AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Information agency faces shutdown: "Lee's incoming administration plans to disband the Government Information Agency and transfer jurisdiction of press affairs to other agencies
The Korea Times
Thursday, January 3, 2008
By Kang Hyun-kyung, Yoon Won-sup
The incoming administration plans to abolish the Government Information Agency (GIA), revive pressrooms at government offices and downsize the Prime Minister's Office.
The plan will be incorporated when the transition team finalizes the reorganization of government agencies, according to Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman of the transition team, Thursday.
He said scrapping the GIA and reviving pressrooms were campaign pledges of the President-elect.
Cheong Wa Dae, however, made it clear that the current media policy will remain intact until President Roh Moo-hyun steps down on Feb. 25, saying history will determine whether it was good or not in the long run."
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Media checks leak damages Lee team
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Media checks leak damages Lee team: "The press continues to criticize President-elect Lee, considers his reaction to compilation of media personnel backgrounds not contrite enough
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Kim Ji-hyun
President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition team is facing mounting public backlash over critical information leaks that are threatening to tarnish the incoming government's image.
The transition committee is scrambling to soothe the press over an impromptu reference check on executives at the nation's top 10 vernacular dailies.
The president-elect has expressed his regret and called for the committee member who compiled the information to be severely punished. But the criticism does not appear to be dying down, especially since this particular incident recalls past military and even post-military administrations that often categorized the press into pro and antigovernment."
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Kim Ji-hyun
President-elect Lee Myung-bak's transition team is facing mounting public backlash over critical information leaks that are threatening to tarnish the incoming government's image.
The transition committee is scrambling to soothe the press over an impromptu reference check on executives at the nation's top 10 vernacular dailies.
The president-elect has expressed his regret and called for the committee member who compiled the information to be severely punished. But the criticism does not appear to be dying down, especially since this particular incident recalls past military and even post-military administrations that often categorized the press into pro and antigovernment."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Transition team confirms compulsory telecom fee cut
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Transition team confirms compulsory telecom fee cut: "Basic mobile service fees expected to be cut or eliminated in return for government's continued refusal to allow new competitors in telecom market
The Korea Times
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Cho Jin-seo
The transition team of President-elect Lee Myung-bak has confirmed that it will force the country's three mobile service operators to lower their basic subscription fees, instead guaranteeing exclusive positions in the market.
The plan will force the firms to cut or abolish the registration fee (30,000 to 55,000 won) and the monthly basic fee (around 15,000 won), while not allowing new players to enter the mobile service industry. The decision is in line with the 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' relationship that has lasted between the Ministry of Information and Communication and the three telecom firms -- SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom -- over the past 10 years."
The Korea Times
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Cho Jin-seo
The transition team of President-elect Lee Myung-bak has confirmed that it will force the country's three mobile service operators to lower their basic subscription fees, instead guaranteeing exclusive positions in the market.
The plan will force the firms to cut or abolish the registration fee (30,000 to 55,000 won) and the monthly basic fee (around 15,000 won), while not allowing new players to enter the mobile service industry. The decision is in line with the 'I scratch your back, you scratch mine' relationship that has lasted between the Ministry of Information and Communication and the three telecom firms -- SK Telecom, KTF and LG Telecom -- over the past 10 years."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Lee seeks to promote media convergence
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Lee seeks to promote media convergence: "Broadcasting and communication companies see convergence as new opportunity for profit growth and market expansion
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Jin Hyun-jo
President-elect Lee Myung-bak may seek to empower one single government body to handle broadcasting and communications affairs, which are now managed by several agencies, Lee's aides and industry sources said yesterday.
The envisioned organization, which may be called Broadcasting-Communications Commission, would deal with policy development, promotion and oversight, they said.
Lee has stressed the need to facilitate broadcasting and communications convergence, which the relevant industries regard as new growth engines."
The Korea Herald
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
By Jin Hyun-jo
President-elect Lee Myung-bak may seek to empower one single government body to handle broadcasting and communications affairs, which are now managed by several agencies, Lee's aides and industry sources said yesterday.
The envisioned organization, which may be called Broadcasting-Communications Commission, would deal with policy development, promotion and oversight, they said.
Lee has stressed the need to facilitate broadcasting and communications convergence, which the relevant industries regard as new growth engines."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Lee may abolish central press office
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Lee may abolish central press office: "President-elect Lee Myung-bak follows through on campaign stance against the Roh administration's press policy
The Korea Herald
Friday, January 4, 2008
By Kim Ji-hyun
The incoming government may abolish the central press regulation body and streamline the Prime Minister's Office as part of President-elect Lee Myung-bak's sweeping bureaucracy reforms, his aides suggested yesterday.
Lee is expected trim the key operations of the Prime Minister's Office to keep in line with his vision of concentrating state authority in Cheong Wa Dae, including the curtailment of the prime minister's top affiliate, the Government Information Agency -- the press regulation body at the center of a controversial media policy. Last month, the Roh Moo-hyun administration officially launched a regulation to merge and consolidate press working rooms at government agencies and keep journalists in check."
The Korea Herald
Friday, January 4, 2008
By Kim Ji-hyun
The incoming government may abolish the central press regulation body and streamline the Prime Minister's Office as part of President-elect Lee Myung-bak's sweeping bureaucracy reforms, his aides suggested yesterday.
Lee is expected trim the key operations of the Prime Minister's Office to keep in line with his vision of concentrating state authority in Cheong Wa Dae, including the curtailment of the prime minister's top affiliate, the Government Information Agency -- the press regulation body at the center of a controversial media policy. Last month, the Roh Moo-hyun administration officially launched a regulation to merge and consolidate press working rooms at government agencies and keep journalists in check."
