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[News Article] McDonald's Family Walking Festival raises money for Ronald McDonald House

McDonald's Family Walking Festival raises money for Ronald McDonald House   BY CHOI HAE-JIN, Korea JoongAng Daily - 3,000 participants took part in the 2024 McDonald's Family Walking Festival on Sunday, a charity event with a participation fee ranging from 30,000 won ($22) to 50,000 won that will be donated to a nonprofit organization associated with the fast food chain. The participants walked around Seoul World Cup Park Peace Plaza in western Seoul from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. together with bright yellow T-shirts and white hats. The festival was hosted by McDonald's Korea and sponsored by partners including Maeil Dairy, Ottogi, Coca-Cola, Del Monte, John Cook Deli Meats, Shinsegae Food, Ganong Bio, CJ CheilJedang and Pulmuone. To mark the month of May, widely considered "Family Month" in Korea, the event is intended to support children facing serious health challenges in the community, with admission fees worth 116 million won donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Korea, a nonprofit organization partnered with McDonald's Korea. RMHC provides housing for children with serious illnesses who require long-term treatment and their families, enabling them to stay near their medical care centers and focus on their treatment. May is known as "Family Month" for containing three special days — Children’s Day on May 5, Parents’ Day on May 8, and Teachers’ Day on May 15. Beginning with welcoming remarks from McDonald's Korea CEO Kim Ki-won, participants started stretching with the Doosan Bears' cheerleading team including fan favorite Park Ki-ryang. The walking course spanning four kilometers (2.5 miles) incorporated various themed zones to enhance the experience and keep spirits high. During the walk, the participants were able to revel in a myriad of fun activities such as a cheer-up zone, where the sound of drums and energetic music provided an uplifting boost to walkers, and a bubble zone that welcomed delighted children who were fascinated with the clouds of shimmering bubbles floating around them. Korean celebrities and athletes also took part in the event, including Pengsoo, the popular penguin character from public broadcaster EBS’ Giant Peng TV show, who excited kids with his playful personality, as well as singer Yook Joong-wan, actor Kim Kwang-kyu, fencing gold medalist Kim Jun-ho and marathon runner Lee Bong-joo. Korean fans of McDonald's expressed strong interest in the fast food chain's "Taste of Korea" booth as it showcased past "Taste of Korea" menu items, allowing visitors to see the evolution of the localized offerings throughout the years. Other exhibits were also a hit with kids, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy. The RMHC Korea booth was particularly popular, with a long line of eager children waiting their turns to enjoy a vibrant, colorful bouncy house as the air filled with the sounds of laughter from those jumping and playing inside. RMHC Korea also offered free cotton candy, attracting even more young visitors. Nearby, Maeil Dairy's booth had set up an instant film camera, capturing the smiles and joyful moments of families and friends. Participants lined up to have their photos taken, as they wanted to capture their memorable experiences at the event. Through the event, McDonald's Korea has raised 116 million won, which will be used to help build an Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Seoul. The first RMH in Korea opened in 2019 at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang.  Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-05-26/business/industry/McDonalds-Family-Walking-Festival-raises-money-for-charity-house/2054192 

2024.05.28

[News Article] Posco’s steel technology brings aesthetics to cultural heritage restoration

Posco’s steel technology brings aesthetics to cultural heritage restoration   By Park Se-ra, The Korea Herald - Posco has harnessed its cutting-edge steel technology in the delicate task of South Korean cultural heritage restoration, transforming conventional sites in Seoul into vibrant spaces of public art and relaxation. At the heart of this project is PosART, or Posco Advanced Resolution printing Technology. It is an innovative steel sheet developed from PosMAC, or Posco Magnesium Alloy Coating Product, Posco’s proprietary corrosion-resistant steel. PosART also boasts the ability to render vivid colors and delicate textures, and offers up to four times the resolution of conventional steel sheets. Last August, Posco Group and the Korea Heritage Service joined hands to enhance the design and structural integrity of restoration sites. On April 25, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the KHS unveiled the art fence made out of PosART in the Seonwonjeon area of Deoksugung, with KHS chief Choi Eung-chon, US Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg, and Posco’s director of steel products for construction marketing Oh Do-gil in attendance. The PosART art fence represents a significant departure from the conventional plastic panels and sheets typically used at restoration sites, appealing aesthetically and with promising durability. Instead, it employs PosMAC, and is enhanced with Posco Steeleon’s PosART technology. The fences, installed both inside and outside the Seonwonjeon area and at three locations in the Yeonghundang area of Gyeongbokgung, feature designs inspired by the site's historical flora, created by photographer and Royal Palaces and Tombs Center Ambassador Lee Myoung-ho. The company plans to expand the use of technology and other steel products in restoration projects at Gyeongbokgung and other cultural sites, Posco said. Meanwhile, PosART has been extended in its deployment in other areas of public infrastructure. In April, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, comprehensive information guideboards for Seoul Trail 2.0 were installed as a part of the circular economy society promotion agreement signed by Posco and the Seoul Metropolitan Government last July. The guideboards, crafted with PosART for enhanced visibility and durability, were placed at six key points along the trail, including Maeheon Citizen's Forest and Hwagyesa Temple. Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240524050506 

