[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Beware of Ransomware, PC Users Told
Korean PC users have been warned of malware that encrypts data belonging to an individual on a computer and demands a ransom to restore it. IT security firm Ahnlab said Thursday a growing number of victims were reporting ransomware that hijacks their video files and demands payment in exchange for their restoration. The ransomware encrypts files on the victim's computer which the victim is then unable to open without the correct decryption key. Only when the ransom demanded is paid is the victim given the decryption key.
The ransomware was included in adware “Uccplay.” Victims are led into thinking the adware is a multimedia player, but when they install it, the program copies all video files stored on the computer to a hidden folder and removes the original files. Victims have no choice but to open the ransomware to access their video files, which then opens up a “certification” box that actually links to mobile phone payment.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Kim Seon-ah Wins Breach-of-Contract Suit
Actress Kim Seon-ah (32) has won a suit for breach of contract brought against her by a film production company. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday ruled against the production company, who sued the actress and her agency for damages. In June, production company Yoon and Joon sued Kim for damages worth W1 billion (US$1=W925) claiming that Kim failed to carry out her obligation to play the leading role in the film “Thursday’s Child” and it caused damages worth W2.3 billion by halting production last year.
Actress Kim Seon-ah (32) has won a suit for breach of contract brought against her by a film production company. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday ruled against the production company, who sued the actress and her agency for damages. In June, production company Yoon and Joon sued Kim for damages worth W1 billion (US$1=W925) claiming that Kim failed to carry out her obligation to play the leading role in the film “Thursday’s Child” and it caused damages worth W2.3 billion by halting production last year.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Digital Chosun Starts New Keyword Click Service
The Digital Chosun Ilbo will launch a new service allowing readers to access detailed additional information while reading a news article by clicking key words in the report. A similar service is provided by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek. Named “Focus,” the service offers detailed information on 1,900 celebrities, top-500 corporations, 300 domestic government agencies/public organizations, 197 countries and 208 major cities in the world.
Readers of the online edition will be able to look up additional information without resorting to encyclopedias or portal search services. For example, if readers want to know more about a company in an M&A report in the Digital Chosun Ilbo site, just a mouse-click on the company’s name brings up details of its history, business, stock price and corporate news. The service is currently available for the Korean edition only.
The Digital Chosun Ilbo will launch a new service allowing readers to access detailed additional information while reading a news article by clicking key words in the report. A similar service is provided by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek. Named “Focus,” the service offers detailed information on 1,900 celebrities, top-500 corporations, 300 domestic government agencies/public organizations, 197 countries and 208 major cities in the world.
Readers of the online edition will be able to look up additional information without resorting to encyclopedias or portal search services. For example, if readers want to know more about a company in an M&A report in the Digital Chosun Ilbo site, just a mouse-click on the company’s name brings up details of its history, business, stock price and corporate news. The service is currently available for the Korean edition only.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Science Ministry to Sell Satellite Photos to Public
The public will soon be allowed to purchase photographs taken by Korea's Arirang 2 satellite. The Ministry of Science and Technology said Thursday that it will make the photos available online (www.spacecapture.kr).
Existing photos can be purchased immediately, or orders can be placed to have the satellite take specific photographs.
The public will soon be allowed to purchase photographs taken by Korea's Arirang 2 satellite. The Ministry of Science and Technology said Thursday that it will make the photos available online (www.spacecapture.kr).
Existing photos can be purchased immediately, or orders can be placed to have the satellite take specific photographs.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Seoul Dreaming of a Blue Christmas
By this time every year, major landmarks in downtown Seoul like City Hall and Gwanghwamun are decorated with bright Christmas lights. But this year, instead of the traditional red and yellow, all is bathed in the soft blue of light-emitting diodes (LED). Take the Galleria Department Store in Apgujeong-dong, for instance. Its top-end brand house West, known for its 4,330 glass disk-covered unique exterior, spent around W300 million (US$1=W925) to place special LEDs on all the glass disks, which were then connected to the computer system to emit blue Christmas illumination.
By this time every year, major landmarks in downtown Seoul like City Hall and Gwanghwamun are decorated with bright Christmas lights. But this year, instead of the traditional red and yellow, all is bathed in the soft blue of light-emitting diodes (LED). Take the Galleria Department Store in Apgujeong-dong, for instance. Its top-end brand house West, known for its 4,330 glass disk-covered unique exterior, spent around W300 million (US$1=W925) to place special LEDs on all the glass disks, which were then connected to the computer system to emit blue Christmas illumination.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 14 2007] Korean Scientists Build Autonomous Mobile Robot
A Korean research team has developed an autonomous mobile robot that can be used to patrol industrial facilities or apartment complexes.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday that its "Securo" (SECUrity RObot), developed by the team led by Dr. Kang Sung-chul, passed a recent test by successfully navigating a one km-long course by itself.
Using a built-in global positioning system and laser image scanner, the robot moved along a pre-set route at a speed of 5.4 km/h within an error range of 10 cm without human control.
A Korean research team has developed an autonomous mobile robot that can be used to patrol industrial facilities or apartment complexes.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday that its "Securo" (SECUrity RObot), developed by the team led by Dr. Kang Sung-chul, passed a recent test by successfully navigating a one km-long course by itself.