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Newspapers can own broadcasting firms
AsiaMedia :: KOREA: Newspapers can own broadcasting firms: "Transition team spokesperson says Lee Myung-bak's administration will draft new legislation to provide media companies more autonomy and growth opportunities
The Korea Times
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Print media firms are likely to be allowed to own broadcasting companies and vice versa, the presidential transition team said Tuesday.
Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman of the team, told reporters that the next government will seek alternative legislation replacing the current Newspaper Law to give press companies more autonomy.
The spokesman said the new legislation will also focus on strengthening the financial health of the media industry.
Lee said the incoming Lee Myung-bak administration will ease regulations prohibiting cross ownership between media businesses and get rid of stumbling blocks to the growth of their business."
The Korea Times
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Print media firms are likely to be allowed to own broadcasting companies and vice versa, the presidential transition team said Tuesday.
Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman of the team, told reporters that the next government will seek alternative legislation replacing the current Newspaper Law to give press companies more autonomy.
The spokesman said the new legislation will also focus on strengthening the financial health of the media industry.
Lee said the incoming Lee Myung-bak administration will ease regulations prohibiting cross ownership between media businesses and get rid of stumbling blocks to the growth of their business."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Digital Chosun Ilbo: Korea -- A Desert Island in the Globalized World?
Jan. 4, 2008
"Is Korea still an isolated country? Many have been calling for a "global Korea" over the last decade, stressing that globalization is the only way for survival. The number of foreigners living in the country exceeded the 1 million mark last year, but many of them say Korea lags far behind Singapore or Japan. There is plenty of inconvenience in their everyday life here, from basic communication and asking for directions to applying for credit cards and using the Internet. They also say Koreans still have little regard for the feeling of foreigners. [...]
Foreigners in Korea complain that it is very difficult to get ID numbers to use in the basic service sectors, including financing, the Internet, and communications. Most foreigners carry alien registration cards and numbers provided by the Korean government. But they are no use in everyday life, which makes it much more difficult to book train tickets, buy movie tickets in advance, or make online payments.
Korean websites use strict criteria for foreigners who wish to subscribe to their services -- and there are no set standards either. It is possible for foreigners registered with the Immigration Office of the Justice Ministry to apply for services on portal sites such as Naver and Empas with their ID numbers. But they are required to send copies of their alien registration cards by fax if they want to use services on CyWorld or CGV. And errors frequently occur even on Naver during the subscription process."
Jan. 4, 2008
"Is Korea still an isolated country? Many have been calling for a "global Korea" over the last decade, stressing that globalization is the only way for survival. The number of foreigners living in the country exceeded the 1 million mark last year, but many of them say Korea lags far behind Singapore or Japan. There is plenty of inconvenience in their everyday life here, from basic communication and asking for directions to applying for credit cards and using the Internet. They also say Koreans still have little regard for the feeling of foreigners. [...]
Foreigners in Korea complain that it is very difficult to get ID numbers to use in the basic service sectors, including financing, the Internet, and communications. Most foreigners carry alien registration cards and numbers provided by the Korean government. But they are no use in everyday life, which makes it much more difficult to book train tickets, buy movie tickets in advance, or make online payments.
Korean websites use strict criteria for foreigners who wish to subscribe to their services -- and there are no set standards either. It is possible for foreigners registered with the Immigration Office of the Justice Ministry to apply for services on portal sites such as Naver and Empas with their ID numbers. But they are required to send copies of their alien registration cards by fax if they want to use services on CyWorld or CGV. And errors frequently occur even on Naver during the subscription process."
Testissä idän ihmeitä / Vimpaimet / Digitoday
Testissä idän ihmeitä / Vimpaimet / Digitoday:
"21.12.2007, 11:40
Japanilaisten ja korealaisten elektroniikkavalmistajien brändit ja tuotteet ovat iskostuneet suomalaistenkin mieliin. Seuraavaksi länsimaihin suuntaajaksi povataankin kiinalaisten valmistajien ihmetuotteita. Nyt Digitodayn testiin päätyi Comphonin monitaituripuhelin, jonka ominaisuudet eivät aivan äkkiä lopu kesken."
"21.12.2007, 11:40
Japanilaisten ja korealaisten elektroniikkavalmistajien brändit ja tuotteet ovat iskostuneet suomalaistenkin mieliin. Seuraavaksi länsimaihin suuntaajaksi povataankin kiinalaisten valmistajien ihmetuotteita. Nyt Digitodayn testiin päätyi Comphonin monitaituripuhelin, jonka ominaisuudet eivät aivan äkkiä lopu kesken."
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 9 2008] Korea Develops Next-Generation Laser Light
A next-generation source of laser light has been developed in Korea. A team led by Prof. Kwon O-dae of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) said Tuesday it has developed the world’s first blue laser light source, which uses a semiconductor like light-emitting diodes (LED) but consumes less electricity and emits light faster.
The LED semiconductor diode already performs 10 times better than incandescent light and lasts semi-permanently, being widely tipped as a next-generation light source. The blue laser light differs from LED in that it releases what is called “coherent light.”
“We attached donut-shaped tiny mirrors on the surface of the semiconductor, which means the laser light is emitted in a spiral way, spreading three-dimensionally,” Prof. Kwon said. “It not only emits light hundreds to thousands of times faster than LED when electric currents are applied but also consumes much less power.”
A next-generation source of laser light has been developed in Korea. A team led by Prof. Kwon O-dae of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) said Tuesday it has developed the world’s first blue laser light source, which uses a semiconductor like light-emitting diodes (LED) but consumes less electricity and emits light faster.
The LED semiconductor diode already performs 10 times better than incandescent light and lasts semi-permanently, being widely tipped as a next-generation light source. The blue laser light differs from LED in that it releases what is called “coherent light.”
“We attached donut-shaped tiny mirrors on the surface of the semiconductor, which means the laser light is emitted in a spiral way, spreading three-dimensionally,” Prof. Kwon said. “It not only emits light hundreds to thousands of times faster than LED when electric currents are applied but also consumes much less power.”