2024.05.28

[News Article] LG Energy Solution hosts recruitment event in New York

LG Energy Solution hosts recruitment event in New York   By Kim Jun-hong, The Korea Herald - LG Energy Solution said Sunday that its top executives traveled to the US last week to host a global talent recruitment event as part of the battery maker’s ongoing efforts to lure tech talents around the world. The Battery Tech Conference (BTC) is the company’s unique global recruitment event aimed at recruiting quality workers in research and development and promoting its vision for growth. Following last year’s event held in San Francisco, the event headed to New York this year to invite some 40 master’s and doctoral candidates from top-ranked schools in the US, including MIT, Princeton, Cornell and Argonne National Laboratory. LG Energy Solution CEO Kim Dong-myung, a materials engineer who served in diverse positions, including R&D, product planning, production and sales, also joined the event to share his career journey. "The battery market is just at the beginning of its growth. Joining LG Energy Solution will provide endless opportunities for advancement," Kim stated. He highlighted the company’s flexible corporate culture and competitiveness as one of the biggest battery makers globally. Other executives from various business divisions from battery and materials development to artificial intelligence and big data also presented the company’s growth direction and strategies. The event features research presentations by attending students and on-site job interviews were also conducted. “Active participation of students this year reflects keen interest in the battery industry and LG Energy Solution. Since talent is key to leading the industry’s future, we will continue to make various efforts to secure top global talent,” a company official said. Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240526050088 

2024.05.28

[News Article] Renault Korea's Arkana hybrid SUV gains traction for fuel efficiency

Renault Korea's Arkana hybrid SUV gains traction for fuel efficiency   By Lee Min-hyung, The Korea Times - The new Renault Arkana hybrid SUV is gaining traction from customers for its strong fuel efficiency, as most customers still remain hesitant to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) due to the country's weak charging infrastructure. The strategic SUV from Renault Korea emerges as a major alternative for those who want fuel-efficient vehicles with reasonable prices. The new Arkana is capable of driving 17.4 kilometers per liter, powered by its E-Tech hybrid drive system. It features a 1.6-liter gasoline engine combined with two electric motors. Customers also displayed satisfaction with the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. “I drive about 20 kilometers daily for work on the weekdays and go on a long-distance trip on the weekends, but I visit a gas station every once or twice a month with the Arkana hybrid model,” an office worker in his 30s said. “I used to fill up my previous gasoline-powered vehicle with fuel about four to five times a month, but the frequency halved after I purchased the Arkana.” Another Arkana owner also spoke highly of the decent fuel efficiency of the vehicle. “The fuel efficiency of the vehicle sometimes rose to 25 kilometers per liter when I stayed on Jeju Island for about a month,” the owner said. “I rarely feel a sense of financial burden while driving the vehicle, as it offers such a strong fuel efficiency.” Renault Korea picked the E-Tech hybrid technology as the key driving force for the performance. The vehicle is equipped with a 1.6-kilowatt per hour (kWh) battery, so more than 75 percent of its city drives are powered by its electric motors, according to the carmaker. The vehicle operates an EV mode during rush hour when it frequently decelerates and stops. When it picks up speed, the electric motors enable drivers to feel a sense of agility facilitated by the electric motors. The vehicle is also price competitive. The highest trim sells for 31.02 million won ($22,660) here. Its sleek coupe design and spacious interior are also two key upsides of the vehicle. Renault Korea equipped the vehicle with its famous diamond-shaped lozenge emblem. “The new Arkana is the best option for customers who do not have any immediate plans to purchase EVs but place a top priority on fuel efficiency,” a Renault Korea official said. “Arkana’s refined design along with Renault’s symbolic emblem added a more luxurious image to the vehicle.” Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2024/05/419_375364.html 