Using a built-in global positioning system and laser image scanner, the robot moved along a pre-set route at a speed of 5.4 km/h within an error range of 10 cm without human control.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Buy-in-America Boom Spreads to Korea
The weak dollar has sparked a U.S. shopping spree among Europeans, the so-called Buy-in-America boom. Thanks to weak dollar and strong euro, prices in the U.S. became much lower than in the Europe, and European shoppers are going to the U.S. for shopping as well as to U.S. shopping websites. The most popular items are electronics and clothes. The Chosun Ilbo looks at the bargains.
...
This U.S. shopping boom is now advancing to Korea. According to the Korea Customs Service, the number of parcels from overseas between January and October has increased by 14 percent to 674,000 compared to the same period last year. A substantial amount of that consists of products bought on U.S. Internet shopping sites.
The weak dollar has sparked a U.S. shopping spree among Europeans, the so-called Buy-in-America boom. Thanks to weak dollar and strong euro, prices in the U.S. became much lower than in the Europe, and European shoppers are going to the U.S. for shopping as well as to U.S. shopping websites. The most popular items are electronics and clothes. The Chosun Ilbo looks at the bargains.
...
This U.S. shopping boom is now advancing to Korea. According to the Korea Customs Service, the number of parcels from overseas between January and October has increased by 14 percent to 674,000 compared to the same period last year. A substantial amount of that consists of products bought on U.S. Internet shopping sites.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Architects of Media Oppression Try to Hide
Bang Sun-kyu, the official at the Government Information Agency who played a central role in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's efforts to close down and consolidate press rooms at government agencies, is reportedly about to be appointed as press attache to the Korean embassy in the U.S. Bang applied for the position voluntarily.
Early this year, Bang was entrusted by President Roh to observe the way press rooms are run by government agencies around the world. It was Bang who created the blueprint for Roh's clampdown on media access to government officials and ministries. It is mind boggling to see the official who worked so hard to realize the president's plan trying to leave Korea now when the administration's days are numbered. It just makes one feel that Bang, who appeared to be such a firm believer in the president's views on taming critical news media, was just doing his job.
...
These officials made a lot of noise during their day. But their day is coming to an end soon and they are probably right in seeking to find a place in which to bury their heads. But they cannot hide. A person's exit should be graceful. How they handle their exit says a lot about their character. What good will it do to make these people pay for their actions, when they are already getting ready to hide in shame?
Bang Sun-kyu, the official at the Government Information Agency who played a central role in the Roh Moo-hyun administration's efforts to close down and consolidate press rooms at government agencies, is reportedly about to be appointed as press attache to the Korean embassy in the U.S. Bang applied for the position voluntarily.
Early this year, Bang was entrusted by President Roh to observe the way press rooms are run by government agencies around the world. It was Bang who created the blueprint for Roh's clampdown on media access to government officials and ministries. It is mind boggling to see the official who worked so hard to realize the president's plan trying to leave Korea now when the administration's days are numbered. It just makes one feel that Bang, who appeared to be such a firm believer in the president's views on taming critical news media, was just doing his job.
...
These officials made a lot of noise during their day. But their day is coming to an end soon and they are probably right in seeking to find a place in which to bury their heads. But they cannot hide. A person's exit should be graceful. How they handle their exit says a lot about their character. What good will it do to make these people pay for their actions, when they are already getting ready to hide in shame?
Friday, January 04, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] When History Becomes Entertainment
This year, cultural products dealing with history have been hugely popular, and TV dramas, movies, musicals and novels based on historical themes and materials lead the pack in terms of production value and sales. The three terrestrial networks are airing historical dramas at prime time, which was once replete with variety shows and talk shows. King Jeongjo in particular enjoys huge popularity in various historical dramas.
The boom is nothing new. Since the mega-hit “Daejanggeum(Jewel in the Palace)”, historical series have been enjoying continuous popularity. In the 1980s and 90s, historical novels such as “The Land,” and the novels “Donguibogam” and “Taebak Mountain” were runaway bestsellers. One million copies of “500 Years of Chosun Dynasty” were sold in the late 1990s -- a rare success for a liberal arts book. Since then, novels with some kind of claim to a basis in historical fact have been selling well in the wake of “The Da Vinci Code.”
But there is a big difference between the historical hits of the past and today’s. For a start, there is no evident patriotism at play in today’s historical works. Kim Hoon’s “Namhan Sanseong” dealing with the second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1637 and Shin Kyung-sook’s “Lijin” describing a woman’s life in the late Chosun Dynasty put more emphasis on the individual’s conflict and suffering than the ups and downs of history itself.
Recent historical works are strong on the detail of daily life rather than the broad sweep of history, struggle for power and ideological conflict. Based on an interesting story, they home in on culture and everyday life. The public’s interest has moved on from the powerful to ordinary people, and from the center to the periphery.
In other words, history has become entertainment. Sometimes it evolves into fantasy, as in the case of “Taewangsasingi,” starring Bae Yong-joon. People in their 20s who are accustomed to video games go wild for this combination of fantasy and history. Questions about historical accuracy or the lessons of history are meaningless to them.