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Seoul to Host ITU-T Conference
This month Korea plays host to a conference of the ITU-T, the standards-making arm of the International Telecommunications Union.
Experts from around the world will converge on Seoul from Jan. 14 to 25 for the largest-ever gathering of this specialized UN agency.
They'll break into study groups to ponder over global telecom recommendations for 30 agendas, among them the testing efficiency of next-generation networks.
The conference is expected to bolster Korea's status as a world leader in telecom technology, building upon its significant breakthroughs in wireless Internet, known as WiBro, and third-generation digital multimedia broadcasting.
This month Korea plays host to a conference of the ITU-T, the standards-making arm of the International Telecommunications Union.
Experts from around the world will converge on Seoul from Jan. 14 to 25 for the largest-ever gathering of this specialized UN agency.
They'll break into study groups to ponder over global telecom recommendations for 30 agendas, among them the testing efficiency of next-generation networks.
The conference is expected to bolster Korea's status as a world leader in telecom technology, building upon its significant breakthroughs in wireless Internet, known as WiBro, and third-generation digital multimedia broadcasting.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 9 2008] New Gov’t to Write New Newspaper Law
President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s transition team on Tuesday decided the new government will replace the compromised Newspaper Law. It will apparently draft a new newspaper law that takes account of all clauses the Constitutional Court has declared either unconstitutional or “not conforming with” the basic law. After a briefing from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Transition Committee said the ministry reported a plan “to secure autonomy and fairness of the press and enhance the vitality of the media industry.” The committee said it has no objection to the ministry's plan.
Kang Seung-kyu, deputy spokesman for the committee, sais the new law will ease restrictions on the combined ownership of newspapers and broadcasting stations in line with the changing media environment -- read a trend for greater integration of different media. “It will also delete unconstitutional clauses, including one that singles out media companies presumed to be potential dominators of the market,” he added.
President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s transition team on Tuesday decided the new government will replace the compromised Newspaper Law. It will apparently draft a new newspaper law that takes account of all clauses the Constitutional Court has declared either unconstitutional or “not conforming with” the basic law. After a briefing from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Transition Committee said the ministry reported a plan “to secure autonomy and fairness of the press and enhance the vitality of the media industry.” The committee said it has no objection to the ministry's plan.
Kang Seung-kyu, deputy spokesman for the committee, sais the new law will ease restrictions on the combined ownership of newspapers and broadcasting stations in line with the changing media environment -- read a trend for greater integration of different media. “It will also delete unconstitutional clauses, including one that singles out media companies presumed to be potential dominators of the market,” he added.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Korea to Build Second Antarctic Base
Korea is looking at possible sites for a second research base in the Antarctic. The new station is expected to be closer to the South Pole and aims to help scientists get a better understanding of global warming.
The history of the Earth is frozen into the ice of Antarctica. That's why the Korean government is planning to build a second research station on the icy continent, 20 years after establishing the King Sejong Station. The government is providing W70 billion for a new station by 2011. The Korea Polar Research Institute under the Ministry of Science launched a taskforce last year to construct the second station. The team is now surveying sites.
Korea is looking at possible sites for a second research base in the Antarctic. The new station is expected to be closer to the South Pole and aims to help scientists get a better understanding of global warming.
The history of the Earth is frozen into the ice of Antarctica. That's why the Korean government is planning to build a second research station on the icy continent, 20 years after establishing the King Sejong Station. The government is providing W70 billion for a new station by 2011. The Korea Polar Research Institute under the Ministry of Science launched a taskforce last year to construct the second station. The team is now surveying sites.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Press Laws Must Go
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism submitted a report to the presidential Transition Committee on Monday, promising to come up with alternative legislation so that the existing Newspaper Law could be scrapped in accordance with President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s campaign pledge. As a result, state-run organizations that were created by the government to aid pro-government newspapers will be transformed into independent entities.
Just two and a half years after it was created by the Roh Moo-hyun administration, the Newspaper Law has been placed on a course for the scrap heap. There is one simple reason why the Roh administration so stubbornly insisted on the enactment of the law: to reduce the readership of newspapers that were critical of the Roh administration and to boost the number of people subscribing to dailies that sided with it. The government believed it would be able to crush critical newspapers, while propping up those that got on its good side. That basic premise is more ignorant than the oppressive methods used by military dictators.
...
The Press Arbitration law, which was also passed along with the Newspaper Law, is full of regulations that deter newspapers from keeping the government in check, such as clauses that make it possible to demand corrections of articles that did not violate any regulations either through willful intent or negligence. Also in need of being scrapped are regulations that authorized the Fair Trade Commission to conduct midnight raids for the past five years on small newspaper distribution outlets, delivering only 1,000 or 2,000 copies each, slapping them with millions of won in fines.
Justice must be done as quickly as possible.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism submitted a report to the presidential Transition Committee on Monday, promising to come up with alternative legislation so that the existing Newspaper Law could be scrapped in accordance with President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s campaign pledge. As a result, state-run organizations that were created by the government to aid pro-government newspapers will be transformed into independent entities.
Just two and a half years after it was created by the Roh Moo-hyun administration, the Newspaper Law has been placed on a course for the scrap heap. There is one simple reason why the Roh administration so stubbornly insisted on the enactment of the law: to reduce the readership of newspapers that were critical of the Roh administration and to boost the number of people subscribing to dailies that sided with it. The government believed it would be able to crush critical newspapers, while propping up those that got on its good side. That basic premise is more ignorant than the oppressive methods used by military dictators.
...
