly a new experiment for the Korean Wave. The series has already been broadcast on cable TV since Dec. 3 and will be accessible for all on national network NHK TV next year. Nevertheless some 20,000 fans paid up to W20,000 (US$1=W923) to watch the drama in a theater, and some 1,000 spent W3 million on a ticket for the entire series.
The press and audience response to Bae’s new series was fulsome. Even though the man known as Yonsama in the island country appeared only fleetingly in the 70-minute episode shown on the day, they were mesmerized by the drama's scale and CGI effects. “It was a great deal more real and exciting to watch on a large screen,” said Haruko Marukawa (67). “The computer graphics were on par with 'The Lord of the Ring.'” Advertiser Koki Matsukubo (37) was impressed by the decision to show the series on the big screen. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen with Japanese drama, and I'm amazed by the idea. I’m sure other theaters will show 'Taewangsasingi ' thanks to Yonsama’s loyal fans.”
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 5 2007] For Global Chip Makers, the Future is NAND Flash
Competition in the NAND Flash memory chip market is heating up amongst the market's leaders. Widely used in digital cameras and mobile phones, NAND Flash memory is expected to lead the next-generation memory chip market, with its market size likely to reach US$21.2 billion by 2009. It has also enjoyed higher growth and a smaller price drop than DRAM used in PCs. That's why semiconductor companies are pouring their efforts into NAND Flash.
Hynix said Tuesday that it will start mass producing 16 Gb multi-level cell NAND Flash chips using its industry-leading 48-nano technology from next year. The 48-nano process is 10 percent more productive than market leader Samsung Electronics' 51-nano process, and 20 percent more productive than Toshiba's 56-nano process, Hynix said.
Competition in the NAND Flash memory chip market is heating up amongst the market's leaders. Widely used in digital cameras and mobile phones, NAND Flash memory is expected to lead the next-generation memory chip market, with its market size likely to reach US$21.2 billion by 2009. It has also enjoyed higher growth and a smaller price drop than DRAM used in PCs. That's why semiconductor companies are pouring their efforts into NAND Flash.
Hynix said Tuesday that it will start mass producing 16 Gb multi-level cell NAND Flash chips using its industry-leading 48-nano technology from next year. The 48-nano process is 10 percent more productive than market leader Samsung Electronics' 51-nano process, and 20 percent more productive than Toshiba's 56-nano process, Hynix said.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 4 2007] Video Reunions to Prove Nice Little Earner for N.Korea
The Unification Ministry reportedly agreed to supply North Korea with all cameras, editing equipment and even vehicles to facilitate the exchange of video letters between families separated by the Korean War, on top of paying the North US$1,000 per video, it emerged Tuesday. The amount is 17 times the average monthly pay ($60) for a North Korean worker in the Kaesong Industrial Complex.
The Unification Ministry reportedly agreed to supply North Korea with all cameras, editing equipment and even vehicles to facilitate the exchange of video letters between families separated by the Korean War, on top of paying the North US$1,000 per video, it emerged Tuesday. The amount is 17 times the average monthly pay ($60) for a North Korean worker in the Kaesong Industrial Complex.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 4 2007] Hynix to Start Mass Production of 48-nm Chips
Hynix Semiconductor will start mass-producing NAND-type Flash chips using 48-nanometer (nm) processing technology early next year, the first company in the world to do so. Hynix said Tuesday it has completed development of a 48-nm 16-gigabyte multi-level cell NAND Flash chip and sent samples to global customers. It will start full-scale mass-production of the chip in January. Hynix plans to increase production to between 15,000 and 20,000 units a month in the first quarter next year.
A Hynix spokesman said NAND Flash chips meet a variety of demands, since they are used for both mobile gadgets, like music phones, and for solid state drives, which are emerging as a replacement for hard discs. Hynix next plans to produce 8GB single-level cell chips using the same 48-nm process after the multi-level cell chips.
Hynix Semiconductor will start mass-producing NAND-type Flash chips using 48-nanometer (nm) processing technology early next year, the first company in the world to do so. Hynix said Tuesday it has completed development of a 48-nm 16-gigabyte multi-level cell NAND Flash chip and sent samples to global customers. It will start full-scale mass-production of the chip in January. Hynix plans to increase production to between 15,000 and 20,000 units a month in the first quarter next year.