This year, cultural products dealing with history have been hugely popular, and TV dramas, movies, musicals and novels based on historical themes and materials lead the pack in terms of production value and sales. The three terrestrial networks are airing historical dramas at prime time, which was once replete with variety shows and talk shows. King Jeongjo in particular enjoys huge popularity in various historical dramas.
The boom is nothing new. Since the mega-hit “Daejanggeum(Jewel in the Palace)”, historical series have been enjoying continuous popularity. In the 1980s and 90s, historical novels such as “The Land,” and the novels “Donguibogam” and “Taebak Mountain” were runaway bestsellers. One million copies of “500 Years of Chosun Dynasty” were sold in the late 1990s -- a rare success for a liberal arts book. Since then, novels with some kind of claim to a basis in historical fact have been selling well in the wake of “The Da Vinci Code.”
But there is a big difference between the historical hits of the past and today’s. For a start, there is no evident patriotism at play in today’s historical works. Kim Hoon’s “Namhan Sanseong” dealing with the second Manchu invasion of Korea in 1637 and Shin Kyung-sook’s “Lijin” describing a woman’s life in the late Chosun Dynasty put more emphasis on the individual’s conflict and suffering than the ups and downs of history itself.
Recent historical works are strong on the detail of daily life rather than the broad sweep of history, struggle for power and ideological conflict. Based on an interesting story, they home in on culture and everyday life. The public’s interest has moved on from the powerful to ordinary people, and from the center to the periphery.
In other words, history has become entertainment. Sometimes it evolves into fantasy, as in the case of “Taewangsasingi,” starring Bae Yong-joon. People in their 20s who are accustomed to video games go wild for this combination of fantasy and history. Questions about historical accuracy or the lessons of history are meaningless to them.
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 13 2007] Korean Scientists Clone Genetically-Modified Cat
A combination of somatic cell cloning and gene modification has created clones of a genetically-modified cat for the first time in the world.
The Ministry of Technology and Science said Wednesday that a research team led by Prof. Kong Il-Keun of the zootechny department of Gyeongsang National University succeeded in cloning cats with modified genes.
Three of the special cats were born in January, two of which survived. This is the world's first successful case of a cat being created through both cell cloning and gene manipulation, although the U.S. succeeded in creating a cat by cloning cells in 2002.
A combination of somatic cell cloning and gene modification has created clones of a genetically-modified cat for the first time in the world.
The Ministry of Technology and Science said Wednesday that a research team led by Prof. Kong Il-Keun of the zootechny department of Gyeongsang National University succeeded in cloning cats with modified genes.
Three of the special cats were born in January, two of which survived. This is the world's first successful case of a cat being created through both cell cloning and gene manipulation, although the U.S. succeeded in creating a cat by cloning cells in 2002.
[The Hankyoreh, January 2 2008] [Editorial] Continuing South Korea’s leading role
The joint editorial appearing on New Year's Day in North Korea's three main newspapers is considered the Pyongyang government's New Year's address. This year's editorial used the term "peaceful prosperity" (pyeonghwa beonyeong) several times over. Gone were the usual calls for a "grand union of anti-conservatives" in the South to oppose the Grand National Party and the other usual criticisms of the GNP. Overall, the editorial emphasizes uniting behind the North Korean government and strengthening the North's economy, and it also placed a lot of weight on advancing inter-Korean relations by, among other things, thoroughly implementing October's summit declaration. This shows you that Pyongyang has considerable expectations for the new South Korean government, that of President-elect Lee Myung-bak.
The joint editorial appearing on New Year's Day in North Korea's three main newspapers is considered the Pyongyang government's New Year's address. This year's editorial used the term "peaceful prosperity" (pyeonghwa beonyeong) several times over. Gone were the usual calls for a "grand union of anti-conservatives" in the South to oppose the Grand National Party and the other usual criticisms of the GNP. Overall, the editorial emphasizes uniting behind the North Korean government and strengthening the North's economy, and it also placed a lot of weight on advancing inter-Korean relations by, among other things, thoroughly implementing October's summit declaration. This shows you that Pyongyang has considerable expectations for the new South Korean government, that of President-elect Lee Myung-bak.
[The Hankyoreh, December 27 2007] New administration will allow newspapers to own broadcasting companies
Media policies will put competition first, with controls preventing media monopolies
With President-elect Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party to take office next February, observers expect there to be a big change in government polices regulating the nation’s media industry.
“For local newspapers to be competitive, we need to allow them not only to pursue paper media but also broadcasting businesses,” Choung Byoung-gug, a lawmaker who led Lee’s campaign staff, said on a recently broadcast radio program. “Still, we shouldn’t support them unconditionally. Rather we need to open the market and encourage the players to engage in free competition, providing a ‘media development fund’ for some time. In this process, companies without a competitive edge should disappear.”
Choung pointed out that newspaper companies should be allowed to provide cable and Internet-protocol TV services, but that regulations need to be in place to prevent them from seeking to begin terrestrial broadcasting. “If we allow newspaper firms to run broadcasting businesses, it could prompt concerns over an industrial monopoly by major media companies, but this could be controlled through caps on shareholding,” he said.
Media policies will put competition first, with controls preventing media monopolies
With President-elect Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party to take office next February, observers expect there to be a big change in government polices regulating the nation’s media industry.