The Press Arbitration law, which was also passed along with the Newspaper Law, is full of regulations that deter newspapers from keeping the government in check, such as clauses that make it possible to demand corrections of articles that did not violate any regulations either through willful intent or negligence. Also in need of being scrapped are regulations that authorized the Fair Trade Commission to conduct midnight raids for the past five years on small newspaper distribution outlets, delivering only 1,000 or 2,000 copies each, slapping them with millions of won in fines.
Justice must be done as quickly as possible.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Robots to Build High Rises by 2010
By 2010 it looks like robots will take over some of the work of building high-rise towers. This new building technology is expected to bring down the number of injuries at high-rise construction sites and also cut down on the time spent on building them. It may only be a matter of years before robots take over such death-defying work. So says the Construction and Transportation Ministry, which announced that it now has the core technology for building high-rises without human workers.
The ministry says it is going ahead with the process of applying the technology to nuts-and-bolts building projects. It will create a construction process almost totally automated, taking advantage of 12 high-tech patents including so-called "intelligent" cranes and the world's first bolt-tightening robots.
Not surprisingly, the robot-led system is expected to cut labor costs by up to one-third and start-to-finish project time by around 15 percent. Add it all up and experts say it will boost overall productivity by an impressive 25 percent.
Consider the 69-story Tower Palace, a lavish residential complex in southern Seoul that took 33 months to complete. With the new technology's touch, it could have been finished five months sooner.
By 2010 it looks like robots will take over some of the work of building high-rise towers. This new building technology is expected to bring down the number of injuries at high-rise construction sites and also cut down on the time spent on building them. It may only be a matter of years before robots take over such death-defying work. So says the Construction and Transportation Ministry, which announced that it now has the core technology for building high-rises without human workers.
The ministry says it is going ahead with the process of applying the technology to nuts-and-bolts building projects. It will create a construction process almost totally automated, taking advantage of 12 high-tech patents including so-called "intelligent" cranes and the world's first bolt-tightening robots.
Not surprisingly, the robot-led system is expected to cut labor costs by up to one-third and start-to-finish project time by around 15 percent. Add it all up and experts say it will boost overall productivity by an impressive 25 percent.
Consider the 69-story Tower Palace, a lavish residential complex in southern Seoul that took 33 months to complete. With the new technology's touch, it could have been finished five months sooner.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Military Launches New High-Tech Command System
Korea's military has a new high-tech command system that uses real-time multimedia reports to keep top brass informed and in control of what's going on in the field as it happens.
Called the Korea Joint Command Control System, or KJCCS, the system lets military leaders command battlefield units as they watch up-to-the-minute reports on a large-screen monitor in the Joint Chiefs of Staff situation room.
KJCCS was launched on Jan. 1 after three years and tens of billions of won in development (US$1=W939).
The system connects the JCS with the operations commands of Korea's Army, Navy and Air Force. It allows top military leaders a thorough understanding of the deployment of all weapons and troops of all three military branches at the same time.
Combat situations can be uploaded to the system in the form of photographs, videos and graphics. Reporting, commanding and intelligence-sharing can be done in real time. Military leaders in the situation room can make judgments on battlefield conditions as they evolve and immediately issue commands to subordinate units.
Korea's military has a new high-tech command system that uses real-time multimedia reports to keep top brass informed and in control of what's going on in the field as it happens.
Called the Korea Joint Command Control System, or KJCCS, the system lets military leaders command battlefield units as they watch up-to-the-minute reports on a large-screen monitor in the Joint Chiefs of Staff situation room.
KJCCS was launched on Jan. 1 after three years and tens of billions of won in development (US$1=W939).
The system connects the JCS with the operations commands of Korea's Army, Navy and Air Force. It allows top military leaders a thorough understanding of the deployment of all weapons and troops of all three military branches at the same time.
Combat situations can be uploaded to the system in the form of photographs, videos and graphics. Reporting, commanding and intelligence-sharing can be done in real time. Military leaders in the situation room can make judgments on battlefield conditions as they evolve and immediately issue commands to subordinate units.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 8 2008] Movie Audiences Decline for 1st Time in 12 Yrs
Korean movie theaters saw their audience numbers fall last year for the first time in 12 years. According to a report on the film industry in 2007 by multiplex chain CJ CGV on Monday, the number of moviegoers declined by 9.2 million or 5.5 percent to 157.5 million in 2007 from 166.7 million in 2006.
This is the first time that the total number of viewers has fallen since 1996, when the figure dropped by 6.5 percent from the previous year.
The biggest reason for the decline is believed to be the quantitative and qualitative stagnation of the Korean film industry, but there are concerns that the theater business itself may have reached a saturation point.
The report said that some 20 million more viewers watched foreign movies in 2007 than in 2006, while the audience for Korean movies decreased by around 27 million.
Korean movies occupied 50.8 percent of the total market in 2007, a fall from 64.7 percent in 2006 and the lowest level since 2002 (48.3 percent).
Korean movie theaters saw their audience numbers fall last year for the first time in 12 years. According to a report on the film industry in 2007 by multiplex chain CJ CGV on Monday, the number of moviegoers declined by 9.2 million or 5.5 percent to 157.5 million in 2007 from 166.7 million in 2006.
This is the first time that the total number of viewers has fallen since 1996, when the figure dropped by 6.5 percent from the previous year.
The biggest reason for the decline is believed to be the quantitative and qualitative stagnation of the Korean film industry, but there are concerns that the theater business itself may have reached a saturation point.
The report said that some 20 million more viewers watched foreign movies in 2007 than in 2006, while the audience for Korean movies decreased by around 27 million.
Korean movies occupied 50.8 percent of the total market in 2007, a fall from 64.7 percent in 2006 and the lowest level since 2002 (48.3 percent).