A Hynix spokesman said NAND Flash chips meet a variety of demands, since they are used for both mobile gadgets, like music phones, and for solid state drives, which are emerging as a replacement for hard discs. Hynix next plans to produce 8GB single-level cell chips using the same 48-nm process after the multi-level cell chips.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 4 2007] Samsung Partners with Toshiba for Fusion Memory Chips
Samsung Electronics has teamed up with Toshiba to expand its domination of the fusion memory chip market.
Korea’s largest electronics maker said Monday that it signed a deal to license its OneNAND and Flex OneNAND fusion memory chip technology to the Japanese company.
Under the deal, Toshiba will produce the fusion memory chips according to Samsung’s specifications, and Samsung will provide technical support when necessary.
Samsung Electronics has teamed up with Toshiba to expand its domination of the fusion memory chip market.
Korea’s largest electronics maker said Monday that it signed a deal to license its OneNAND and Flex OneNAND fusion memory chip technology to the Japanese company.
Under the deal, Toshiba will produce the fusion memory chips according to Samsung’s specifications, and Samsung will provide technical support when necessary.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 4 2007] Japanese Electronics Makers Slim Down to Move Ahead
With Korean electronics makers taking a breather, their Japanese rivals are rolling up their sleeves to transform themselves into specialists. Having lost their lead to Korea in the semiconductor, liquid crystal display and digital TV markets one by one over the past 10 years, Japanese electronics companies are doing everything they can to regain the lead in next-generation products.
...
By contrast, Korean companies have been criticized for doing too little to escape stagnation and take a leap forward. Experts say that some domestic electronics makers like Samsung Electronics are performing well in most business areas, but they need to prepare to compete with Japanese rivals who are turning all their know-how and capabilities toward specialized areas.
"It's no exaggeration to say that Korea and Japan equally dominated the global electronics market for the last decade," said Min Hoo-sik, an executive at Tempis Capital Management. "Now that Japanese companies are working to compete for the next-generation market, Korean companies also have to stay alert."
With Korean electronics makers taking a breather, their Japanese rivals are rolling up their sleeves to transform themselves into specialists. Having lost their lead to Korea in the semiconductor, liquid crystal display and digital TV markets one by one over the past 10 years, Japanese electronics companies are doing everything they can to regain the lead in next-generation products.
...
By contrast, Korean companies have been criticized for doing too little to escape stagnation and take a leap forward. Experts say that some domestic electronics makers like Samsung Electronics are performing well in most business areas, but they need to prepare to compete with Japanese rivals who are turning all their know-how and capabilities toward specialized areas.
"It's no exaggeration to say that Korea and Japan equally dominated the global electronics market for the last decade," said Min Hoo-sik, an executive at Tempis Capital Management. "Now that Japanese companies are working to compete for the next-generation market, Korean companies also have to stay alert."
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 3 2007] SKT Buys Hanaro Telocom for W1 Trillion
SK Telecom, the nation's largest mobile phone service provider, announced it will buy Hanaro Telecom for more than W1 trillion (US$1=W925).
If and when the deal is finalized, the telecommunication giant will have acquired over 40 percent of Hanaro's shares, making SK Telecom the biggest stakeholder.
SK Telecom, the nation's largest mobile phone service provider, announced it will buy Hanaro Telecom for more than W1 trillion (US$1=W925).
If and when the deal is finalized, the telecommunication giant will have acquired over 40 percent of Hanaro's shares, making SK Telecom the biggest stakeholder.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 3 2007] SKT on Brink of Clinching Hanaro Takeover
Korea’s top wireless service provider SK Telecom is poised to take over Hanrao Telecom, the country’s second-largest telephone and broadband line company. An SK Telecom taskforce in charge of the takeover negotiated with a consortium of Newbridge Capital and AIG, the major shareholder in Hanaro, late into the night over the weekend.
An SK Telecom executive said Sunday the company’s board of directors decided on a per-share price ceiling and gave full authority to SK Telecom president Kim Shin-bae at a meeting on Friday. The ceiling is reportedly set at less than W13,000 (US$1=W922) per share. The executive said his company plans to clinch a final contract before Tuesday if possible and immediately announce the merger.
Korea’s top wireless service provider SK Telecom is poised to take over Hanrao Telecom, the country’s second-largest telephone and broadband line company. An SK Telecom taskforce in charge of the takeover negotiated with a consortium of Newbridge Capital and AIG, the major shareholder in Hanaro, late into the night over the weekend.