“For local newspapers to be competitive, we need to allow them not only to pursue paper media but also broadcasting businesses,” Choung Byoung-gug, a lawmaker who led Lee’s campaign staff, said on a recently broadcast radio program. “Still, we shouldn’t support them unconditionally. Rather we need to open the market and encourage the players to engage in free competition, providing a ‘media development fund’ for some time. In this process, companies without a competitive edge should disappear.”
Choung pointed out that newspaper companies should be allowed to provide cable and Internet-protocol TV services, but that regulations need to be in place to prevent them from seeking to begin terrestrial broadcasting. “If we allow newspaper firms to run broadcasting businesses, it could prompt concerns over an industrial monopoly by major media companies, but this could be controlled through caps on shareholding,” he said.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 18 2007] Korean IT sector forecast to grow 4.6 % next year
Korea’s information technology (IT) sector is forecast to expand 4.6 percent in 2008 from a year earlier, mainly driven by software and IT services, an industry researcher said Tuesday (Dec. 18).
The growth outlook is higher than an estimated 3.7 percent for this year, IDC Korea said in a report.
The researcher, however, expected the global IT industry to expand by 5.5 percent to 6 percent next year, slower than the 6.9 percent predicted for this year, as concerns over a global economic slowdown could lead to reduced investment in the tech sector.
Korea’s information technology (IT) sector is forecast to expand 4.6 percent in 2008 from a year earlier, mainly driven by software and IT services, an industry researcher said Tuesday (Dec. 18).
The growth outlook is higher than an estimated 3.7 percent for this year, IDC Korea said in a report.
The researcher, however, expected the global IT industry to expand by 5.5 percent to 6 percent next year, slower than the 6.9 percent predicted for this year, as concerns over a global economic slowdown could lead to reduced investment in the tech sector.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 17 2007] Korean engineers develop small, ultra-fast communications module
Korean engineers have developed a small, ultra-fast communication module that can send 3 gigabits per second (Gbps) of data, the government said Monday (Dec. 17).
The new device made by a team led by Park Chul-soon at the Information and Communications University measures 37 millimeters by 11 millimeters by 0.5 millimeters, the Ministry of Science and Technology said. It has a wireless range of under 100 meters.
"Compared to other 60 Gigahertz communication modules that can be attached to antennas, the new unit is very compact and can transmit large volumes of data," said a ministry official.
Korean engineers have developed a small, ultra-fast communication module that can send 3 gigabits per second (Gbps) of data, the government said Monday (Dec. 17).
The new device made by a team led by Park Chul-soon at the Information and Communications University measures 37 millimeters by 11 millimeters by 0.5 millimeters, the Ministry of Science and Technology said. It has a wireless range of under 100 meters.
"Compared to other 60 Gigahertz communication modules that can be attached to antennas, the new unit is very compact and can transmit large volumes of data," said a ministry official.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 17 2007] Korea's scientific innovation capability ranks 12th among OECD members: report
Korea’s scientific innovation capability ranks 12th among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a government report said Monday (Dec. 17).
The Ministry of Science and Technology said the country received an above-average mark of 10.92 points in the Composite Science and Technology Innovation Index (COSTII). This is higher than the average of 9.82 points for the Paris-based club of 30 industrialized countries.
The index, created by the ministry to keep tabs on where the country stands in scientific competitiveness, uses data similar to that compiled by the OECD, the Switzerland-based International Institute of Management and Development and the World Economic Forum.
The report said the country did well in seven areas including research and development (R&D) investment, innovation drive, entrepreneurship, cooperation between labs and industry and cooperation between businesses. South Korea was also awarded good marks in physical infrastructure for science development and economic growth.
Korea’s scientific innovation capability ranks 12th among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a government report said Monday (Dec. 17).
The Ministry of Science and Technology said the country received an above-average mark of 10.92 points in the Composite Science and Technology Innovation Index (COSTII). This is higher than the average of 9.82 points for the Paris-based club of 30 industrialized countries.
The index, created by the ministry to keep tabs on where the country stands in scientific competitiveness, uses data similar to that compiled by the OECD, the Switzerland-based International Institute of Management and Development and the World Economic Forum.
The report said the country did well in seven areas including research and development (R&D) investment, innovation drive, entrepreneurship, cooperation between labs and industry and cooperation between businesses. South Korea was also awarded good marks in physical infrastructure for science development and economic growth.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 15 2007] Robots first
By Arnold Stockard
Several months ago, Seoul announced the candidate chosen to be Korea’s first human space pioneer. This milestone could be seen in a much larger context, one that signaled the nation’s aspirations for its place in terrestrial as well as extraterrestrial history. The significance of the selection was this: robots.
Ko San, who is scheduled to journey aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule to the International Space Station in April next year, is a researcher in artificial intelligence. What he learns about working in aboard the station will be invaluable to building smart machines for space exploration. But as promising as it might seem, artificial intelligence, or AI, as it is commonly known, is still quite underwhelming. For as Marvin Minsky of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said, there is no AI program that can recognize ordinary things as well as a four year-old child can.