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 7 2008] Slim Displays to Loom Large at Vegas Electronics Show
Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony and Panasonic will be among electronics giants showing off their newest display products at the world’s biggest electronics show that opens in Las Vegas on Monday. The International Consumer Electronics Show 2008 is expected to see a trend for ever slimmer products. Liquid crystal and plasma display panels have gotten much thinner, equipped with wider screens but a mere 4-5 cm thick. Many new products will be unveiled as well, including Samsung’s active-matrix light-emitting diodes (AMOLED) TV and Matsushita’s laser TV.
◆ Digital TVs
◆ Convergence products
Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony and Panasonic will be among electronics giants showing off their newest display products at the world’s biggest electronics show that opens in Las Vegas on Monday. The International Consumer Electronics Show 2008 is expected to see a trend for ever slimmer products. Liquid crystal and plasma display panels have gotten much thinner, equipped with wider screens but a mere 4-5 cm thick. Many new products will be unveiled as well, including Samsung’s active-matrix light-emitting diodes (AMOLED) TV and Matsushita’s laser TV.
◆ Digital TVs
◆ Convergence products
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 4 2008] Qualcomm Injunction May Hit Korean Handset Makers
The Financial Times reported Thursday that Qualcomm, the world's leading chipset supplier for mobile phones, has warned its customers against possible damages after losing a patent dispute with Broadcom.
...
Samsung and LG Electronics said they have purchased a two to three months supply of the chipsets and they do not expect a significant impact from the ruling because they can continue selling handsets made with the chipsets in the U.S.
Last year Samsung sold some 30 million handsets in the U.S., 10 percent of which were 3G WCDMA phones of the sort affected by Monday's ruling.
The Financial Times reported Thursday that Qualcomm, the world's leading chipset supplier for mobile phones, has warned its customers against possible damages after losing a patent dispute with Broadcom.
...
Samsung and LG Electronics said they have purchased a two to three months supply of the chipsets and they do not expect a significant impact from the ruling because they can continue selling handsets made with the chipsets in the U.S.
Last year Samsung sold some 30 million handsets in the U.S., 10 percent of which were 3G WCDMA phones of the sort affected by Monday's ruling.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 4 2007] The Shameless Gov’t Information Agency
Briefing the presidential Transition Committee on Thursday, the Government Information Agency claimed that its attempt to close down press rooms at government ministries and force reporters to move to a handful of briefing centers was “in line with global standards” even if its original purpose had lost luster by protests from the press. GIA officials claimed the measure was necessary to provide reporters with information and to make the process of disclosing information transparent.
It conceded that a hostile relationship had developed with the press over the measure, reducing its positive effect and making it difficult for the public to realize the need for the steps. But the GIA said its efforts to publicize state affairs had actually improved during the Roh Moo-hyun administration due to strengthened efforts to reach out to the public.
...
Actually, not many people are interested in whether the GIA will continue to exist or not -- the press and the public believe the truth will prevail in the end. But fancy such an offer, after serving five years as the lapdog of a media-hostile president!
Briefing the presidential Transition Committee on Thursday, the Government Information Agency claimed that its attempt to close down press rooms at government ministries and force reporters to move to a handful of briefing centers was “in line with global standards” even if its original purpose had lost luster by protests from the press. GIA officials claimed the measure was necessary to provide reporters with information and to make the process of disclosing information transparent.
It conceded that a hostile relationship had developed with the press over the measure, reducing its positive effect and making it difficult for the public to realize the need for the steps. But the GIA said its efforts to publicize state affairs had actually improved during the Roh Moo-hyun administration due to strengthened efforts to reach out to the public.
...
Actually, not many people are interested in whether the GIA will continue to exist or not -- the press and the public believe the truth will prevail in the end. But fancy such an offer, after serving five years as the lapdog of a media-hostile president!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 4 2007] Who is KBS President Jung Yun-joo?
In his New Year’s address, KBS President Jung Yun-joo said “arrogant and domineering powers” must be subject to “ruthless criticism.” The Roh Moo-hyun administration chose a truly noble individual to lead the state-run broadcaster: nobody had ever imagined such words would come out of Jung’s own mouth.
Who is Jung? He is the man who orchestrated 48 hours of non-stop broadcasts to stir up opposition against efforts to impeach President Roh, when the motion to oust him was passed by the National Assembly. Who is Jung? He stood at the vanguard of the Roh administration’s efforts to deny the legitimacy of the Republic of Korea by broadcasting dramas, made with taxpayer’s money and aired on public airwaves, that portrayed the founders of our country as collaborators with the Japanese. Who is Jung? Trying to match the anti-American sentiment of the elite within the Roh administration, Jung tried to fool the public by authorizing the broadcast of a one-hour documentary on Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez that praised him as a freedom fighter resisting neo-liberalism and as a role model for Koreans.
...
And from the very mouth of this man came the words that arrogant and domineering powers must be subject to ruthless criticism. Words fail. Jung must think that the public is blind and deaf. He seems afraid of nothing: the public should teach him a lesson.
In his New Year’s address, KBS President Jung Yun-joo said “arrogant and domineering powers” must be subject to “ruthless criticism.” The Roh Moo-hyun administration chose a truly noble individual to lead the state-run broadcaster: nobody had ever imagined such words would come out of Jung’s own mouth.
Who is Jung? He is the man who orchestrated 48 hours of non-stop broadcasts to stir up opposition against efforts to impeach President Roh, when the motion to oust him was passed by the National Assembly. Who is Jung? He stood at the vanguard of the Roh administration’s efforts to deny the legitimacy of the Republic of Korea by broadcasting dramas, made with taxpayer’s money and aired on public airwaves, that portrayed the founders of our country as collaborators with the Japanese. Who is Jung? Trying to match the anti-American sentiment of the elite within the Roh administration, Jung tried to fool the public by authorizing the broadcast of a one-hour documentary on Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez that praised him as a freedom fighter resisting neo-liberalism and as a role model for Koreans.
...