2024.05.28

[News Article] Pacifico Energy Korea Collaborates with HSG Sungdong to Develop, Supply Foundations f…

Pacifico Energy Korea Collaborates with HSG Sungdong to Develop, Supply Foundations for 3.2 GW Offshore Wind Cluster   By Kim Eun-jin, BusinessKorea - Pacifico Energy Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HSG Sungdong Shipbuilding (HSG Sungdong), one of Korea’s leading offshore wind foundation suppliers, to develop and supply foundations for Pacifico Energy Korea’s 3.2 GW offshore wind project cluster. This MOU is the first Korea-U.S. partnership in connection with developing, fabricating, and supplying large-scale offshore wind substructures. Also, it is the single largest offshore wind foundation supply partnership secured by a Korean supplier this year. Given the current supply chain issues in the global offshore wind market, it is essential to establish a competitive supply chain in order to develop a large-scale offshore wind project. At this juncture, the MOU signifies a milestone achievement that showcases Pacifico Energy Korea’s efforts in securing foundation supply chain and HSG Sungdong’s entry into international offshore wind markets with high-quality products made in Korea. With this landmark MOU, Pacifico Energy Korea and HSG Sungdong plan to explore collaboration for the fabrication, supply, and technological development of substructures for the 3.2 GW offshore wind project cluster. The two parties will develop a long-term strategic partnership in domestic and international offshore wind markets to promote Korean-made, competitive substructures, and also, foster the supply chain development of local industries related to offshore wind and create jobs in Jindo County, the city of Tongyeong, and surrounding areas. Seung-Ho Choe, Representative Director of Pacifico Energy Korea, said: “Cooperation between offshore wind developers and Korean suppliers is key to success in the development of GW-scale offshore wind projects as well as Korea becoming ‘Green Transition Hub’ in the Asia-Pacific region. The MOU between Pacifico Energy Korea and HSG Sungdong is the first partnership in the offshore wind substructure sector by a U.S.-based developer to strengthen ties with a Korean supplier to further develop and solidify Korea’s domestic offshore wind supply chain and also support Korea’s rise in the Asia-Pacific offshore wind market and beyond.” He also said, “Together with a pipeline of over 10 GW of offshore wind projects under development in the Asia-Pacific region, Pacifico Energy will continue to provide unyielding support so that Korean suppliers can expand their market presence in the Asia-Pacific offshore wind market.” Korea-U.S. business partnership in the domestic offshore wind sector The MOU signing ceremony was held at HSG Sungdong located in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, in South Korea on May 24, 2024. More than 20 executives from the two companies attended the ceremony, including Seung-Ho Choe, Representative Director of Pacifico Energy Korea, and Jin-sang Lee, CEO of HSG Sungdong. To commemorate the historic MOU as a U.S.-Korean partnership in the green energy, many prominent leaders from the two countries attended the ceremony, including Nolan Barkhouse, Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Busan; Hyung-du Choi, a member of the National Assembly and the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee in South Korea; James Kim, Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM); and Woonsik Ha, Country Leader of GE Vernova. Nolan Barkhouse, Consul / Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate in Busan, South Korea, said in his remarks that, “The signing of this MOU represents a remarkable stride in the U.S.-ROK partnership toward accelerating the green energy transition. It’s the first of its kind, focusing on large-scale offshore wind substructures, and demonstrates Korea’s commitment to addressing climate change.” He continued, “By jointly researching, developing, and deploying offshore wind, our two countries can create new opportunities for job creation and economic growth, especially in the Gyeongnam and Jeonnam provinces. It not only strengthens ties between U.S. developers and Korean suppliers, but also paves the way for the expansion of the offshore wind supply chain and market. By setting a precedent for more partnerships with lasting environmental impacts, we are collectively addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.” Hyung-du Choi, a member of the National Assembly and the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee said at the ceremony, “Today’s MOU between Pacifico Energy Korea and HSG Sungdong Shipbuilding represents a significant milestone for the Korea-U.S. partnership on accelerating the green energy transition, following the 10th ROK-US Energy Security Dialogue.” Boosting domestic demand and advancing the Korean offshore wind foundation sector into the global market The 3.2 GW Jindo offshore wind project cluster is one of the largest clusters of its kind by a single developer in the Asia-Pacific region. Through this partnership, HSG Sungdong will have an opportunity to boost domestic demand in the fabrication sector while Pacifico Energy Korea has secured a stable supply for large-scale offshore wind foundations in Korea. Jin-sang Lee, CEO of HSG Sungdong Shipbuilding, said, “Offshore wind foundations require excellent durability against nature, as they are designed to withstand wave heights in the harshest environments and prevent seawater erosion, also requiring top-notch technological prowess to support the massive weight of power generation facilities.” He added, “As the largest foundation supply partnership signed by a Korean offshore wind supplier, I expect this accord will be a great opportunity to boost domestic demand and open doors to the global market. Through cooperation with Pacifico Energy Korea, we plan to actively publicize our technology and competitiveness in the offshore wind foundation sector.” James Kim, Chairman and CEO of AMCHAM, said in his special remarks, “This mutual cooperation will serve to establish Jindo County and South Jeolla Province as a new hub for offshore wind power in Asia and promote Tongyeong City and South Gyeongsang Province as key regions in the offshore wind foundation sector. He added, “This partnership marks a remarkable milestone not only for both organizations but also for the U.S.-Korea collaboration in accelerating the green energy transition.” Meanwhile, Pacifico Energy Korea’s 3.2 GW offshore wind project cluster consists of three offshore wind projects: Myeong Ryang Offshore Wind (420 MW), Manho Offshore Wind (990 MW), and Jindo Baram Offshore Wind (1.8 GW). The Myeong Ryang Offshore Wind Project, as the first phase of the overall cluster, is currently undergoing the Electricity Business License application process. Myeong Ryang Offshore Wind will undertake a geotechnical survey, an environmental impact assessment (EIA), and seek permission for the occupation and use of public waters after obtaining an electricity business license. The goal is project completion by 2029 and commercial operation commencement by 2032. Source: https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=217715 