Nevertheless, Korean planners have high hopes for AI, still in its infancy 50 years after the concept was introduce, and for robots. Though Korea has made impressive progress with robots, the most telling indicator of their future, as seen from Seoul, is not in the technology of their algorithms, circuitry, optics, processors, gyroscopes, actuators, servos and sensors. Korea’s vision of a future of intelligent machines lies in a Robot Ethics Charter.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy has found it necessary to draft a document of “ethical guidelines” for robots of “strong intelligence in the near future."
Since the protection of conscious entities from harm is the basis of ethical and legal code, Korea’s charter implies that the strong intelligence referred to by the ministry includes emotional intelligence. A machine possessing emotional intelligence would be, by definition, a conscious entity with the ability to be humorous, to be distraught, to express feelings.
Accelerating technology
Humanoids top list
By Arnold Stockard
Several months ago, Seoul announced the candidate chosen to be Korea’s first human space pioneer. This milestone could be seen in a much larger context, one that signaled the nation’s aspirations for its place in terrestrial as well as extraterrestrial history. The significance of the selection was this: robots.
Ko San, who is scheduled to journey aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule to the International Space Station in April next year, is a researcher in artificial intelligence. What he learns about working in aboard the station will be invaluable to building smart machines for space exploration. But as promising as it might seem, artificial intelligence, or AI, as it is commonly known, is still quite underwhelming. For as Marvin Minsky of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said, there is no AI program that can recognize ordinary things as well as a four year-old child can.
Nevertheless, Korean planners have high hopes for AI, still in its infancy 50 years after the concept was introduce, and for robots. Though Korea has made impressive progress with robots, the most telling indicator of their future, as seen from Seoul, is not in the technology of their algorithms, circuitry, optics, processors, gyroscopes, actuators, servos and sensors. Korea’s vision of a future of intelligent machines lies in a Robot Ethics Charter.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy has found it necessary to draft a document of “ethical guidelines” for robots of “strong intelligence in the near future."
Since the protection of conscious entities from harm is the basis of ethical and legal code, Korea’s charter implies that the strong intelligence referred to by the ministry includes emotional intelligence. A machine possessing emotional intelligence would be, by definition, a conscious entity with the ability to be humorous, to be distraught, to express feelings.
Accelerating technology
Humanoids top list
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 13 2007] Korea to sell images taken by Arirang 2 satellite
Ordinary people and organizations will soon be allowed to purchase high-resolution pictures taken by Korea’s orbiting Arirang 2 satellite, the government said Thursday (Dec. 13)
The Ministry of Science and Technology said the pictures will be sold starting Friday (Dec. 14) at one-fifth the price of similar images sold by foreign service providers. This, it said should promote the use of satellite pictures and boost related businesses in the country. It added for non-profit organizations, and those used for public academic purposes, the price will be further cut.
"For commercial users, a square-kilometer image will cost 10,000 won, while this will be lowered to around 2,000-3,000 won for non-profit organizations," said Lee Ki-sung, head of the ministry space technology development division.
The official added that this amount is for pictures held in the database, while prices may go up 20-30 percent for pictures that are specifically ordered by the customer. For foreign customers, Arirang 2 started providing images on June 1.
DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, and Spot Image are some of the global satellite picture service providers that sell picture on a commercial basis.
Ordinary people and organizations will soon be allowed to purchase high-resolution pictures taken by Korea’s orbiting Arirang 2 satellite, the government said Thursday (Dec. 13)
The Ministry of Science and Technology said the pictures will be sold starting Friday (Dec. 14) at one-fifth the price of similar images sold by foreign service providers. This, it said should promote the use of satellite pictures and boost related businesses in the country. It added for non-profit organizations, and those used for public academic purposes, the price will be further cut.
"For commercial users, a square-kilometer image will cost 10,000 won, while this will be lowered to around 2,000-3,000 won for non-profit organizations," said Lee Ki-sung, head of the ministry space technology development division.
The official added that this amount is for pictures held in the database, while prices may go up 20-30 percent for pictures that are specifically ordered by the customer. For foreign customers, Arirang 2 started providing images on June 1.
DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, and Spot Image are some of the global satellite picture service providers that sell picture on a commercial basis.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 13 2007] Korea develops mobile robot capable of autonomous movement
A Korean state-run research institute said Thursday (Dec. 13) that it has developed a mobile robot that can navigate in urban areas and in off-road conditions without outside human control.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said its wheeled "Securo" robot is equipped with a built-in global positioning system (GPS), laser image scanner, compass and movement control mechanism that permits autonomous movement.
"It has been tested on a one-kilometer-long course, with very little deviations from the pre-set route," Kang Sung-chul, the chief robotics engineer at the institute said.
"All that is needed is to tell the robot where it must go, and mark what areas it should by-pass to reach its target," he said.
Securo moved at 5.4 kilometers per hour during its successful test run.
The expert said in the past, moving robots were usually remotely controlled by an operator because the GPS was ineffective near buildings or in a forest where it could not receive satellite signals.
A Korean state-run research institute said Thursday (Dec. 13) that it has developed a mobile robot that can navigate in urban areas and in off-road conditions without outside human control.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said its wheeled "Securo" robot is equipped with a built-in global positioning system (GPS), laser image scanner, compass and movement control mechanism that permits autonomous movement.