And from the very mouth of this man came the words that arrogant and domineering powers must be subject to ruthless criticism. Words fail. Jung must think that the public is blind and deaf. He seems afraid of nothing: the public should teach him a lesson.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 4 2007] How Ji Sung Discovered a New Side to Himself
In the on-call room for cardiothoracic surgery residents on the set of MBC medical drama “New Heart” in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Ji Sung, who plays careless trouble-making resident Lee Eun-seong, is smiling. The new drama got off to a good start with 20 percent ratings after three episodes. Besides Lee Eun-seong, it features all the usual characters of any medial drama, including chief Choi Gang-gook who overwhelms residents with his charisma, woman resident Nam Hye-seok, who is strong but arrogant, and Min Yeong-gyu, who has political ambitions and suffers from an inferiority complex.
In the on-call room for cardiothoracic surgery residents on the set of MBC medical drama “New Heart” in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, Ji Sung, who plays careless trouble-making resident Lee Eun-seong, is smiling. The new drama got off to a good start with 20 percent ratings after three episodes. Besides Lee Eun-seong, it features all the usual characters of any medial drama, including chief Choi Gang-gook who overwhelms residents with his charisma, woman resident Nam Hye-seok, who is strong but arrogant, and Min Yeong-gyu, who has political ambitions and suffers from an inferiority complex.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 4 2007] LG.Phillips LCD Develops Hi-Res Flexible Display
The development of a high-resolution color flexible display may herald an era of electronic newspapers that can be rolled up and stuck in a pocket. Unlike liquid crystal displays or plasma display panels used in monitors, flexible displays could be used for portable electronic newspapers or books because they can be rolled up or folded.
LG.Phillips LCD said Thursday that it has developed a 14.3-inch color flexible display with resolution of 1280x800, an industry record. The resolution is four times that of existing products, a company source said. Electronic books and newspapers made from the new display would be completely legible, the source added.
Able to show some 16 million colors, the display is expected to be used for image-rich encyclopedias, comic books and textbooks. It is the first color flexible display with such high resolution, although there have been black-and-white flexible displays with higher resolution.
The development of a high-resolution color flexible display may herald an era of electronic newspapers that can be rolled up and stuck in a pocket. Unlike liquid crystal displays or plasma display panels used in monitors, flexible displays could be used for portable electronic newspapers or books because they can be rolled up or folded.
LG.Phillips LCD said Thursday that it has developed a 14.3-inch color flexible display with resolution of 1280x800, an industry record. The resolution is four times that of existing products, a company source said. Electronic books and newspapers made from the new display would be completely legible, the source added.
Able to show some 16 million colors, the display is expected to be used for image-rich encyclopedias, comic books and textbooks. It is the first color flexible display with such high resolution, although there have been black-and-white flexible displays with higher resolution.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 3 2007] Handset Makers Bet On Budget Phones
Korea's mobile phone makers are adopting low-price strategies in their efforts to dominate the local and overseas markets. At home they're selling handsets for almost nothing through subsidy programs, and overseas they're introducing reasonably-priced phones costing around US$100.
Samsung Electronics' Anycall SCH-W330 and SPH-W3300 phones released last month are now available for between W1 and W1,000 (US$1=W933) from some resellers and online retailers. Other models, including the Anycall SCH-W290 and SPH W2900 phones, worth around W400,000, can also be found for W1 to W1,000, as can LG Electronics' Cyon SH170 phone.
The low prices are possible through subsidy programs through which Korea's two leading mobile operators, SK Telecom and KTF, offer subsidies of around W400,000 to attract more subscribers. These handsets are 3G wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) phones with some high-tech features more typical of premium models. They include video calling, high speed data transmission, wireless Internet, automatic roaming, digital cameras and Bluetooth.
Korea's mobile phone makers are adopting low-price strategies in their efforts to dominate the local and overseas markets. At home they're selling handsets for almost nothing through subsidy programs, and overseas they're introducing reasonably-priced phones costing around US$100.
Samsung Electronics' Anycall SCH-W330 and SPH-W3300 phones released last month are now available for between W1 and W1,000 (US$1=W933) from some resellers and online retailers. Other models, including the Anycall SCH-W290 and SPH W2900 phones, worth around W400,000, can also be found for W1 to W1,000, as can LG Electronics' Cyon SH170 phone.
The low prices are possible through subsidy programs through which Korea's two leading mobile operators, SK Telecom and KTF, offer subsidies of around W400,000 to attract more subscribers. These handsets are 3G wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) phones with some high-tech features more typical of premium models. They include video calling, high speed data transmission, wireless Internet, automatic roaming, digital cameras and Bluetooth.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 2 2007] Telecoms Miffed at Pressure to Slash Fees
Telecom service providers are disgruntled that the authorities will force them to cut their hefty charges for mobile phone use after the presidential Transition Committee announced a plan to slash oil taxes and lower mobile phone fees as a way to help the people save living costs.
The telecom industry criticized the incoming government for intervening in the fee-setting process of corporations despite ostensibly championing business-friendly policies. The Transition Committee on Sunday laid out a scheme to cut mobile phone charges by 20 percent and the Information and Communication Ministry is already promoting a revision of laws to stimulate the introduction of mobile virtual network operators (MVNO).
Once that happens, telecom providers will face stiff competition to lower mobile fees. MVNOs are companies without their own telecommunication networks that would provide the service by leasing the facilities from the big telecom firms like SK Telecom. A ministry official predicted the measure will trigger drastic fee reductions as telecom providers compete to stay in play. He said the measure could go into effect in the first half of the year if it gets parliamentary approval in January.
Telecom service providers are disgruntled that the authorities will force them to cut their hefty charges for mobile phone use after the presidential Transition Committee announced a plan to slash oil taxes and lower mobile phone fees as a way to help the people save living costs.