2024.05.28

[News Article] SK이노, 창업진흥원과 저탄소·환경 스타트업 육성한다

SK이노, 창업진흥원과 저탄소·환경 스타트업 육성한다   연합뉴스 장하나 기자 - SK이노베이션이 창업진흥원과 저탄소·환경 분야 생태계 확장을 위한 환경 스타트업 육성에 나선다. SK이노베이션은 23일 서울 성동구 심오피스에서 '에그' 4기 발대식을 개최했다고 밝혔다. 에그는 창업진흥원이 운영하는 '2024년 창업도약패키지 대기업 협업 프로그램'의 일환으로, 유망한 환경 스타트업을 선발해 지원한다. SK이노베이션과 9개 사업 자회사는 선발된 스타트업과 1년간 저탄소·환경 분야 협업 모델을 발굴하고, 맞춤형 멘토링, 기술 자문 등 성장 지원 프로그램을 제공할 계획이다. 창업진흥원은 각사에 최대 2억원의 사업화 자금을 지원한다. 에그 4기에는 총 15개 스타트업이 선발됐다. 올해는 탄소저감 블록체인, 생물다양성 모니터링 등의 분야까지 확장해 선정한 것이 특징이다. SK이노베이션은 2021년 에그 1기를 통해 20개 스타트업을 발굴한 것을 시작으로 매년 20개 내외의 스타트업을 육성해 오고 있다. 지난해까지 총 65곳을 지원했으며, 2025년까지 환경 스타트업 100곳을 발굴·육성하는 게 목표다. 김용수 SK이노베이션 ESG추진담당은 "에그 프로그램을 통해 사회문제 해결을 위해 고민하는 다양한 이해관계자들이 함께 모여 해법을 논의하고, 협력을 통해 임팩트를 키울 수 있는 연결의 장이 되기를 바란다"고 말했다. 출처: https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20240523117000003?input=1195m 