An SK Telecom executive said Sunday the company’s board of directors decided on a per-share price ceiling and gave full authority to SK Telecom president Kim Shin-bae at a meeting on Friday. The ceiling is reportedly set at less than W13,000 (US$1=W922) per share. The executive said his company plans to clinch a final contract before Tuesday if possible and immediately announce the merger.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 3 2007] Samsung Builds Fastest Graphics Memory Chip
Samsung Electronics said Sunday that it has developed the world's fastest graphics DRAM chip. The new 6 Gbps 512 Mb GDDR5 can process graphics data twice as fast as existing chips.
DRAM chips are divided into general-purpose chips for personal computers, graphics chips for game consoles and mobile chips for handsets, with graphics DRAM the fastest and most expensive.
With 32 input and output channels, the new chip can process 24 gigabytes of data per second, which is equivalent of 16 DVD-quality movies.
Samsung Electronics said Sunday that it has developed the world's fastest graphics DRAM chip. The new 6 Gbps 512 Mb GDDR5 can process graphics data twice as fast as existing chips.
DRAM chips are divided into general-purpose chips for personal computers, graphics chips for game consoles and mobile chips for handsets, with graphics DRAM the fastest and most expensive.
With 32 input and output channels, the new chip can process 24 gigabytes of data per second, which is equivalent of 16 DVD-quality movies.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 3 2007] Sports Marketing Going From Strength to Strength
Already Chelsea FC’s football aces all bear the logo “Samsung Mobile” on their chests, but in August next year, Samsung Electronics plans to change that to just “Samsung” to maximize brand recognition for all its electronics products.
That means Samsung Electronics will also shoulder the sponsorship fee that had so far been the responsibility of its mobile division, which supports the club with W20 billion annually (US$1=W922). “Samsung seems to have made the decision to make full use of Chelsea’s brand power because the team is showing a strong performance befitting its premier reputation,” an IT industry insider explains.
Already Chelsea FC’s football aces all bear the logo “Samsung Mobile” on their chests, but in August next year, Samsung Electronics plans to change that to just “Samsung” to maximize brand recognition for all its electronics products.
That means Samsung Electronics will also shoulder the sponsorship fee that had so far been the responsibility of its mobile division, which supports the club with W20 billion annually (US$1=W922). “Samsung seems to have made the decision to make full use of Chelsea’s brand power because the team is showing a strong performance befitting its premier reputation,” an IT industry insider explains.
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: MySpace heads for Korea, India
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: MySpace heads for Korea, India:
"South Korea among the five countries to get a local-language MySpace website next year
The Korea Herald
Thursday, December 6, 2007
News Corp.'s MySpace will start local-language sites in South Korea and India in the first quarter to expand the world's most popular social-networking portal outside the United States. The company will offer services in 30 countries in the first quarter, from 25 at present, Sung Lee, vice president of MySpace in Asia, said in Hong Kong."
"South Korea among the five countries to get a local-language MySpace website next year
The Korea Herald
Thursday, December 6, 2007
News Corp.'s MySpace will start local-language sites in South Korea and India in the first quarter to expand the world's most popular social-networking portal outside the United States. The company will offer services in 30 countries in the first quarter, from 25 at present, Sung Lee, vice president of MySpace in Asia, said in Hong Kong."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: LG Dacom launches IPTV service
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: LG Dacom launches IPTV service:
"Korea's third-largest fixed-line operator prices its IPTV service, 'myLGtv,' 15 percent cheaper than its two rivals
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
By Jin Hyun-joo
LG Dacom, Korea's third-largest fixed-line operator, yesterday launched the broadband-based internet protocol television, intensifying competition in the market. Now there are three broadband service providers that offer the IPTV service, which they believe will serve as a new growth engine in the almost saturated telecommunications market. IPTV is expected to bring a major change in television viewing by offering viewers a wide-ranging selection of programs on demand. LG Dacom said its IPTV service, dubbed 'myLGtv,' is available through a bundled product, which also includes broadband Internet access and a telephone service. The broadband service is offered by LG Dacom's subsidiary, LG Powercom."
"Korea's third-largest fixed-line operator prices its IPTV service, 'myLGtv,' 15 percent cheaper than its two rivals
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
By Jin Hyun-joo
LG Dacom, Korea's third-largest fixed-line operator, yesterday launched the broadband-based internet protocol television, intensifying competition in the market. Now there are three broadband service providers that offer the IPTV service, which they believe will serve as a new growth engine in the almost saturated telecommunications market. IPTV is expected to bring a major change in television viewing by offering viewers a wide-ranging selection of programs on demand. LG Dacom said its IPTV service, dubbed 'myLGtv,' is available through a bundled product, which also includes broadband Internet access and a telephone service. The broadband service is offered by LG Dacom's subsidiary, LG Powercom."
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