"It has been tested on a one-kilometer-long course, with very little deviations from the pre-set route," Kang Sung-chul, the chief robotics engineer at the institute said.
"All that is needed is to tell the robot where it must go, and mark what areas it should by-pass to reach its target," he said.
Securo moved at 5.4 kilometers per hour during its successful test run.
The expert said in the past, moving robots were usually remotely controlled by an operator because the GPS was ineffective near buildings or in a forest where it could not receive satellite signals.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 13 2007] [Photo News] Korean scientists clone world's 1st red fluorescent cats
A cat, right, possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) glows in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light while a normal cat doesn’t. A team led by Kong Il-keun, an animal cloning expert at Gyeongsang National University, said on Dec. 12 it had cloned the two RFP cats for the first time in the world.
A cat, right, possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) glows in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light while a normal cat doesn’t. A team led by Kong Il-keun, an animal cloning expert at Gyeongsang National University, said on Dec. 12 it had cloned the two RFP cats for the first time in the world.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 12 2007] Korean scientists clone red fluorescent cats
Korean scientists have cloned cats possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) that can be used to treat human genetic diseases, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The Ministry of Science and Technology said a team led by Kong Il-keun, an animal cloning expert at Gyeongsang National University, manipulated the RFP in the skin tissue of Turkish Angora cats.
Three cats with the changed RFP were born in January and February with one being born dead.
The two living animals are the first RFP cats produced in the world, and currently weigh 3.0 kilograms and 3.5 kilograms each, the ministry said. It added while they look like other Turkish Angoras under normal light, they "glow" in the dark if exposed to ultraviolet beams.
Korean scientists have cloned cats possessing red fluorescence protein (RFP) that can be used to treat human genetic diseases, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The Ministry of Science and Technology said a team led by Kong Il-keun, an animal cloning expert at Gyeongsang National University, manipulated the RFP in the skin tissue of Turkish Angora cats.
Three cats with the changed RFP were born in January and February with one being born dead.
The two living animals are the first RFP cats produced in the world, and currently weigh 3.0 kilograms and 3.5 kilograms each, the ministry said. It added while they look like other Turkish Angoras under normal light, they "glow" in the dark if exposed to ultraviolet beams.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 12 2007] Korea develops high-capacity superconducting power storage system
Korea has developed a world-class, high-capacity superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system that can compensate for sudden blackouts, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The SMES unit developed by state-run Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) can store up to and release 1.03 megawatts of electricity in one second, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.
It said the new power storage system could prevent key facilities like hospitals, banks, semiconductor lines and military installations from experiencing power failures that could have serious consequences.
Korea has developed a world-class, high-capacity superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system that can compensate for sudden blackouts, the government said Wednesday (Dec. 12).
The SMES unit developed by state-run Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI) can store up to and release 1.03 megawatts of electricity in one second, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.
It said the new power storage system could prevent key facilities like hospitals, banks, semiconductor lines and military installations from experiencing power failures that could have serious consequences.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 11 2007] Korea, Scotland conduct joint stem cell research
Korean and Scottish scientists will have an intensive discussion in Seoul, Wednesday (Dec. 12), in order to enhance bilateral collaboration in stem cell research.
According to Korea’s Science and Technology Ministry, a group of scientists from Scotland, including Dr. Ian Wilmet, who cloned the world’s first sheep Dolly, will visit Korea to participate in a Korea-Scotland stem cell workshop to be held at Yonsei University, western Seoul.
Korean and Scottish scientists will have an intensive discussion in Seoul, Wednesday (Dec. 12), in order to enhance bilateral collaboration in stem cell research.
According to Korea’s Science and Technology Ministry, a group of scientists from Scotland, including Dr. Ian Wilmet, who cloned the world’s first sheep Dolly, will visit Korea to participate in a Korea-Scotland stem cell workshop to be held at Yonsei University, western Seoul.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 11 2007] Korean scientists develop world's fastest nano transistor
A team of Korean scientists said Tuesday (Dec. 11) that they have developed a prototype of the world’s fastest nano-scale transistor, a core semiconductor device used in high-end applications such as satellites and telecommunication services.
The team led by Seo Kwang-seok, an engineering professor at Seoul National University, said it succeeded in creating a 15 nanometer high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with a maximum frequency speed of 610 gigahertz.
Previously, Japanese technology company Fujitsu Ltd. had developed the most advanced nano transistor, with a size of 25 nanometers and a speed of 562 gigahertz.
A team of Korean scientists said Tuesday (Dec. 11) that they have developed a prototype of the world’s fastest nano-scale transistor, a core semiconductor device used in high-end applications such as satellites and telecommunication services.
The team led by Seo Kwang-seok, an engineering professor at Seoul National University, said it succeeded in creating a 15 nanometer high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with a maximum frequency speed of 610 gigahertz.
Previously, Japanese technology company Fujitsu Ltd. had developed the most advanced nano transistor, with a size of 25 nanometers and a speed of 562 gigahertz.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 11 2007] Korea, UAE to hold talks on IT cooperation
Korea and the United Arab Emirates will hold their first talks Tuesday (Dec. 11) in Dubai to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the information technology field, Seoul officials said.
The meeting is a follow-up on a promise by Korean President Roh Moo-hyun during his visit to the Middle Eastern country last May that he will work on boosting IT ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.