The telecom industry criticized the incoming government for intervening in the fee-setting process of corporations despite ostensibly championing business-friendly policies. The Transition Committee on Sunday laid out a scheme to cut mobile phone charges by 20 percent and the Information and Communication Ministry is already promoting a revision of laws to stimulate the introduction of mobile virtual network operators (MVNO).
Once that happens, telecom providers will face stiff competition to lower mobile fees. MVNOs are companies without their own telecommunication networks that would provide the service by leasing the facilities from the big telecom firms like SK Telecom. A ministry official predicted the measure will trigger drastic fee reductions as telecom providers compete to stay in play. He said the measure could go into effect in the first half of the year if it gets parliamentary approval in January.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 2 2007] LG Develops Mobile TV Technology for North America
LG Electronics has developed mobile TV technology for U.S., Canadian and Mexican markets to watch terrestrial digital broadcasts on cell phones or navigators while on the move. LG invested W7 billion (US$1=W933) in developing the technology called mobile pedestrian handheld over the last two years. It conducted dozens of field tests for the technology in North America.
The newly developed technology is different form the existing mobile TV services like Korea’s DMB, Europe’s DVB-H and North America’s Medio FLO. The company claims it offers clear high-definition images at a speed of up to 90 km/h, but the significant point is that it doesn’t require additional frequencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All that is needed is an upgrade of the existing broadcasting equipment. LG Electronics will make a demonstration of the new technology at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month.
LG Electronics has developed mobile TV technology for U.S., Canadian and Mexican markets to watch terrestrial digital broadcasts on cell phones or navigators while on the move. LG invested W7 billion (US$1=W933) in developing the technology called mobile pedestrian handheld over the last two years. It conducted dozens of field tests for the technology in North America.
The newly developed technology is different form the existing mobile TV services like Korea’s DMB, Europe’s DVB-H and North America’s Medio FLO. The company claims it offers clear high-definition images at a speed of up to 90 km/h, but the significant point is that it doesn’t require additional frequencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All that is needed is an upgrade of the existing broadcasting equipment. LG Electronics will make a demonstration of the new technology at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 2 2007] Sports Car Phones Have Consumers' Pulses Racing
A few months ago a message posted in an online mobile phone-lovers club became the talk of cyberspace. "I want your opinion," it said. "Which do you think better -- to buy a Ferrari phone or an imported car that is a bit more expensive than the phone? I think carrying a Ferrari phone would make me look cool."
The luxury phone is the Ascent Ferrari 60 produced by Vertu, an affiliate of the world's largest handset maker Nokia. It costs some W24 million (US$1=W933). But Ferrari phones are not exclusive to Nokia. Motorola also produces a Ferrari series, competing with Nokia.
...
A noticeable trend in the IT industry has businesses eagerly forming partnerships with sports car makers. Nokia, which has led the market with reasonably-priced handsets, has introduced premium phones such as the Lamborghini Phone and the Aston Martin Phone.
Samsung Electronics has enhanced its image in Europe with the McLaren Phone. LG Electronics has appealed to Korean consumers in their 20s and 30s with the & FM37 New Beetle MP3 player costing some W200,000. Asus, a leading Taiwanese notebook maker, has also succeeded in gaining popularity with Lamborghini notebooks.
"It seems that the speed and power that sports cars represent match up well with IT products," an industry source said. "Such phones can make users feel as if they have a sports car worth hundreds of million of won in their hand, but costing much less money."
A few months ago a message posted in an online mobile phone-lovers club became the talk of cyberspace. "I want your opinion," it said. "Which do you think better -- to buy a Ferrari phone or an imported car that is a bit more expensive than the phone? I think carrying a Ferrari phone would make me look cool."
The luxury phone is the Ascent Ferrari 60 produced by Vertu, an affiliate of the world's largest handset maker Nokia. It costs some W24 million (US$1=W933). But Ferrari phones are not exclusive to Nokia. Motorola also produces a Ferrari series, competing with Nokia.
...
A noticeable trend in the IT industry has businesses eagerly forming partnerships with sports car makers. Nokia, which has led the market with reasonably-priced handsets, has introduced premium phones such as the Lamborghini Phone and the Aston Martin Phone.
Samsung Electronics has enhanced its image in Europe with the McLaren Phone. LG Electronics has appealed to Korean consumers in their 20s and 30s with the & FM37 New Beetle MP3 player costing some W200,000. Asus, a leading Taiwanese notebook maker, has also succeeded in gaining popularity with Lamborghini notebooks.
"It seems that the speed and power that sports cars represent match up well with IT products," an industry source said. "Such phones can make users feel as if they have a sports car worth hundreds of million of won in their hand, but costing much less money."
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 2 2007] Cultural Contents Emerge as Big Money Makers
In 2008 several businesses plan to continue exploring the value of cultunomics, a term that refers to the use of cultural contents as a tool for generating profits.
Hana Financial Group will expand its efforts to use art for marketing strategies. It not only has an advertisement inspired by American pop artist Andy Warhol but it has also named one of its products Bigpot, after an art work by a French plastics artist.
KT&G carries out cultural projects as part of its marketing efforts, including an advertising contest, concerts and inline skating festivals.
Cultunomics started gaining popularity last year. Some cultural contents made it onto the top 10 list of hit products of 2007 compiled by the Samsung Economic Research Institute.
They included user created content (UCC), the TV show "Extreme Challenge," five-girl pop group the Wonder Girls and historical TV dramas.
The institute said that cultural contents have emerged as core products of the economy, while IT products, which had led the list since 2000, began to dwindle in popularity.
In 2008 several businesses plan to continue exploring the value of cultunomics, a term that refers to the use of cultural contents as a tool for generating profits.