2024.05.24

[News Article] SK하이닉스 "정부, 26조원 반도체산업지원 정책 적극 환영"

SK하이닉스 "정부, 26조원 반도체산업지원 정책 적극 환영"   지디넷코리아 이나리 기자 - SK하이닉스는 오늘 정부가 발표한 반도체산업지원 정책을 적극 환영한다는 입장을 밝혔다.  SK하이닉스는 "정부의 이번 지원 정책은 반도체산업을 둘러싼 치열한 글로벌 경쟁 속에, 대한민국 반도체 기업들이 투자하기 좋은 환경을 만들어 줄 디딤돌이 될 것"이라며 "회사는 이에 힘입어 계획한 투자들이 차질없이 진행될 수 있도록 더욱 노력할 것이며, 국내 안정된 반도체 생태계를 조성하는 데에도 앞장서겠다"고 전했다.  이어서 "우리나라 반도체 산업의 글로벌 위상이 커질 수 있도록, 정부의 지속적인 관심과 지원을 부탁드린다"고 당부했다. 이날 윤석열 대통령은 서울 용산 대통령실에서 ‘제2차 경제이슈점검회의’를 주재하고 반도체 산업에 총 26조원 규모를 지원하는 반도체 생태계 종합지원 방안을 발표했다. 윤 대통령은 "시간이 보조금이고 문제 대응 속도가 가장 중요하다"라며 "반도체 클러스터 조성에 차질이 없도록 전기, 용수, 도로 등 인프라를 정부와 공공부문이 책임지고 빠른 속도로 조성해 나가겠다"고 밝혔다. 정부는 용인 반도체 메가클러스터의 신속한 조성을 위해 도로, 용수, 전력 등 인프라 지원을 강화하기로 했다. 또 산단 개발계획의 수립, 보상 등을 동시에 추진해 착공에 소요되는 기간을 기존 7년에서 절반으로 단축하고, 투자 계획에 맞추어 반도체 공장이 차질없이 입주·가동되도록 조치할 계획이다. 용인 클러스터는 총 415만㎡(약 126만 평) 규모 부지에 SK하이닉스 팹 56만 평, 소부장 업체 협력화 단지 14만 평, 인프라 부지 12만 평 등이 조성된다. SK하이닉스는 이 곳에 팹 4기를 순차적으로 구축할 계획이며, 협력화 단지에는 국내외 소부장 업체들이 입주해 SK하이닉스와 협업해 반도체 생태계 구축하는 것이 목표다. 용인 클러스터 SK하이닉스 첫 팹은 내년 3월 공사를 착수해 2027년 5월 준공 예정이다. 출처: https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20240523150053 

2024.05.24

[News Article] 한국이콜랩, CJ제일제당과 햇반 용기 업사이클링 나서

한국이콜랩, CJ제일제당과 햇반 용기 업사이클링 나서  컨슈머타임스 김동역 기자 - 한국이콜랩은 CJ제일제당과 함께 즉석밥 용기를 회수해 업사이클링하는 '햇반 용기 자원순환 임팩트 스케일업 프로그램'을 진행한다고 23일 밝혔다.양사는 공모전을 열고 대학생 비즈니스 리더십 단체 '인액터스 코리아'의 아이디어를 발굴 및 지원한다.이번 공모전에서는 두 가지 과제가 주어진다. 첫째는 CJ제일제당의 햇반 용기 회수 인프라를 활용, 전국적으로 회수량을 증가시킬 방법을 모색하는 것이다. 둘째는 회수된 햇반 용기를 고부가가치의 제품으로 업사이클링하는 아이디어를 제시하는 것이다.서류 검토와 발표 심사를 거쳐 오는 9월 참신한 아이디어를 선보인 우수팀 1팀을 선발한다. 한국이콜랩은 지난 11일 명지대 서울캠퍼스에서 개최한 인액터스 트레이닝 컨퍼런스에 연사로 참가해 이번 공모전을 소개했다. 한국이콜랩은 대학생의 실무 능력을 향상시키기 위해 100년의 노하우가 담긴 전문적인 비즈니스 코칭을 하는 등 지원을 아끼지 않고 채택된 우수팀의 아이디어 실행 자금도 지원할 계획이다. 출처: https://www.cstimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=593685 

2024.05.24