During the talks to be held later in the day, both sides are expected to discuss measures aimed at boosting the exchange of cutting-edge technologies and helping each other build an e-government, ubiquitous cities and wireless Internet infrastructure, the ministry added.
Korea and the United Arab Emirates will hold their first talks Tuesday (Dec. 11) in Dubai to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the information technology field, Seoul officials said.
The meeting is a follow-up on a promise by Korean President Roh Moo-hyun during his visit to the Middle Eastern country last May that he will work on boosting IT ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Information and Communication said.
During the talks to be held later in the day, both sides are expected to discuss measures aimed at boosting the exchange of cutting-edge technologies and helping each other build an e-government, ubiquitous cities and wireless Internet infrastructure, the ministry added.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 10 2007] Daum sells insurance unit to German company
Daum Communications Corp., Korea’s second-largest Internet portal operator, said Monday (Dec. 10) that it has signed a deal to sell a 35.7 percent stake in its on-line auto insurance unit to a German company for 40.91 billion won ($44.5 million).
The deal calls for Daum to sell a total of 5 million shares in Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co. to ERGO, a subsidiary of Munich Re AG., the world’s second-biggest re-insurer, the company said in a statement.
Daum Communications Corp., Korea’s second-largest Internet portal operator, said Monday (Dec. 10) that it has signed a deal to sell a 35.7 percent stake in its on-line auto insurance unit to a German company for 40.91 billion won ($44.5 million).
The deal calls for Daum to sell a total of 5 million shares in Daum Direct Auto Insurance Co. to ERGO, a subsidiary of Munich Re AG., the world’s second-biggest re-insurer, the company said in a statement.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 10 2007] Korea aims to export atomic reactors to Canada
Korea’s state-run power generation companies said Monday (Dec. 10) that they are engaged in talks to export nuclear reactors to Canada.
Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. said there is a fair chance that they would be selected as the initial negotiation partners to build reactors in Ontario.
"The exact time of the selection has not been decided, but we are trying very hard to successfully conclude ongoing negotiators," said a KEPCO source.
...
With the exception of some key parts, Korea can design and build its own commercial reactors. The Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant is already in operation, while at least four Korean Advanced Power Reactors are planned.
In addition to the Canadian deal, KEPCO said it is engaged in talks with Turkey, Morocco, Vietnam and China to build commercial reactors.
Korea’s state-run power generation companies said Monday (Dec. 10) that they are engaged in talks to export nuclear reactors to Canada.
Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. said there is a fair chance that they would be selected as the initial negotiation partners to build reactors in Ontario.
"The exact time of the selection has not been decided, but we are trying very hard to successfully conclude ongoing negotiators," said a KEPCO source.
...
With the exception of some key parts, Korea can design and build its own commercial reactors. The Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant is already in operation, while at least four Korean Advanced Power Reactors are planned.
In addition to the Canadian deal, KEPCO said it is engaged in talks with Turkey, Morocco, Vietnam and China to build commercial reactors.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 9 2007] KT to help set up Internet data center for Mongolia
KT, Korea’s leading fixed-line telephony and broadband Internet service provider, said Sunday (Dec. 9) it plans to help establish an Internet data center in Mongolia.
KT said it has won an order to build an Internet data center for the Mongolian government and to establish information and technology (IT) systems as well as networks. The project, which is scheduled to be complete in February, 2009, also calls for KT to provide IT education and dispatch experts to Mongolia.
"The project will help the two countries to improve technology co-operation and accelerate South Korean companies’ foray into the Central Asian country," a KT official said.
KT, Korea’s leading fixed-line telephony and broadband Internet service provider, said Sunday (Dec. 9) it plans to help establish an Internet data center in Mongolia.
KT said it has won an order to build an Internet data center for the Mongolian government and to establish information and technology (IT) systems as well as networks. The project, which is scheduled to be complete in February, 2009, also calls for KT to provide IT education and dispatch experts to Mongolia.
"The project will help the two countries to improve technology co-operation and accelerate South Korean companies’ foray into the Central Asian country," a KT official said.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 9 2007] Korea's largest telecommunication service provider goes global
With the growth of the domestic market slowing, a number of local telecommunication giants are scrambling to expand earnings from beyond the increasingly saturated domestic market.
And KT, Korea’s largest telecommunication service provider, is leading the way.
KT CEO Nam Joong-soo says that the firm aims to build a "Silk Road" of the digital era with its broadband and mobile network technology.
Nam said his firm hopes to build a digital silk road that stretches from Korea, across Russia’s Far East to Europe, and all the way to Africa, connecting people through the Internet and mobile telecommunication technology.
KT has already established itself in some of the countries along the route.
...
KT has high hopes for the proliferation of WiBro, Korea’s homegrown high-speed mobile Internet technology.
WiBro has been chosen as one of the international standards for third-generation mobile telecommunication technologies, known as 3G. The technology allows high-speed Internet access even in a fast-moving car, by blanketing the entire area with wireless hotspots.
With the growth of the domestic market slowing, a number of local telecommunication giants are scrambling to expand earnings from beyond the increasingly saturated domestic market.
And KT, Korea’s largest telecommunication service provider, is leading the way.