Hana Financial Group will expand its efforts to use art for marketing strategies. It not only has an advertisement inspired by American pop artist Andy Warhol but it has also named one of its products Bigpot, after an art work by a French plastics artist.
KT&G carries out cultural projects as part of its marketing efforts, including an advertising contest, concerts and inline skating festivals.
Cultunomics started gaining popularity last year. Some cultural contents made it onto the top 10 list of hit products of 2007 compiled by the Samsung Economic Research Institute.
They included user created content (UCC), the TV show "Extreme Challenge," five-girl pop group the Wonder Girls and historical TV dramas.
The institute said that cultural contents have emerged as core products of the economy, while IT products, which had led the list since 2000, began to dwindle in popularity.
[The Chosun Ilbo, January 2 2007] Alert Issued for Chinese Cyberattacks
South Korean military security authorities have sounded an urgent alert over China-based hackers persistently seeking access to computers belonging to South Korean soldiers. Some soldiers' private information, not military secrets, has already been leaked in such an attack.
While the South Korean military has its own closed computer network, it also uses the open Internet for some activities. Authorities are trying to find out if some soldiers and officers are carelessly keeping secret military information on non-secure computers.
According to authorities on Tuesday, hackers believed to be operating from China have been seeking access to South Korean soldiers' computers by sending e-mails infected with hacking viruses to their private e-mail accounts.
An officer with the Defense Security Command said, "As Chinese hackers have several times sought access to our soldiers' computers, we have issued an alert to military units nationwide."
South Korean military security authorities have sounded an urgent alert over China-based hackers persistently seeking access to computers belonging to South Korean soldiers. Some soldiers' private information, not military secrets, has already been leaked in such an attack.
While the South Korean military has its own closed computer network, it also uses the open Internet for some activities. Authorities are trying to find out if some soldiers and officers are carelessly keeping secret military information on non-secure computers.
According to authorities on Tuesday, hackers believed to be operating from China have been seeking access to South Korean soldiers' computers by sending e-mails infected with hacking viruses to their private e-mail accounts.
An officer with the Defense Security Command said, "As Chinese hackers have several times sought access to our soldiers' computers, we have issued an alert to military units nationwide."
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 31 2007] Born in the Year of the Rat
In the Year of the Rat, Korean pop culture is led by those born in another, in 1972. Coincidence or cosmic determination? Readers may decide for themselves. Known as the “president of culture” in the 1990s, Seo Tai-ji releasef his 15th anniversary album in November in a limited edition of 15,000 copies that sold out in no time. He plans to make a comeback after four quiet years next year.
...
The reason stars in their late 30s carry such heavy weight in the entertainment industry is that they grew on the rich cultural foundations of the mid- and late 1990s, when pop culture saw an explosive growth and survived fierce competition. It was a time when various new media -- cable, satellite and the Internet emerged and domestic contents outnumbered foreign contents, so they had more opportunities to work and exposure when they began to be recognized as rising actors and actresses in their 20s. Many of them used this advantage wisely to secure their position as an entertainer, creator and even businesspeople when the pop culture market went through industrialization.
“In Korean society, there was a weakening of Puritanism and growing interest in pop culture from the mid 1990s,” says Prof. Hwang Yong-suk of Mass Communication Department at Konkuk University. “Stars born in 1972 are beneficiaries of those changes in the social atmosphere.”
In the Year of the Rat, Korean pop culture is led by those born in another, in 1972. Coincidence or cosmic determination? Readers may decide for themselves. Known as the “president of culture” in the 1990s, Seo Tai-ji releasef his 15th anniversary album in November in a limited edition of 15,000 copies that sold out in no time. He plans to make a comeback after four quiet years next year.
...
The reason stars in their late 30s carry such heavy weight in the entertainment industry is that they grew on the rich cultural foundations of the mid- and late 1990s, when pop culture saw an explosive growth and survived fierce competition. It was a time when various new media -- cable, satellite and the Internet emerged and domestic contents outnumbered foreign contents, so they had more opportunities to work and exposure when they began to be recognized as rising actors and actresses in their 20s. Many of them used this advantage wisely to secure their position as an entertainer, creator and even businesspeople when the pop culture market went through industrialization.
“In Korean society, there was a weakening of Puritanism and growing interest in pop culture from the mid 1990s,” says Prof. Hwang Yong-suk of Mass Communication Department at Konkuk University. “Stars born in 1972 are beneficiaries of those changes in the social atmosphere.”
[The Chosun Ilbo, December 31 2007] Nat'l Assembly Passes Bill on IPTV
The National Assembly passed a bill on Internet Protocol Television on Friday, paving the way for the launch of the new media service in Korea next year.
IPTV is a next-generation broadcasting technology that uses Internet protocol instead of radio waves to deliver programs. The service is interactive, so viewers can use it to search for information for items they see on TV and even buy them without interrupting the program they are watching.
So far, KT, Hanaro Telecom and LG Dacom have provided video-on-demand services through their Mega TV, Hana TV, and My LG TV services, respectively, without relevant laws.
Right now these services offer TV programs several hours or days after terrestrial broadcasters have first relayed them. The passage of the bill means programs from terrestrial broadcasters can be made available on the Internet at the same time they are broadcast.
The National Assembly passed a bill on Internet Protocol Television on Friday, paving the way for the launch of the new media service in Korea next year.
IPTV is a next-generation broadcasting technology that uses Internet protocol instead of radio waves to deliver programs. The service is interactive, so viewers can use it to search for information for items they see on TV and even buy them without interrupting the program they are watching.
So far, KT, Hanaro Telecom and LG Dacom have provided video-on-demand services through their Mega TV, Hana TV, and My LG TV services, respectively, without relevant laws.
Right now these services offer TV programs several hours or days after terrestrial broadcasters have first relayed them. The passage of the bill means programs from terrestrial broadcasters can be made available on the Internet at the same time they are broadcast.
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