KT CEO Nam Joong-soo says that the firm aims to build a "Silk Road" of the digital era with its broadband and mobile network technology.
Nam said his firm hopes to build a digital silk road that stretches from Korea, across Russia’s Far East to Europe, and all the way to Africa, connecting people through the Internet and mobile telecommunication technology.
KT has already established itself in some of the countries along the route.
...
KT has high hopes for the proliferation of WiBro, Korea’s homegrown high-speed mobile Internet technology.
WiBro has been chosen as one of the international standards for third-generation mobile telecommunication technologies, known as 3G. The technology allows high-speed Internet access even in a fast-moving car, by blanketing the entire area with wireless hotspots.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 8 2007] Web links bind rural areas to Internet age, raise productivity
Goryeong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) is one of the five least-inhabited counties in Korea. But around 1,500 years ago, it was a seat of power for the Gaya Confederacy (45 - 532) of chiefdoms.
Though the county has only 35 thousand residents and five computer game rooms, well developed IT technology in its homes, businesses and schools keep Goryeong residents up to date with the other parts of the peninsula.
Goryeong county council members attend virtual meetings via laptops and Internet connections. Participants can follow and join in proceedings by listening to real-time radio broadcasts thanks to the so called “e-assembly system.”
The Goryeong-gun Office injected 94 million won to establish the online, paperless meeting system that allows users to read electronic documents on the Web and hear input via an IP broadcasting system that delivers the discussions countywide through real-time radio broadcasts.
The system increases efficiency by reducing the number of paper documents -- and hence printing costs -- and saving commuting time for members who live in outlying areas.
According to Goryeong-gun officials, the county expects to pocket up to 20 million a year just by doing away with printing paper and toner outlays.
Meanwhile, Gangwon-do (Province) is to open an exhibition hall that will introduce the history of computers at an information village spread out over its two towns of Hwangdun and Songgye. By opening the exhibition hall, the provincial office expects that the residents can gain a better understanding of IT technology. The information village, Invil for short, is the first of its kind and the product of a national government-backed test run in 2000. The display will show more than 70 machines, including computers, printers, monitors, telephones, facsimiles, modems, LAN cards, cables, software programs, electronic calculators and program drivers.
Goryeong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) is one of the five least-inhabited counties in Korea. But around 1,500 years ago, it was a seat of power for the Gaya Confederacy (45 - 532) of chiefdoms.
Though the county has only 35 thousand residents and five computer game rooms, well developed IT technology in its homes, businesses and schools keep Goryeong residents up to date with the other parts of the peninsula.
Goryeong county council members attend virtual meetings via laptops and Internet connections. Participants can follow and join in proceedings by listening to real-time radio broadcasts thanks to the so called “e-assembly system.”
The Goryeong-gun Office injected 94 million won to establish the online, paperless meeting system that allows users to read electronic documents on the Web and hear input via an IP broadcasting system that delivers the discussions countywide through real-time radio broadcasts.
The system increases efficiency by reducing the number of paper documents -- and hence printing costs -- and saving commuting time for members who live in outlying areas.
According to Goryeong-gun officials, the county expects to pocket up to 20 million a year just by doing away with printing paper and toner outlays.
Meanwhile, Gangwon-do (Province) is to open an exhibition hall that will introduce the history of computers at an information village spread out over its two towns of Hwangdun and Songgye. By opening the exhibition hall, the provincial office expects that the residents can gain a better understanding of IT technology. The information village, Invil for short, is the first of its kind and the product of a national government-backed test run in 2000. The display will show more than 70 machines, including computers, printers, monitors, telephones, facsimiles, modems, LAN cards, cables, software programs, electronic calculators and program drivers.
[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, December 7 2007] Korea aims to become leading manufacturer of LED lights by 2015
Korea is aiming to become one of the top three manufacturers of light emitting diode (LED) lights by 2015, the government said on Friday (Dec. 7).
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said at a lighting industry workshop in Seoul that efforts are underway to enhance the country’s level of LED technology, which currently stands at roughly 80 percent of leading industrial economies.
LED lights are much more eco-friendly to manufacture and use than regular light bulbs, since they are more energy efficient and longer-lasting, and do not use mercury during production.
"There will be a strong push for standardization in the manufacturing process and parts used in LED lights, as well as seeking wider access to promising markets," said Cha Dong-hyung, head of the semiconductor and display team at the ministry.
He said that with proper investment and concentration of resources, South Korea should achieve technological parity with current market leaders by 2012.
Korea is aiming to become one of the top three manufacturers of light emitting diode (LED) lights by 2015, the government said on Friday (Dec. 7).
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said at a lighting industry workshop in Seoul that efforts are underway to enhance the country’s level of LED technology, which currently stands at roughly 80 percent of leading industrial economies.
LED lights are much more eco-friendly to manufacture and use than regular light bulbs, since they are more energy efficient and longer-lasting, and do not use mercury during production.
"There will be a strong push for standardization in the manufacturing process and parts used in LED lights, as well as seeking wider access to promising markets," said Cha Dong-hyung, head of the semiconductor and display team at the ministry.
He said that with proper investment and concentration of resources, South Korea should achieve technological parity with current market leaders by 2012.
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